Policy & Advocacy Assistant

Job description

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE)? Join us to make the clean energy transition happen in emerging markets!

About us

At ARE, is the global association for the decentralised renewable energy (DRE) industry and unites around 200 members with the mission to drive private sector-driven markets for sustainable electricity access, enable green jobs, power equitable green economies and facilitate the transition to renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America & the Caribbean.

ARE is recruiting a Policy & Advocacy Assistant, starting on 1 October 2025 for six months (full-time, 38h per week) to support with the implementation of the organisation’s activities focusing on the uptake of DRE.

Key responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Policy & Advocacy Officer at ARE, the Policy & Advocacy Assistant’s  tasks could include:

• Draft and proof-read ARE policy & advocacy documents, such as ARE presentations at external events, position papers, articles and publications
• Support project implementation, in particular on projects related to policy and advocacy
• Identify, compile and edit position papers, research and/or publications
• Monitor, report and suggest action to address challenges for DRE industry related to legal and regulatory frameworks in target countries in emerging markets
• Support on cooperation with the EU (for example related to the EU Global Gateway Business Advisory Group and other EU engagements
• Monitor EU, EU member state and international funding partner sentiment and activities regarding decentralised renewable energy in emerging markets
• Support with ARE event and webinar implementation (e.g. ARE workshops and member delegations)
• Support with regular tasks such as stakeholder mapping, tender tracking and weekly monitoring (events, publications, …)
• When needed, support with administrative tasks such as meeting minutes and database development
• Conduct background research and propose ideas and contents to draft concept notes for ARE project acquisition

About you

• You hold a university degree in public affairs, journalism, political science, law, economics, environmental studies, other relevant studies or possesses equivalent experience, preferably with an emphasis on the energy sector and/or developing countries
• You have 0-3 years of experience in a similar role. Previous work experience in international work environment is desirable (for example in business, an association or an international or EU institution)
• Attention to detail is your second nature
• You bring a proactive mindset and a can-do attitude to the table
• You have strong organisational skills and have the ability to take ownership of activities and projects, making things happen
• You have a self-starter attitude, are flexible, efficient and a good team player
• You can provide clear and concise deliverables even under time pressure
• You are creative and able to think outside the box
• You communicate well in case of setbacks or when you face issues
• You demonstrate exceptional writing, editing, and reviewing skills
• You are proficient in written and spoken English and French (native speaker or equivalent)
• Strong IT proficiency is advantageous, for example in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Sharepoint; familiarity with CMS (WordPress)
• Must have the right to live and work in Belgium

We offer

• Full-time internship with a professional immersion convention (“convention d’immersion professionnelle”) in Brussels, Belgium. You can find more information about CIP here:
  Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle – CIP – Bruxelles Formation
• Perspective of extending the convention for 6 more months based on results delivered and depending on the needs of the Association (optional)
• International fast-paced work environment with offices in the heart of Europe
• The chance to make a meaningful impact by advancing renewable energy and energy access worldwide, particularly in emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa
• Collaboration with highly motivated colleagues in a dynamic, scale-up atmosphere
• On-the-job training and a top-notch learning experience

Join us in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

How to apply

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should address their application (CV + 1-page Cover Letter + indicating earliest possible starting date) with the subject line “Application: Policy & Advocacy Assistant – First Name + Last Name” to Olha Skrypa, (o.skrypa@ruralelec.org) no later than 22 August. All applications received without any of the mentioned elements will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.