Job category: Internship (CIP contract), full time (38h/week), fixed-term  

Location: Brussels, Belgium  

Expiration date: 31^st of May (NB: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

Start Date: As soon as possible (tentative starting date: mid-June 2026)  

Duration: 6 months with possibility of an employment contract afterward.

Bellona Europa is looking to recruit a Policy Assistant who will conduct research and advocacy activities on carbon pricing and trade, with a specific focus on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Your role will be to support our sustainable markets team with a specific focus on carbon pricing and the CBAM, highlighting the relevance of these instruments for the competitiveness and decarbonisation of industries within and beyond Europe. The work will be based on two main pillars: coalition building at EU level and research on carbon pricing and its trade implications, especially for the steel value chain.

About Bellona: 

Bellona Europa is an independent, non-profit organisation that meets environmental and climate challenges head on. We are solutions-oriented and have a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to assess the economics, climate impacts and technical feasibility of necessary climate actions. To do this, we work with civil society, academia, governments, institutions, and industries. 

Founded in 1986 as a direct-action protest group, we have become a recognised solution-oriented organisation with offices in Oslo, Brussels, Berlin, and Vilnius and activities across other countries, including the Netherlands, Northen Europe, Central-Eastern Europe, the USA and the UK.  

About the position: 

Carbon pricing instruments will play a crucial role in driving industrial decarbonisation in Europe and beyond. In particular, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), along with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), has the potential to anchor emissions performance as a key determinant of competitiveness, while incentivising emissions reductions across global value chains. However, ensuring that CBAM delivers on this promise requires a strong, evidence-based narrative and targeted policy improvements.

To support this work, we are looking to recruit a Policy Assistant to contribute to our EU policy and research activities. The role will focus on strengthening the design and implementation of CBAM, supporting coalition-building at EU level, and analysing key policy developments, including the upcoming ETS revision and CBAM review. The work will also involve research on the real-world impact of CBAM in third countries, with a particular focus on the steel sector, as well as engagement with international stakeholders to demonstrate how carbon pricing can drive low-carbon competitiveness across borders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Supporting in the monitoring and analysis of relevant legislative and political developments in the EU, particularly related to carbon pricing in the EU (EU ETS, CBAM) and relevant international
• Support in drafting publications, articles, and consultation responses.
• Conduct research in the interaction between carbon pricing, trade, industrial and climate policies, including the real-world impact of CBAM in third countries.
• Represent Bellona in relevant meetings, conferences, working groups and events.dynamics.
• Contribute to the coordination of stakeholder engagement processes, including synthesising inputs from expert discussions into policy-relevant outputs.
• Supporting the organisation and facilitation of regular expert meetings and multi-stakeholder convenings, including coordination of agendas, speakers, and follow-up outputs.
• Provide support to the coordination and implementation of a multi-annual project.

Expected skills and requirements: 

• Strong motivation to work on addressing the climate crisis and clear alignment with Bellona’s overall mission. 
• Understanding of the policy-making process at EU and national levels. Basic familiarity with EU climate or industrial policy (e.g. ETS, CBAM) is an asset.
• Recently graduated with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Relations, European/Political Studies, Economics, Environmental, Climate Policy).   
• Strong interest in research and advocacy, with a desire to learn and grow in these areas.  
• Experience conducting research and strong analytical/critical thinking skills. Research related to carbon pricing and trade is a plus.
• Strong project management, networking and communication skills, and an interest in working in a multicultural environment.  
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Additional languages are an asset.
• Eligibility to work and reside in Belgium (unfortunately Bellona cannot offer VISA sponsorship); willingness to travel occasionally.

What we offer:

• An initial 6-month Belgian CIP contract (with the possibility for an employment contract at the end of the traineeship).
• About €1200 net per month, plus meal vouchers (€10 per worked day), phone subscription, and commuting costs between home and the office.
• 12 days of holidays.
• A very multicultural, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• An opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to ambitious environmental policy in Europe.  
• Exposure to influential stakeholders and the chance to be part of meaningful initiatives.  

How to apply:

To apply, please send an email to francesco@bellona.org with hr@bellona.org in CC to the attention of Mr. Francesco Lombardi Stocchetti. Please attach one single PDF document with your CV and cover letter, along with links to relevant publications or short writing samples (if any).

The cover letter should be maximum 1 page long, highlighting your personal motivation for wanting to work on climate change issues at Bellona, what you think the priorities should be in the development of one or more of the policy files listed in the job description, and how you could personally contribute to this.

We kindly request that you include “Policy Assistant, carbon pricing and trade” in the subject line. The application deadline is the 31st of May 2026, but we strongly recommend applications to be submitted as soon as possible as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

We thank you in advance for your application and your interest in this position. We will try our best to respond to every applicant. If you receive no feedback by the deadline feel free to send a follow-up email. 

Bellona Europa values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented.