Position title: CDR Policy Advisor 

Job category: Full-time  

Location: Brussels, Belgium  

Start date: As soon as possible (from May 2025)  

Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension 

Application deadline: 30 April 2025 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible) 

Achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 requires radical cuts in emissions in every sector of the economy, alongside the deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The reasons for deploying CDR are threefold and sequential: first to accelerate net reductions of emissions; secondly to counterbalance residual CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions; and finally, to remove more CO₂ than we emit greenhouse gases and draw down atmospheric concentrations of GHGs. 

From our various offices, we have been advocating for transformative climate action in industry for decades. As an environmental organisation, Bellona Europa works at the forefront of environmental innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Being a group of evidence-based environmentalists, our goal is to implement new, more sustainable actions to rapidly reduce manmade climate breakdown. We advocate for pragmatic approaches that deliver the greatest impact, today and tomorrow. As a watchdog against greenwashing, unafraid to address contentious issues, we also endeavour to cooperate with all stakeholders interested in immediate climate action. 

About Bellona Europa 

Bellona Europa is an international, independent, and 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. We are based in Brussels. 

About the job 

Bellona Europa is currently seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our team as a “CDR Policy Advisor” located in Brussels, Belgium, although with a flexible work environment. As a member of the Carbon Accounting team, you will play a crucial role in producing and analysing research and policy documents with the aim of supporting the development and implementation of carbon removal policy which are in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s own climate goals.  The successful candidate will report to the Senior Policy Manager and work alongside the CDR Research and Technology Advisor in Brussels and Negative Emissions Policy Advisor in Berlin. 

Responsibilities 

• Provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance to support the development and implementation of policies and regulations on carbon removal to ensure consistency with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the European Climate Law.  

• Analyse and evaluate policy proposals and outcomes and support in the development of policy recommendations, in alignment with existing scientific literature, reports, and studies related to carbon removal technologies, methods, and their potential social, economic and political impacts.  

• Foster connections and collaborate with policymakers, think tanks, NGOs and industry experts, to stay updated on the latest advancements and findings in the field of carbon removal and support evidence-based policy processes. 

• Contribute to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking by drafting clear and accessible policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials, with support from the research and technology advisor.  

• Monitor and analyse relevant international and regional policy developments, identifying potential loopholes or examples of best practice.  

• Collaborate with Bellona staff across the Brussels team and other offices and supporting policy advocacy needs and sharing expertise where timely and relevant.   

• Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops to share insights and knowledge.  

The ideal candidate will have 

• A Postgraduate degree in a relevant field with a focus on climate or environmental policy, environmental studies, sustainable development, economics or a related discipline, with an understanding of scientific principles of climate change and the carbon cycle.   

• Demonstrated experience in conducting policy analysis and research within the context of climate change, carbon removal, or related fields.  

• Professional experience of 3-4 years in a similar role with a proven track record of delivering policy-relevant content. 

• Strong knowledge of EU-related climate change policies, particularly regarding carbon removal, climate mitigation, and international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement and an established network in relevant sectors.  

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner. Additional languages are an asset but not required.  

• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.  

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, forging partnerships and building relationships with stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society.  

• Eligibility to work and reside in Belgium/in the EU (Bellona is unable to sponsor work visa).  

These criteria are meant to be indicative not prescriptive. We encourage applications from candidates who have similar qualifications and experience, even if they do not fulfil all the above criteria.  

What we offer 

We offer an initial one-year contract full time (38 hours a week) with a competitive NGO salary package with various employee benefits (monthly telework allowance, meals vouchers, flexitime, phone and internet bill reimbursement, and public transportation/cycling compensation) and continuous internal learning in the role. Bellona promotes a multicultural, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.  

How to apply 

Please send us your application one single PDF document with your cover letter (2 pages max) and CV, along with links to relevant publications or short writing samples to hr@bellona.org, for the attention of Mr Mark Preston Aragonès, Senior Policy Manager Carbon Accounting. We kindly request that you include “CDR Policy Advisor Application” in the subject line. The application deadline is 30 April 2025, with interviews intended for the week starting 5 May 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.  

We thank you in advance for your application and your interest in this position. While we try to respond to every applicant, if many applications are received, we may not be able to do so. If you receive no feedback within 4 weeks after applying, please consider that you have not been selected.