European Policy Lead

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is a non-profit international membership organisation, whose mission is to deliver renewable energy systems, freshwater management and climate change solutions by advancing sustainable hydropower. Our partners include research institutions, non-governmental organisations, governments, financial institutions and development agencies. IHA Central Office is based in London, UK.

We are looking to recruit a European Policy Lead at manager or senior manager level to join our Policy team. The successful candidate will be based in Brussels and play a key role in shaping and advancing our policy agenda across Europe, engaging with EU institutions, member states, and other key stakeholders. This role provides a tremendous opportunity to engage with key European energy companies, NGOs, financiers and policy makers dealing with some of the major issues at play in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

The European Union has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, setting ambitious climate and energy objectives. Meeting these targets will require a substantial acceleration in renewable energy deployment, coupled with the development of flexible generation and electricity storage solutions to ensure grid stability and integrate variable sources such as wind and solar. Modernising hydropower infrastructure and expanding pumped storage capacity will be essential to this transition, providing Europe with a strategic opportunity to strengthen energy resilience and secure its long-term supply.

But the market alone will not deliver this alone. Ensuring that the system-wide benefits that hydropower provides are properly recognised and valued is a key challenge on the road to ensuring that the energy transition happens in the most cost-effective, low impact way possible.

Key tasks:

• Review and report on relevant international energy, water, and climate policies, with a particular focus on the European Union and other key countries within the European region.
• Lead IHA’s engagement with IHA European members, including outreach to potential members.
• Direct the preparation of common policy papers and advocacy activities to support the development and the understanding of sustainable hydropower and make sure its role in the European region is understood by relevant policy makers and stakeholders.
• Conduct analysis to monitor and assess the developments of the European hydropower sector and participate in the preparation of periodic and ad-hoc publications such as the World Hydropower Outlook, sector position papers and policy recommendations.
• Manage IHA’s engagement with several international organisations, and stakeholders such as IEA, Eurelectric, and ETIP HYDROPOWER.
• Contribute to the organisation of online and in-person IHA events, such as the World Hydropower Congress or thematic webinars.
• Support other IHA teams (membership, operations, regional, communications, and events) to advance the sustainable hydropower sector and promote hydropower’s role in security of supply, energy affordability, and other societal benefits.

Essential skills and attributes:

• At least two years of experience (those with more experience will be consider for a senior role) in a comparable policy/analyst/advocacy position with a track record of significant achievements within the European context (significantly more experience would be expected for those seeking a salary towards the higher end of the scale).
• Demonstrable experience of electricity/energy markets, especially with governments, companies, investors or project financers.
• Previous exposure to the hydropower sector.
• Have the ability to think and act creatively to identify membership and revenue opportunities.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Proven ability to work as a team member, across different cultures and stakeholder groups.
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis.
• Fluency in the English language, written and verbal is required. Additional languages are considered an asset.

Desirable skills and attributes

• Economics degree and experience in finance, ideally in green investment.
• Experience with international organisations.
• Proficiency in other languages, in particular French, Spanish, German, Italian or Portuguese.

Remuneration: Subject to experience, in the range €40k - €75k + benefits

Full time, 1 year contract: (37.5hrs/ week), with the opportunity to extend.  

Location: Candidate to be based in Brussels with legal right to work in Belgium.

Closing date for applications: 3 November 2025 (note applications will be considered as we receive them, so early application is recommended)

Start date: ASAP

Application

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how your skills and attributes align with the role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. These documents should be sent by email to: recruitment@hydropower.org.

Throughout the selection process, we are absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origin, or disability. We value diversity and lived experience, and we strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all employees feel respected and supported in reaching their full potential.

We cannot always contact all applicants if there is a large volume of applications. If you do not hear from us within 20 days of the advert closing, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.