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Job vacancy
Policy Officer on aviation & shipping decarbonisation
Our mission
Carbon Market Watch’s mission is to ensure that carbon pricing and other climate policies cut pollution and drive a just transition towards sustainable societies. Given the urgency of halting the climate breakdown, we want market-based climate policies to fulfil their promise and be used in wise combination with regulatory and incentivising measures.
Our strengths lie in evidence-based advocacy to improve climate policies, turning complex issues into understandable messages, and helping people understand and influence those policies.
Purpose of the position
We seek an analytical, strategic and enthusiastic policy officer to support our work on climate and carbon pricing policies, with a particular focus on the decarbonisation of aviation and shipping in the EU and globally.
The position will have a strong focus on policy analysis, research and political communications. The policy officer will report to the policy director while working in/with a policy sub-team and with the entire CMW team.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Determine and implement CMW’s advocacy strategy on the decarbonisation of international aviation and shipping, with regard to the EU Emissions Trading System as well as relevant policies at the UN level (i.e. the International Maritime Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation)
- Monitor and analyse relevant carbon pricing, carbon market, and sectoral developments, and identify policy recommendations
- Write, edit and disseminate information, including research, briefings, and news articles
- Coordinate policy positions and campaign strategies with other NGOs and network partners
- Liaise and interact with relevant stakeholders like public decision-makers, business and industry representatives, journalists, researchers and funders
- Organise events, webinars and other outreach activities
- Actively support and contribute to Carbon Market Watch´s fundraising efforts and reporting requirements
Professional and Personal Attributes
Successful candidates will have a minimum of three years of directly relevant experience.
Ideal candidates should have the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:
Required:
- A strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
- Knowledge of international and/or European political institutions and policymaking.
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills, drafting of briefing papers and experience with climate change policy analysis.
- Ease with research projects and organising analytical processes.
- Ability to work independently and flexibly with team members.
- Ability and willingness to build networks among a wide range of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, writing and organisational skills.
- Fully proficient spoken and written English. Other languages are a strong advantage.
- Residence in Belgium and ability to work in/from our office in Brussels (generally two days per week combined with home-working).
Desirable:
- Expertise in at least two of the following fields: carbon pricing and carbon markets, aviation or shipping decarbonisation strategies, policymaking at EU or UN level.
- Experience of working in an international or European organisation, or in a relevant advocacy role (NGOs, think-tanks, industry…).
- Proven experience in writing and editing policy and communication outputs, and adapting messages to different audiences (political, technical, media).
What we offer
- A full-time, one-year contract under Belgian law with the possibility of extension to a permanent contract
- A competitive remuneration package in line with Brussels NGO standards: salary range from €4000 to €4210 gross/month, depending primarily on years of experience; 13th month, cheques-repas, eco-cheque, mobile phone package, public transport allowance, home-working allowance, and 30 holidays of which five during end of year office closing period.
- An exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic, friendly, expert team
- Starting date: October 1st 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Application process
Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and CV, both in a single pdf document clearly marked with their name, to this link. The application should outline your motivation, skills, areas of interest and availability.
Deadline to submit your application: The process will remain open until at least the 17th of August and possibly longer. Extensions to the deadline will be announced on our website. First (online) interviews will take place in the week of August 24th. Second (in-person) interviews will take place in the week of August 31st. Your application will be automatically acknowledged, yet only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must refrain from contacting staff during the recruitment process unless shortlisted.
Please do not use AI-generated text. Your application will be read by humans. We treat your application confidentially and respect the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in collecting your personal data. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other dimension of diversity.
We do require candidates to have the right to work in the EU because work permit applications are too cumbersome and unpredictable. Candidates must live in Belgium or be willing to relocate by the start date.
For more information about Carbon Market Watch, visit www.carbonmarketwatch.org