Expert - Energy efficient buildings BPIE

The Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the energy performance of buildings across Europe, and thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions from the energy used by buildings. BPIE acts both as an independent centre of expertise on all aspects of energy efficiency in European buildings, and as the European centre for the Global Building Performance Network. www.bpie.eu

Buildings are the biggest single contributor (about 36%) to European CO2 emissions. BPIE’s strategy to reduce CO2 emission from the European building sector focuses on better and more effective implementation of existing policies and regulations, and on the development of new policies, to both trigger the renovation of the existing building stock as well the mass market penetration of new buildings with a nearly zero energy standard.

BPIE is an impartial organisation, promoting energy efficiency in buildings, and thereby reduction of CO2 emission levels both at EU and member state level. BPIE’s activities are designed to create awareness and to drive change in the policy making community by demonstrating best practice in policy development and implementation. In the context of the current economic and financial crisis, a key challenge is the financing of energy efficiency and the design of effective programmes generating economic, social and environmental benefits.

BPIE’s mission is to improve the energy performance of buildings by:

• Supporting the development of ambitious - yet pragmatic - buildings-related policies and programs at EU and member state level
• Driving timely and efficient implementation by teaming-up with relevant stakeholders
• Providing fact based analysis and knowledge, and sharing best practice globally through our network

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the goals and responsibilities as Expert are:

• Lead research projects from conceptualisation to completion, as defined in the BPIE’s project portfolio
• Draft reports, present and discuss complex technical issues related to the energy performance of buildings, implying excellent understanding of current challenges in the building energy efficiency field
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to disseminate BPIE’s results
• Contribute to the strategic development of the organisation, support fundraising activities as requested
• Manage third party suppliers, in particular consultants
• Collaborate with other team members as required
• Create and maintain good relationships with international building energy efficiency experts from academia and industry

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the EU and Member States climate change and energy policies, with a particular focus on energy efficiency in buildings, combined with a good understanding of the current challenges in the building energy efficiency field.
• Achievements and experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research in relation to energy efficiency policies Experience with financing of energy efficiency will be an advantage.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline, such as economics, political science, engineering etc.
• Proven experience in drafting reports and papers, presenting and debating technical and/or political topics related to the energy performance of buildings
• Experience in project leadership and management, ability to work to tight deadlines, and experience in managing external consultants
• Willingness to work in small, multicultural team and to be a pro-active and constructive team player
• Good communication skills and experience in public communication
• Experience in liaising with stakeholder from both private sector and government/EU institutions
• At least 3 - 5 years of professional relevant experience
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Fluency in English, and good knowledge of another European language
• Ability and willingness to travel, primarily in Europe.
• Citizen of an EU 27 country

The successful candidate will be a team player with a passion to address climate change and a keen interest to improve and innovate policy making in the field of buildings efficiency. BPIE’s approach requires flexibility in defining priorities in line with political opportunities, as well as openness to engage with a broad range of stakeholders.

CONDITIONS:

The BPIE offers a permanent full-time contract based in Brussels, under Belgian law. Attractive package includes benefits.

CONTACT:

A CV and cover letter should be sent to Chantal Despret at the following email address: chantal.despret@bpie.eu. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2012 (by 18h). Please include the job title “Expert – Energy Efficient Building” and your name in the subject line of the email.

We regret that we are not able to acknowledge all applications received. Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted for interview. Please, no telephone calls.