ESEIA is Hiring an R&I Programme Manager for Its Brussels Office
The European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance – ESEIA is expanding its team and is looking for an experienced Research & Innovation (R&I) Programme Manager to join its Brussels Office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with a strong interest in European research and innovation, renewable energy, and EU policy to contribute to ESEIA’s mission of advancing sustainable energy systems for climate neutrality.
Working in alignment with the ESEIA Director and Team, the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of ESEIA’s strategic activities by maintaining relationships with Brussels-based stakeholders, coordinating ESEIA’s Working Groups, supporting the Alliance’s Work Programme, engaging in EU policy development and funding opportunities, contributing to education and training activities, and working closely with ESEIA’s communications staff to strengthen the Alliance’s profile.
About the role | The R&I Programme Manager will:
- Maintain strategic and working relations with Brussels-based stakeholders in sustainable energy innovation, including the European Commission, Parliament, respective agencies and sister organisations;
- Lead the organisational implementation of ESEIA’s Work Programme, with a focus on renewable energy innovation;
- Coordinate ESEIA’s Working Groups by mobilising members and partners, preparing proposals, co-organising meetings and following up;
- Engage in EU policy development and funding opportunities while keeping abreast of challenges, social consequences and milestones related to energy use, production, transmission and storage;
- Support the effective implementation and delivery of ESEIA’s education and training activities through the involvement of experts;
- Undertake communication activities, in cooperation with ESEIA’s communications staff, to build the profile of the Alliance.
Candidate profile | We are looking for a professional with:
- A relevant Master’s degree (a PhD in a field covered by ESEIA’s Working Groups is preferred);
- Demonstrable understanding of research and innovation policy, energy systems and contemporary societal challenges;
- Experience in EU research and innovation programmes and/or project management;
- Familiarity with the European research and innovation landscape and stakeholder network;
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills;
- Near-native written and spoken English (French is an asset and an additional European language is a plus);
- Residency in Brussels and the right to work in the European Union.
What ESEIA offers
The position offers a unique opportunity to work in Brussels with ESEIA experts and partners from across Europe and beyond on renewable energy policy issues underpinned by research and innovation, in a highly dynamic international environment.
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Starting date: 1 January 2027
- Contract: Initial one-year contract under Belgian law
- Application deadline: 15 September 2026
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a motivation letter, including their R&I project portfolio, to office@eseia.eu by 15 September 2026.
For full details about the position, responsibilities and qualifications, please consult the complete vacancy announcement.
We look forward to welcoming a new colleague who shares ESEIA’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy innovation across Europe.
