Public Affairs Officer Wind & Solar Belgium

Virya Energy is active in the development, financing, and operation of projects in the field of energy transition. The company, based in Belgium, was founded at the end of 2019 by Colruyt Group and its majority shareholder, Korys.

We are hiring a Public Affairs Officer to support the development of renewable energy production in Belgium, with a focus on onshore wind and solar energy.

As our Public Affairs Officer, you will assist our company and especially our Business Unit Wind and Solar Europe on opportunities arising from regulatory framework developments in Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels and federal level by extensive networking with regional and local stakeholders.

Your activities will include:

• Active follow-up of the environmental and urban planning legislation about wind turbines and solar PV in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.
• Building and managing an extensive network with regional and local authorities, as well as with other stakeholders giving input to the regulatory framework.
• Providing PA support and assistance for the development of wind and solar projects in Belgium, using your network with authorities and stakeholders.
• Participating and representing Virya Energy in wind and solar federations like VWEA, EDORA, as well as key events or fairs.
• Monitoring and assessing the regulatory framework (permitting, support schemes, market design, …) on renewable energy in Belgium (all regions).
• Giving insights on new opportunities for wind, solar and storage development for the Virya Energy group, assessing various regulatory opportunities to meet the group’s ambitions.
• Write simplified summary notes explaining the potential impacts of key existing and future regulations.
• Within the Public Affairs team of Virya Energy, give input to position papers impacting wind and solar energy projects.
• In function of Virya Energy’s evolution and of the external context, support the team in other scopes (always within the energy sector).
• Working closely with the development and project management teams focused on the Belgian market .
• Reporting to the Public Affairs responsible.

• You have obtained a university master's degree in law, economics, political science or similar.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in politics or regulatory affairs in Belgium or 5 years relevant work experience involving political contacts and decision making in permitting of energy projects. Experience in energy markets is an asset.
• You have an already established contact network in Flanders/Wallonia amongst both public and private organisations, or you are strongly willing to develop this network on the short term. Experience in tender processes is an asset.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework and/or development constraints of renewable energy projects in Belgium, as well as of the upcoming EU legislation on renewable energy is a plus.
• You have high communicative skills, can synthesize complex issues and bring them clearly to internal and external people, in writing and in presentation.
• You are a strong team player able to easily co-operate with members from internal teams.
• You demonstrate a high level of initiative, motivation and autonomy.
• You are fluent in both Dutch and French, both spoken and written. You can also communicate in English.

What we offer: 

• A full-time position, 40h/week.
• A challenging position that gives you the opportunity to directly contribute to renewable energy projects and climate goals.
• lnteresting career perspectives in a major company active in renewable energy and decarbonization.
• An attractive salary package that takes your relevant experience and performance into account.
• Benefits such as a green company car, meal vouchers, mobile phone with subscription, group insurance and hospitalization insurance for you and your family members.
• Office in Braine-l'Alleud, homeworking up to 3 days per week.
• 33 days of leave per year.