Brussels

Senior Public Affairs Consultant – Sustainability and Energy

Languages: Dutch (native) and English (fluent)

 

Role

A Dutch- and English-speaking Senior Public Affairs Consultant with strong expertise in EU sustainability and/or energy policy. Operating at the intersection of business and European decision-making, you translate complex regulatory developments into clear strategic positioning and actionable advice for clients.

Ability to combine sharp political instinct with analytical depth and commercial awareness. A seasoned public affairs professional in Brussels, who can build long-term, trust-based relationships and who thoroughly understands the EU political decision-making and how to navigate institutional dynamics at EU level.

 

Key Responsibilities

Lead public affairs strategies and provide advice to clients on the themes of sustainability and energy. Within those broader themes, the Senior Consultant will focus especially on:

  • Decarbonisation of industry and transport
  • Advancing the circular economy
  • Competitiveness, economic security & strategic autonomy
  • Regulatory simplification and investment climate
  • Translate political and policy developments into strategic advice, positioning papers and stakeholder strategies
  • Maintain and expand networks across European institutions and agencies as well as industry stakeholders.
  • Accompany and represent clients in stakeholder dialogues, consultations and high-level policy discussions
  • Contribute actively to business development and proposal writing
  • Lead, with other seniors and our communications team, on Publyon’s marketing and communications strategy
  • Report directly to the Management Team and contribute to the company’s strategic direction
  • Coach junior colleagues and strengthen internal knowledge development.

 

Profile

  • 5-7 years of experience in EU public affairs, government relations, policy advisory or a related environment.
  • Strong knowledge of EU energy and/or sustainability policy.
  • Excellent command of Dutch and English (spoken and written).

In addition, you are:

  • A strategic thinker with a strong political antenna and stakeholder sensitivity.
  • Flexible working in a variety of sectors and policies.
  • Comfortable operating independently in a client-facing leadership role.
  • Commercially aware and able to identify growth opportunities.
  • Team-oriented with mentoring capabilities.

 

Personal Development & Growth Path

We believe senior professionals should have a clear growth path. This role includes a structured development framework:

1. Strategic Deepening

  • Exposure to cross-sectoral dossiers (climate, innovation, competition, economic security, digital/tech, transport, circularity).
  • Development into a trusted board-level advisor.

 

2. Leadership Development

  • Tailored coaching trajectory.
  • Mentoring and supervision of junior consultants.
  • Gradual expansion of team leadership responsibilities.

 

3. Commercial & Entrepreneurial Growth

  • Active role in client acquisition and sector development.
  • Contribution to the firm’s strategic positioning.
  • Contribution to the firm’s marketing and external communications

 

4. European Exposure

  • Structured involvement in Brussels-based engagements.
  • Expansion of EU institutional network.

 

Application process

To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter (in English) explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position to Els Brands at e.brands@publyon.com. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 7 October with ‘Application Senior Public Affairs Consultant’ as subject line.

The Hague

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