Deadline: 27 October, 2024
Duration: 4 November 2024 – 15 February 2025 (approx.)
Location: Remote working and one in-person meeting in Brussels
Budget: From 5,000 to 15,000 €
Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) campaigns at the heart of Europe for sustainable and just societies and for the protection of the environment. We are the largest grassroots environmental network in Europe, uniting 32 national organisations with thousands of local groups as part of Friends of the Earth International. Our vision is of a peaceful and sustainable world, founded on social, economic, racial, gender and environmental justice and free from all forms of domination and exploitation.
We are looking for a consultant to facilitate the development of an updated strategy for the Right to Energy Coalition.
Background
The Right to Energy coalition brings together trade unions, anti-poverty groups, social housing providers, NGOs, environmental activists, health organizations, and energy cooperatives from across Europe[1]. Formed in 2017, the Coalition aims to address energy poverty at the EU, national, and local levels. The coalition recognises that energy poverty lies at the intersection of a warming world that puts people and planet at risk, increasing social inequality, and an unjust energy system. These multiple dimensions call for a holistic approach to tackle energy poverty’s different causes and consequences in a dignified way.
The Coalition has been advocating for the inclusion of energy poverty measures in the 2030 EU Clean Energy package and in the Fit for 55 package. The coalition demands both immediate and structural solutions, identifying three key strategies to eradicate energy poverty in Europe: 1) universal access to affordable and clean energy, 2) decent, energy-efficient, and affordable housing, and 3) the democratization of energy systems.
The Coalition is now recognised as an influential stakeholder by the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. It has successfully campaigned to prioritise energy poverty within these institutions, with several of its key demands, including its primary call for a permanent ban on disconnections, being incorporated into major Fit for 55 policies.
Description of objectives and results
Having succeeded in placing energy poverty at the center of the Fit for 55 files, the Coalition now needs to update its strategy. Therefore, the primary task will be to create a revised mid-term strategy, considering the current political context and the political processes the Coalition can most effectively influence, both at the national and EU levels, leveraging our strengths and capacity.
At the EU level, we aim to better understand the advocacy opportunities presented by the new EU institutional cycle. These may include the upcoming Citizens Energy Package, the European Affordable Housing Plan as well as other potential opportunities to advocate for new policies addressing specific forms of energy poverty, such as transport and summer energy poverty.
The expected outcome of this work will be a strategy paper, including a situational analysis, a theory of change outlining strategic goals and objectives, a set of intervention points to achieve these goals and a revised set of political demands along with policy recommendations.
Methodology
The development of the strategy must include a participatory process, led by the consultant, involving consultations with Coalition member organizations to build trust and consensus, as well as a limited number of key external stakeholders as agreed with FoEE. Additionally, an in-person meeting with Coalition members will be held in Brussels at the beginning of December (exact date to be determined), facilitated by the consultant. Other in-person meetings could potentially be scheduled if deemed necessary.
Friends of the Earth Europe will provide guidance and ongoing support during the strategy development.
Requirements for the role-holder:
Essential
- Experience in strategy development and policy research:
- Strong experience in conducting political and policy process research, particularly within the context of EU institutions and their legislative cycles
- Ability to identify and evaluate relevant policy opportunities where the Coalition can effectively advocate for change
- Experience in developing strategic advocacy goals and objectives based on situational analyses and theories of change
- Experience in crafting clear, actionable policy demands that reflect the collective goals of the Coalition
- Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation:
- Experience in leading participatory processes, including consultations with diverse stakeholders such as NGOs, trade unions, housing providers, and advocacy groups
- Strong facilitation skills, particularly in fostering collaboration and building consensus among different organizations and stakeholders
- Experience working with or for coalitions or networks, particularly in a consultancy or advisory capacity
Desirable
- Expertise in Energy and Climate justice advocacy:
- Expertise in key EU legislation and initiatives, including the Fit for 55 package and related regulatory frameworks
- In-depth knowledge of energy and climate justice, with a strong focus on housing, equitable access to clean energy, and the democratization of energy systems
- Capacity to anticipate and leverage new opportunities in EU and national political landscapes to advance strategic objectives
This consultancy will require a professional who can balance in-depth research and analysis with practical advocacy strategies, fostering collaboration and trust among Coalition members to achieve impactful outcomes.
To apply:
Please send your proposal, to maria.trotonda@foeeurope.org, including a:
- brief description of your qualifications for this work
- a concise outline of your proposed methodological approach
- a financial offer detailing the number of days required for the project.
Maria Botella Trotonda is the Energy and Climate Justice Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Europe and the co-coordinator of the Right to Energy Coalition.
[1] The Coalition was founded through the initiative of the European Anti-Poverty Network and the European Federation of Public Service Unions. Today, more than 50 organizations contribute to the coalition in various capacities, either as regular members, advisors, or allies. While most have an EU-wide focus, there are also national organizations actively involved as well as grassroots organisations benefiting from the Coalition’s ability to provide first-hand information on developments at the EU level and access to EU institutions.