Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Lead

ERA - European Regions Airline Association

Brussels, Belgium

European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is looking for a Sustainability Lead to join its team based in Brussels, Belgium.

About the role

As Sustainability Lead, you will lead activity on ERA’s long-term strategic approach to industry decarbonisation by 2050, including new entrants and new technology, and work with the Policy Officer, Sustainability on the implementation and development of environmental industry initiatives. You will help shape aviation policy, researching, analysing, and developing positions that keep our members ahead of regulatory changes and regulators aware of ERA members positions. You will represent ERA in discussions with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, advocating for policies that benefit members and the wider sector. Working closely with the Communications, Events, and Membership team, you will ensure sustainability policy aligns with engagement activities. This role requires strategic insight and hands-on delivery, driving initiatives, building influence, and ensuring ERA remains a trusted voice for regional aviation. You will also manage and support the Policy Officer, Sustainability. Some European travel is involved.

What you will be doing

Policy & Research

• Policy analysis: monitor, review, and assess regulatory proposals, consultations, and legislative developments at national, European, and (occasionally) global levels;
• Research & reporting: conduct research on Sustainability policy areas; produce clear, well-structured reports, briefings, and recommendations for internal and external audiences. Topics may vary over time based on ERA’s priorities. Reporting to the DG and to the Board (papers and presentations);
• Stakeholder engagement: work with industry experts, regulators, and government bodies to ensure ERA’s policy positions reflect member interests;
• Working groups: lead and facilitate member working groups on relevant policy areas, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Communication & Member Support

• Members: develop and maintain strong relationships with members, represent their views, share key policy developments and emerging issues, provide timely insights and analysis;
• Drive engagement: proactively encourage member participation in discussions, working groups, and consultations to strengthen their involvement in ERA’s policy work;
• Content creation: draft position papers, consultation responses, speaking briefings and presentations for use by the Director General and other senior leaders;
• Digital content: maintain and update relevant policy sections on ERA’s website, work alongside the Communications team to provide texts or infographics needed on the topics within your responsibility;
• Teamwork: actively contribute to cross-team initiatives to drive engagement and policy impact, including maintenance of ERA’s database.

Advocacy & Representation

• Advocacy support: assist in developing and delivering lobbying strategies that promote ERA’s aviation policies;
• External representation: attend industry meetings, regulatory consultations, ERA events and working groups, representing ERA and advocating for members’ interests;
• Collaboration: engage with members, industry bodies, other associations, European institutions and other stakeholders to build consensus on key policy issues.

Leadership

• Line management: guide and support the Policy Officer, Sustainability’s growth, encouraging continuous learning, acting as a trusted sounding board, role modelling ERA’s values.

What success looks like

• Proactive policy influence: regulators hear and acknowledge ERA members’ views, which help shape their positions; members are well-prepared for regulatory changes; ERA is recognised as a strong industry voice;
• Clear & effective communication: policy issues are translated into actionable insights for members, internal teams and external stakeholders;
• Strong relationships: effective engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and other associations;
• Well-researched advocacy: evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making and strengthen ERA’s lobbying efforts;
• Collaborative team environment: policy initiatives are closely aligned with the rest of the Policy and Technical team and Communications, Events and Membership activities, enhancing ERA’s overall impact;
• Team management: Policy Officer, Sustainability is motivated, engaged and set up for success.

Your skills and experience

• Industry expertise: demonstrates depth in sustainability policy analysis and subject matter understanding;
• Strategic input: aligns activity with ERA priorities, anticipating future challenges;
• Strong communication: writes clear, concise policy documents, presents complex issues in compelling, accessible way, confident and persuasive public speaker;
• Analytical mindset: effectively interprets legislation, regulations, and data to assess risks, opportunities and member impact;
• Stakeholder engagement: maintains productive, influential relationships with regulators, government and industry stakeholders;
• Professionalism and attention to detail: delivers high-quality work, manages competing deadlines;
• Self-motivated & proactive: demonstrates drive and focus;
• Team building: management experience, fosters collaboration and shared success.

Reports to: Director General
Direct reports: Policy Officer, Sustainability

Application Procedure

Please send your CV with short accompanying letter (in English) including why you would like to work at ERA and what skills and experience you can bring to ERA, via the Apply Now button. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. More details about ERA and what we do can be found on our website: www.eraa.org.

Please note we review every application carefully, but we are only able to contact candidates selected for the next stage. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, please know we appreciate your time and wish you success in finding the right opportunity.

Apply Now