Sustainability Lead

European Regions Airline Association

About the Organisation

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) represents a diverse membership of over 50 airlines and more than 150 associate members, including manufacturers, airports, suppliers and aviation service providers from across the aviation sector. At the heart of ERA’s mission is regional connectivity with our member airlines playing a crucial role in linking Europe’s regions. These connections support social and territorial equality and cohesion and drive economic growth through tourism, investment, business development and job creation.

ERA’s core function is to advocate for its members by engaging with Europe’s key regulatory institutions. The association works to enhance regional air connectivity, safeguard the competitiveness of European regional aviation and promote both environmental and social responsibility. It also plays a vital role in advancing safety, operational performance and air traffic management. In addition, ERA facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration through a range of events, working groups, meetings and forums.

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Required Skills:

• 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.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• 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. Apply Online

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