Internship Opportunity with PANGEA
Fall 2010
A. Background
Established in 2008, PANGEA is an international biofuels trade association based in Brussels, Belgium
that acts as a platform to create a sustainable biofuels industry in Africa. PANGEA lobbies governments,
provides a network for the industry, and shares knowledge on best practices in both the EU and Africa.
Its members produce, blend, trade, research and support the development of bioenergy in Africa and
beyond.
In terms of lobbying, PANGEA works closely with the African‐Caribbean‐Pacific (ACP) Group of States as
well as regional and national governments in Africa to develop their biofuels strategy and policy
internally as well as advise them on relations with the EU. In the EU, PANGEA is consulted on similar
matters, most recently concerning the Renewable Energy Directive and Sustainability Criteria
consultations with DG Energy (DG ENER).
PANGEA regularly organises international biofuels conferences in Africa (e.g. Ethiopia, Ghana,
Mozambique) and speaks at the World Biofuels Market in Amsterdam and similar events. It also actively
participates in forums such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) and the Better Sugarcane
Initiative (BSI).
B. Description of Internship
Having established a position of leadership within the biofuels advocacy sphere and mobilised a network
of contacts including producers, consumers, academics and policy makers in both Africa and Europe, we
are seeking a high‐performing and results‐oriented intern to follow the development of policies and
legislation relating to biofuels, trade, environment, development and energy within the European
Parliament and Commission. This is an unpaid position for four months (Sept‐Dec 2010). Interns receive
a European Parliament entry pass (valid for 1 year) and a monthly metro pass.
The intern will report directly to and work closely with the Project Manager (PM) and will be responsible
for researching policy and proposed legislation, completing deliverables mentioned below and following
developments of the main aspects of bioenergy policy in general. The intern is expected to present
initiative and should be able to work without close supervision. The majority of the intern’s work will be
completed at the European Parliament or their residence. The list below is not exhaustive and will be
adapted based on the intern’s capabilities and interests.
Partners for Euro‐African Green Energy
Rue Montoyer, 39 • B‐1000 Brussels – Belgium • +32.484.690.846 • www.pangealink.org
Key responsibilities and deliverables:
− Research policy and proposed legislation in the European Parliament; namely through the
following committees:
o Development
o International Trade
o Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
o Industry, Research and Energy
o Agriculture and Rural Development
− Attend committee hearings, plenary sessions, workshops, and receptions held at the EP and the
European Commission relating to bioenergy and/or development
− Utilise the EP library to research reports and publications related to African biofuels,
development, EU‐ACP relations/trade, environment, renewable energy, and agriculture
Each Friday, the intern will submit a one to two page report (in English) on the meetings attended, a
summary of activities/research, key contacts and a schedule of meetings for the next week. Each month,
the intern will submit a summary of the weekly reports. Important information from these reports will
be included in the PANGEA quarterly newsletter for members and key contacts.
The objective of the internship is to follow developments in the EP that could effect PANGEA’s work and
strategy, and identify key players within the EP to lobby.
C. Intern Profile:
The intern should be fluent (written and spoken) in English with knowledge of at least 1 or 2 other EU
working languages. He/she should have an academic background in European/International Affairs or
Law and have a solid understanding of how the European Institutions function and create policy and
legislation. Interest in environment, energy and African development are essential. He/she should be
independent, flexible, and dynamic with good networking skills.
PANGEA is currently seeking 2 interns for Sept‐Dec 2010. If interested, please send your CV and cover
letter to briana@pangealink.org
Partners for Euro‐African Green Energy
Rue Montoyer, 39 • B‐1000 Brussels – Belgium • +32.484.690.846 • www.pangealink.org