How to apply for Spontaneous application

About Beyond Fossil Fuels

Beyond Fossil Fuels is a coalition working to accelerate Europe's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035. It brings together civil society organizations across Europe to push for a fossil-free power sector. This is a chance to work directly on climate policy and advocacy at a European scale.

About the role

This is a spontaneous application, so the exact daily tasks depend on the team's current needs. The role involves contributing to the coalition's efforts toward a fossil-free, fully renewables-based European power sector by 2035, supporting just transition initiatives and campaigns, and working with civil society organizations across Europe to advance renewable energy policies. Because the position is open-ended, you have room to propose how your skills fit the coalition's work.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with partner organizations on a joint campaign, reviewing policy developments related to renewable energy, and drafting materials to support just transition initiatives. Because this is a spontaneous application, the exact tasks depend on the team's needs, so ask about current priorities during the interview.

Who Beyond Fossil Fuels is looking for

• Has a demonstrated interest in climate policy, renewable energy, and environmental advocacy, shown through coursework, volunteering, or work experience.
• Can work collaboratively within a coalition of civil society organizations, including coordinating with partners who may have different priorities.
• Is committed to a just transition away from fossil fuels, not just renewable energy targets.
• Is based in or willing to work remotely across European time zones, since the coalition spans Europe.

Tips for this application

• Since this is a spontaneous application, state clearly in your first paragraph what kind of role you are applying for (e.g., policy, campaigns, research, coordination) and why that fits Beyond Fossil Fuels.
• Name specific European renewable energy policies or coalitions you have followed or worked with, such as the EU's Fit for 55 package or national phase-out plans, to show you understand the policy landscape.
• Explain how you have worked with civil society organizations or in coalition settings before, because the job description emphasizes collaboration across groups.
• Use the phrase 'just transition' and give an example of what it means in practice, since the role explicitly mentions just transition initiatives.
• If you have a preference for a focus area (e.g., power sector policy, campaign support, research), say so and connect it to the coalition's 2035 goal.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific interest in Beyond Fossil Fuels' goal of a fossil-free, fully renewables-based European power sector by 2035, and why that target matters to you.", 'Any experience you have working with or within coalitions of civil society organizations, even if it was volunteer or academic.', 'Your understanding of just transition principles and how you would support related initiatives or campaigns.', 'What role you are seeking and how your skills match the core responsibilities listed in the job description.']

Research before applying

• Read Beyond Fossil Fuels' website and any public reports to understand the coalition's members, campaigns, and policy positions.
• Look up the EU's current renewable energy and power sector policies, including the 2035 target and any recent legislation.
• Find out which civil society organizations are part of or partner with Beyond Fossil Fuels, and what each focuses on.
• Search for recent news or publications about just transition initiatives in Europe's energy sector to speak about them in an interview.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• What does a just transition mean for workers and communities in Europe's power sector, and how would you support it?
• Give an example of a time you worked with multiple organizations or groups that had different views. How did you handle it?
• Which European renewable energy policies do you follow, and what do you think is needed to reach a fully renewables-based power sector by 2035?
• How would you contribute to a coalition campaign or initiative if you were hired for this spontaneous role?
• What questions do you have about how Beyond Fossil Fuels prioritizes its work across different European countries?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending a generic cover letter that does not mention Beyond Fossil Fuels' 2035 goal or the coalition model.
• Applying without any clear idea of what role you want, since this is a spontaneous application and you need to define your fit.
• Focusing only on renewable energy technology without addressing the just transition and civil society collaboration aspects of the job.
• Ignoring the European scope of the work by talking only about local or national issues without connecting them to the EU level.