Who we are looking for

We are seeking a motivated Public Affairs Intern for a six-month internship to support advocacy activities of the ECVM product group. As ECVM Public Affairs Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public affairs and communications in a broad range of topics (sustainability, circularity, building and construction, chemicals). This position offers an excellent learning and development opportunity if you are interested in environmental issues, corporate social responsibility, and public policy. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, don’t hesitate to apply now!

Start date: as soon as possible

Who we are

Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices in every major capital of Europe.  For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.

Plastics Europe has dedicated plastic product groups, one of them being the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM). ECVM represents 7 leading European producers of PVC. These businesses operate around 40 different plants spread over 23 sites and employ approximately 7,000 people (www.pvc.org). PVC is mostly used in building and construction products, in sport equipment and medical material.

ECVM is also the founding member of VinylPlus®, the voluntary commitment to sustainable development by the European PVC industry (www.vinylplus.eu). This commitment, recently updated with a programme of goals and targets to be achieved by 2030, aims at strengthening the sustainability of PVC products and of the entire industry through a holistic approach including the sustainable use of chemical substances, minimisation of the value chain environmental footprint, safe and quality PVC recycling, building global coalitions and partnering for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Responsibilities:

• Support with researching and monitoring EU policy and legislative developments relevant to the PVC industry.
• Conduct research on sustainability trends, industry best practices, and stakeholder perceptions to inform strategic decision-making.
• Review and prepare summaries and analysis of EU policy documents and reports, and draft background material.
• Support the ECVM Public Affairs and Communication teams to draft materials to communicate ECVM’s initiatives, achievements, and positions on key issues (e.g. position papers, briefings, presentations, press releases, news articles, infographics, etc.).
• Support the organisation of and attend internal working group meetings. Prepare meeting notes and follow-up action.
• Prepare presentation material for internal and external meetings and briefing notes;
• Provide assistance for the organisation of events, projects and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide general administrative support (database updates, …).

Your profile:

• University degree preferably in European studies, Law, Political Sciences or similar;
• Knowledge of and a keen interest in EU policy and decision-making processes as well as a good understanding of the functioning of the European institutions;
• Strong research skills with the ability to pay close attention to details;
• Analytical skills and ability to digest complex information into concise and informative briefs;
• Ability to work autonomously and show initiative;
• Very good command of English, oral and written. Knowledge of other European languages would be an asset;
• Sound knowledge of MS Office tools;
• Previous experience in an EU institution, think-tank, consultancy, or trade organization (asset).

Mandatory - In possession of an EU passport or work permit granting full access to the employment market in Belgium for the duration of the traineeship.  

What we offer:

• Six months paid internship (Convention d’immersion professionelle) based in the ECVM offices in Brussels;
• Reimbursement of the public transport and meal vouchers;
• International and dynamic multicultural environment.

Interested

If you wish to apply, please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and cover letter (maximum one page) via the ‘APPLY’ button below by 30 April 2024 mentioning “ECVM Public Affairs internship” in the subject of your e-mail.

Apply here

Applications will be reviewed as received and the position will close when filled. So early applications are welcome. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.