Who we are looking for

We are seeking a motivated Technical Affairs Intern for a six-month internship to support technical projects of the ECVM product group. As ECVM Technical Affairs Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in technical projects and working groups in a broad range of topics (sustainability, circularity, life cycle assessment (LCA), chemicals). This position offers an excellent learning and development opportunity if you are interested in environmental issues, advanced chemical recycling technologies, LCAs and substance analysis. 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:

• Monitor, analyse, and share briefings on latest technical developments related to plastics and PVC in particular to feed into ongoing projects and share insights with the team
• Conduct reviews of technical data and scientific literature focusing on key areas linked to PVC and ongoing projects.
• Support the development of technical reports, presentations, and other communication materials.
• Assist in the organization and facilitation of technical and project meetings and workshops.
• Contribute to the implementation of sustainable solutions within the organization.
• Support various ongoing projects on topics such as:
  
  • life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impact of our members’ products and material.
  • advanced recycling technologies, substance migration/ emission and relevant methodologies
  • Carbon and water footprint calculation along the value-chain
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
• Assist with various ad-hoc projects and tasks as needed.

Your profile:

• degree in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in plastics or PVC in particular
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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 Technical 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.