Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI)
Location: Brussels
Contract: 1-year full-time contract (with the possibility of a permanent contract)
Start date: March 2026
About FESI
FESI is the voice of the European sporting goods industry, representing around 1,800 manufacturers – 85% of the European market – through national federations and direct company members. From innovative SMEs to global brands, our members design, manufacture and distribute products that enable millions of Europeans to live more active, healthy and sustainable lives. Based in Brussels, FESI engages daily with EU institutions, standardisation bodies and stakeholders to help shape smart, future-proof policies that support consumer safety, sustainability, innovation and a strong Single Market for sporting goods.
The role
FESI is looking for a Junior Policy Officer (Product Compliance) to support and progressively lead the work of its Product Compliance Committee. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career EU public affairs professional to work at the intersection of EU regulation, technical product rules and industry advocacy, while gaining hands-on exposure to EU institutions, expert groups and standardisation processes. As a small and dynamic team, we give juniors real responsibility early on – but never without support. You will be trained, trusted and encouraged to grow into an independent policy professional, working closely with FESI members and EU decision-makers. You will report directly to the Deputy Secretary General.
Your responsibilities
You will contribute to and progressively take ownership of key product compliance files, including:
-EU product regulation & policy advocacy
- Monitor and analyse EU legislative and regulatory developments affecting sporting goods, including product safety, consumer information and chemical legislation.
- Draft position papers, briefings and consultation responses reflecting industry-wide views.
- Support FESI’s advocacy work vis-à-vis the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States.
- Represent the sporting goods industry in meetings with EU officials and, over time, in expert groups (e.g. on PPE and product safety).
-Key policy files (illustrative)
- The upcoming revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation, including simplification, digital labelling and alignment with other EU frameworks.
- Product safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issues, including classification questions and participation in EU-level expert discussions. Promotion of digital labelling as a modern, consumer-friendly and sustainable compliance tool.
- Monitoring and analysis of chemical legislation (e.g. REACH, PFAS restrictions) impacting sporting goods.
-Standards & technical work
- Support FESI’s engagement in European standardisation (CEN-CENELEC), including coordination with members and monitoring of standards development.
- Help bridge policy objectives and technical realities by working with company experts and external partners.
-Member coordination & committee management
- Prepare, organise and follow up on Product Compliance Committee meetings and webinars.
- Coordinate member input, build consensus and help develop common industry positions. Act as a reliable point of contact for members on product compliance questions.
What we are looking for
-Essential
- 1–3 years of relevant professional experience (EU public affairs, policy, regulatory affairs, industry association, consultancy, EU institutions or similar).
- Strong interest in EU policymaking and regulatory processes.
- Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear messages.
- Proactive, well-organised and able to work independently while being a strong team player.
- Professional level English (spoken and written).
-Strong assets
- Experience or academic background related to product regulation, consumer policy, sustainability, chemicals or technical standards.
- Familiarity with EU legislative procedures or standardisation processes.
- Additional EU languages.
- Interest in sport, physical activity or consumer products.
What we offer
- A hands-on policy role with real responsibility and exposure from day one.
- Direct interaction with EU institutions, industry leaders and technical experts.
- A supportive environment focused on training, learning and professional growth.
- The opportunity to shape EU policies that affect products used by millions of consumers.
- A competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and standard benefits. A collaborative, informal team culture in the heart of Brussels’ EU quarter.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter (in one single PDF document) by Friday 16 January to mercier@fesi-sport.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.