Advocacy Officer (or Trainee)
About COTANCE:
COTANCE – Euroleather is Europe’s tanning industry association, based in Brussels. Members are the national Leather Trade Associations of IT, ES, FR, DE, UK, PT, NL, SE, HU as well as the company Scan-Hide from Denmark. COTANCE members are at the forefront of environmentally conscious leather producing, excellency, and innovation.
Job Description:
COTANCE is looking for a motivated Advocacy Officer (or Trainee) to support our team working on key legislative files relevant for the European leather industry. S/he will report directly to the Secretary General. The contract will be temporary (6 months), with the possibility of hiring full-time.
Position starting in September 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
- Under the guidance of the Secretary General, follow EU legislative priorities such as the EU Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Textiles Labelling Regulation (TLR), BioTech Act II, Circular Economy Act, Environment Footprint Methodology.
- Monitor and report on developments in relevant EU Chemical restrictions regulations.
- Developing and animating networks for advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
- Conduct research, and prepare informational materials for the COTANCE website and stakeholders.
- Support COTANCE’s working groups by briefing summaries on thematic issues, drafting documents, organizing meetings, and updating databases.
- Participate in meetings, preparing presentations and reports, and handle day-to-day correspondence.
- Accompanying the Secretary General in meetings, including at international fairs and other events.
Requirements:
- Master’s Degree (Political Science, Law, Economics and similar).
- Excellent English knowledge.
- Basic knowledge of the EU institutions and regulations.
- Available to travel.
- 6 months – 1 year working experience.
Further Assets:
- Knowledge of Italian and French.
- Knowledge of the livestock, chemicals, or fashion sectors.
- Experience in project management or volunteering activities.
This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement in a sector at the intersection between sustainability and innovation.
The candidate will work in a small team with possibility of part-time teleworking.