Circular Economy & Raw Materials policy Assistant

European Aluminium is the industry association representing the full aluminium value chain across Europe. Our members cover everything from raw material production to recycling, with over 600 sites in Europe (and the wider EEA region). That’s real industrial ground, deeply embedded in Europe’s economy. Together, they represent the entire European aluminium value chain – from primary production to extrusion, rolling, and recycling, forming a highly integrated, circular value chain that supports over 1 million jobs, directly and indirectly.

Aluminium has been formally recognised by both the EU and NATO as a strategic and critical raw material, and for good reason: it’s essential to clean technologies, sustainable mobility, digital infrastructure, and defence. From solar panels and EVs to buildings and packaging: aluminium is everywhere Europe needs to go — and Europe depends on it. But our industry is under strain. Surging energy prices, unfair global competition, scrap leakage, and CBAM loopholes are threatening our competitiveness — and, by extension, Europe’s strategic autonomy — with a surging risk of losing key know-how and long-term investment, which would deliver the final blow to European resilience. That’s why we’re here in Brussels: to ensure aluminium has a strong voice where decisions are made, not just because of what it is, but because of what it enables. We work hand in hand with EU institutions and policymakers to shape smart, balanced policy — flagging what doesn’t work, but also proposing real, workable and constructive solutions. Because here’s what matters: Europe can’t afford to lose an industry this strategic.

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled individual to help us:

• Step up our advocacy & implementation work on EU policies on Circular Economy & Raw Materials, also in view of the EU’s upcoming Circular Economy Act;
• Support membership in identifying and addressing the challenges of implementing relevant EU legislation and engaging with broader stakeholders on the matter (NGOs, think tanks, industry associations, etc).

Description:
The Circular Economy & Raw Materials policy assistant will support the activities of the organisation, with a thematic focus on EU Circular Economy & Raw Materials policies and legislation. The assistant will report to the Director – Circular Economy & Raw Materials responsible for running the Association’s regulatory and policy work on Circular Economy & Raw Materials.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide regular political intelligence through monitoring of information sources (media, EU websites, social media), attend and report on events in Brussels
• Support the advocacy activities (briefings, setting up meetings, etc.)
• Draft policy notes on new EU regulatory initiatives and relevant policy issues on EU Circular Economy & Raw Materials policies
• Support in organising internal / external meetings, drafting of minutes and power point presentations
• Attending and reporting back from external meetings with other coalitions and associations

Your profile:

• Background in EU Affairs/International Relations or similar
• Strong knowledge of EU policy and decision-making process
• Interest in EU Circular & Raw Materials’ Policy. Knowledge of the EU’s first and second Circular Economy Action Plans is a plus
• Excellent oral, writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of other languages will be an asset
• Proactive and well‑organised self‑starter, able to work independently and collaboratively on a wide range of issues, with strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly and efficiently source information; familiarity with EU, media and monitoring platforms
• Excellent computer literacy knowledge (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Previous experience in EU institutions/ consultancy / other associations is a plus
• Experience managing social media and websites; Mailchimp, WordPress or Canva a plus

What we offer:

• A full‑time paid internship (CIP – Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle): monthly net allowance of €1,300, meal vouchers, contribution to local transport in Brussels, mobile phone and/or phone subscription, and paid holidays.
• Starting date: 24th August 2026
• Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension
• A young, dynamic and professionally enriching international environment, fostering strong team spirit within a flexible workplace.
• Opportunities for development and learning about EU policy, public affairs, communications and industry

How to apply:
Please send: your CV (max 2 pages, no picture) and motivation letter (max 1 page) to jobs@european-aluminium.eu.
Subject line: “Circular Economy & Raw Materials Policy Assistant – [Your full name]”.
Deadline: 7 June 2026
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
The selection process will include an online interview and a written test (both remote), followed by a final interview with the Director General for second shortlisted candidates only.

European Aluminium is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair, transparent and gender‑neutral pay practices. We ensure equal treatment and access to all candidates regardless of gender, background, culture, beliefs, identity or ability. Diversity strengthens our team and the impact we create.

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