About FESI – Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry

The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) represents the interests of the sporting goods industry in Europe, including sport brands, retailers, and national federations. FESI advances its members’ priorities and promotes initiatives that benefit the sector, EU citizens, and society as a whole.

As the leading voice of the European sporting goods industry in Brussels, FESI provides companies with the opportunity to channel their expertise into a coherent and influential advocacy strategy at EU level.

For more information, please visit the FESI website.

Position Overview

FESI is looking for a motivated, dynamic and proactive Experienced Sustainability Policy & Advocacy Officer to join its Brussels-based team.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in FESI’s advocacy on key EU sustainability and circular economy policies affecting the sporting goods industry. The position is designed for someone who is comfortable taking ownership of policy files, building relationships with EU policymakers and stakeholders, and independently driving advocacy activities on behalf of FESI and its members.

The role combines policy expertise with a strong public affairs dimension. Beyond monitoring legislation and coordinating member positions, the successful candidate will be expected to translate FESI’s policy priorities into concrete advocacy strategies, proactively identify opportunities for engagement, organise and conduct meetings with EU institutions and other stakeholders, and represent FESI externally.

The Sustainability Policy & Advocacy Officer will work closely with the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, FESI policy colleagues and member companies, while enjoying a significant level of autonomy in managing their policy portfolio and external stakeholder relationships.

This is not primarily a back-office policy monitoring role: we are looking for someone who enjoys external engagement, relationship-building and taking the lead in advocating FESI’s positions in Brussels.

The successful candidate will lead FESI’s work on key EU sustainability and circular economy legislation affecting the European sporting goods industry, including:

·        Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and related secondary legislation

·        Waste Framework Directive

·        Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

·        Environmental Omnibus and Circular Economy Act

·        Other relevant EU sustainability and circular economy initiatives

Contract Details

·        Contract type: Full-time permanent contract (CDI)

·        Starting date: Q3 2026

·        Location: Brussels

·        Salary: Competitive salary, depending on experience

Profile

The ideal candidate should have:

·        4–6 years of relevant professional experience in EU public affairs, advocacy, government relations, policy, consultancy, industry associations, EU institutions, or related fields

·        Previous experience in the textile, footwear, and/or sporting goods sector is considered an asset

·        A university degree in Political Science, European Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related field

·        Proven experience in building and maintaining networks with EU policymakers, Member State representatives, industry stakeholders and partner organisations

·        Demonstrated ability to independently manage advocacy files, from policy analysis and position development through to external engagement and follow-up

·        Confidence in setting up and conducting advocacy meetings, presenting industry positions and responding to questions from policymakers and stakeholders

·        A strong understanding of EU decision-making processes and the ability to identify political opportunities, risks and appropriate advocacy strategies

·        Knowledge of EU sustainability and circular economy policies

·        Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to translate complex and technical issues into clear political messages and concrete policy asks

·        Outstanding written and spoken English; French, German and/or another EU language is an asset

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to represent FESI credibly with a wide range of stakeholders

·        The ability to coordinate complex policy discussions, build consensus and develop constructive compromises among members

·        A proactive, solution-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to take initiative and create advocacy opportunities rather than simply respond to developments

·        A collaborative and team-oriented mindset: the successful candidate will be supported by the entire FESI team but should be comfortable working autonomously and taking responsibility for delivering results on their files

·        Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a small and international team environment

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership and Advocacy

·        Take ownership of key EU sustainability and circular economy policy files relevant to the sporting goods industry

·        Develop and implement FESI advocacy strategies in coordination with the Secretary General, policy team and members

·        Proactively build and maintain relationships with relevant officials in the European Commission, European Parliament, Member States and other key stakeholders

·        Identify, organise and conduct advocacy meetings, independently or together with FESI members and colleagues

·        Represent FESI in institutional meetings, stakeholder consultations, conferences, coalitions and external events

·        Translate member priorities and technical expertise into clear, politically relevant advocacy messages and concrete policy asks

·        Monitor political and legislative developments and advise FESI members on their implications and on appropriate advocacy responses

·        Draft position papers, consultation responses, policy briefings, speaking points and analytical notes supporting FESI’s advocacy objectives

Stakeholder Engagement and Network Building

·        Develop a strong network across EU institutions, national authorities, industry associations, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders

·        Position FESI as a credible and constructive interlocutor in EU sustainability and circular economy discussions

·        Develop alliances and coordinate advocacy with partner organisations where this can strengthen FESI’s influence

·        Identify opportunities for FESI and its members to engage with decision-makers at key moments of the policymaking process

·        Contribute actively to FESI’s external visibility through meetings, conferences, workshops and public speaking

Member Coordination and Policy Development

·        Lead discussions within the Sustainability Committee and relevant taskforces on assigned policy files

·        Coordinate member input and build consensus on industry positions

·        Structure and, where necessary, challenge member input in order to develop clear and actionable advocacy positions

·        Keep members informed of relevant political and legislative developments and advocacy activities

·        Act as a trusted point of contact for members on sustainability-related matters

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and cover letter in a single PDF document (titled with their first and last name) to: info@fesi-sport.org

Please include “Sustainability Policy & Advocacy Officer Application” in the subject line.

Application deadline: 7 October 2026