Junior Government Affairs Trainee (six month)
ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association, seeks a full-time Junior Government Affairs Trainee to join its secretariat in Brussels for a 6 month-period, focusing on energy and climate, transport, environment policies, trade and customs. The position requires a good knowledge of the EU decision-making process and the willingness to acquire a solid understanding of the renewable ethanol industry at national and EU level. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience working with a dynamic team on important files in the EU policy arena.
About ePURE
ePURE represents the European renewable ethanol industry, promoting the production and use of sustainable ethanol as a key contributor to the EU’s climate energy, and industrial objectives. Based in Brussels, ePURE speaks for 41 member companies and associations, with around 50 plants across the EU and UK, accounting for about 85% of EU renewable ethanol production. The organisation, established in 2010, promotes the beneficial uses of ethanol throughout Europe to EU institutions, national governments, and stakeholders.
Mission
The Trainee will be expected to support the Government Affairs Manager in ePURE’s regulatory and advocacy engagement activities within the EU institutional landscape. The trainee will contribute to monitoring, analysing and reaching out on EU legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the ethanol and renewable energy sectors across various policy areas and support the organisation of dedicated ePURE’s members working groups. This traineeship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in EU public affairs, energy and sustainability policy and association advocacy work in a Brussels-based trade association.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support to the ePURE members working groups and other meetings as necessary
- Monitor EU legislative and regulatory developments related to energy, transport, agriculture, and sustainability and trade
- Draft briefings, policy summaries, and analysis notes
- Assist in preparing, position papers, and presentations
- Contribute to internal policy monitoring tools and databases
- Support the coordination of meetings with EU institutions and industry stakeholders
- Represent ePURE in meetings in the European institutions and with other stakeholders
- Internal support to the different secretariat functions
Profile and Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in European affairs, political science, law, environmental studies, energy policy, trade or related field
- Strong understanding of the EU decision-making process and institutions
- Excellent analytical, writing, and organisational skills
- Proactive attitude and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a small, dynamic international team
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential. Knowledge of another EU language, particularly French or German is a strong advantage
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Familiarity with EU monitoring tools (e.g. Euractiv, Contexte, Politico Pro, Dods) is a plus
- Mastering data extraction and analysis (e.g. Eurostat) is a plus
- Right to live and work in Belgium
What We Offer
- A 6-month paid traineeship within a dynamic Brussels-based EU association at the heart of European policymaking
- Direct exposure to EU public affairs, policy advocacy and communications work
- Opportunity to work with industry experts and gain insight into renewable energy, transport and bioeconomy sectors
- Monthly allowance aligned with standard Brussels traineeship conditions
Application Process
- Start date: 5 January 2026
- Interested candidates should send their CV and a short motivation letter (max. one page) in English to, with the subject line: “Application – Junior Government Affairs Traineeship” [Last Name First Name) addressed to info@epure.org by 17 November. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview in the week of 24 November
- Deadline for applications: Monday 17 November 2025
- Location: Brussels, Belgium