ECF is looking for a motivated Policy Intern to join its team in Brussels.

About the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF)

• We are the single European umbrella federation of member-based civil society organisations advocating and working for more and better cycling.

• We promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transport and leisure.

• With more than 70 member organisations from over 40 countries, we harness the power of European cycling movements as the only voice at the pan-European level.

• We are based in Brussels and our roots are in Europe, but the challenges we face are global, and we are ready to meet them as the world’s largest and best-known cyclists’ advocacy organisation.

Internship description

As an intern you will assist the advocacy team with doing research and policy analysis, and with lobbying the EU institutions to fulfil our mission. You will have an opportunity to apply and develop your abilities and interests in advocacy and research focused on sustainable mobility and cycling. Your line manager will be the Director for Advocacy and EU Affairs.

Specific responsibilities for the Policy Intern may include

• Author a report on EU investments in cycling infrastructure from EU regional and cohesion 2014-2020 funds and whether projects designated as “cycle tracks and footpaths” (code 090) are in fact cycling and walking projects.

• Research the Commission proposal on the new Multi-annual Financial Framework 2028-2034 and its possible impact on cycling investments. 

• Assist in carrying out research for a new “The state of national cycling strategies in Europe (2025)” report.

• Prepare meetings and take minutes.

• Assist with any type of ad-hoc measures in the advocacy team.

What do we offer?

You will have a place in Europe’s and the world’s largest pro-cycling federation to promote cycling as the healthiest, most climate-friendly and efficient means of transport and leisure. Your internship will be in an office located in the heart of Brussels and full of friendly, passionate and international colleagues. There are a lot of opportunities to learn and to demonstrate creativity, initiative, research and management skills; to work on community building, advocacy and cycling-related issues and to build your cycling network. We offer a full time 26-week internship paid approximately €1,077.07 monthly. This is a professional internship agreement, according to Belgian law, called Convention d’immersion professionnelle (FR) or Beroepsinlevingsovereenkomst (NL). It includes a clear description of the tasks and the expected competences acquired by the end of the internship.  Candidates must be eligible to work in the European Union and able to live and work in Belgium during their internship. The candidate should be able to start in September 2025.

Who are we looking for?

Requirement

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

◼ Strong interest in transport policy

◼ Knowledge in EU affairs

◼ Bachelor or Master’s degree or be in your final year(s) to obtain your Master’s

Desirable

◼ Strong interest in EU regional policy

◼ Interest in the topic of national cycling strategies

◼ Previous working experience or volunteering in an advocacy role 

◼ Writing resources and materials for advocacy, political activity, cycling media, voluntary groups etc.

Skills

Essential

◼ Excellent English 

◼ Outstanding research skills

◼ Strong writing skills

◼ Good time management

◼ Solid knowledge of MS Office 

◼ Ability to self-organise 

◼ Ability to pay attention to detail, and take initiative in problem-solving 

Desirable

◼ Other languages are an asset

◼ Experience in policy analysis

◼ Managing multiple tasks

Personal/ Other

Essential

◼ Interest and ability to work in a diverse cross-cultural environment

◼ Share commitment to ECF’s values

Desirable

◼ Bicycle user for transport or leisure

How to apply?

Please send these following three documents in EN in one pdf-file to hr@ecf.com with the subject line ”First Name Last Name – Policy Intern” by 17 August 2025, 23:59. 

◼ Your motivation letter (max 1 page) 

◼ Your CV

◼ Assignment: Review the Commission proposal for a new Multi-annual Financial Framework 2028-2034

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-... as well as at ECF’s background document on EU structural funding and investments in cycling:

https://www.ecf.com/media/resources/2023/ECF_Policy_Brief_EU_Structural_.... Discuss on one A4-page possible implications, pros and cons, for cycling investments from the proposed MFF 2028-2034 changes.

Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview.

Equal Opportunity

ECF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of race and ethnicity, opinions or beliefs, sex, gender, sexual orientation, health, or disabilities.

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