Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager – Cefic

Are you passionate about EU policymaking and advocacy? Do you have the skills to navigate the “Brussels Bubble” and drive impactful public affairs strategies? Join our team at Cefic as a Public Affairs Manager and play a key role in shaping policies that matter to the European chemical industry.

You will be part of Cefic’s Public Affairs team, supporting our Programme Councils and their priorities. This position is ideal for a proactive professional who can work autonomously and strategically, advising on political feasibility, designing advocacy strategies, and implementing them effectively.

Inspired? You will:

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies aligned with Cefic’s priorities, particularly within the framework of the Political Guidelines for the European Commission 2024-2029, including the Clean Industrial Deal.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments to assess their impact and propose aligned strategies.
• Engage with EU policymakers (European Commission, Council of the EU, European Parliament) to ensure our industry’s voice is heard.
• Collaborate with Cefic members, national federations, and industry networks to coordinate advocacy efforts.
• Prepare briefings, position papers, and advocacy materials to support Cefic’s objectives.
• Organise and participate in events, meetings, and public affairs initiatives to enhance Cefic’s outreach and influence.

Why Public Affairs?

At the core of Cefic sits Public Affairs (PA), a fully-integrated team of advocacy and communication professionals. We work on the big industry issues, support Cefic’s Sector Groups, and ensure the chemical industry speaks with one voice. Our work spans EU monitoring, PA campaigns, high-level events, digital presence, in-house video production, media monitoring and engagement, and so much more. Joining our team means leading initiatives, while also being supported.

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced professional who demonstrates the following experience and competencies:

• Academic background: preferably MA or MSc in Toxicology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or any other applied or political sciences.
• A minimum 2 years’ experience working at European/international level on scientific and/or regulatory issues in the chemical industry, value chain or with associations similar to Cefic.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong advocacy skills and experience with EU regulatory framework and in particular with chemical legislation such as REACH.
• Analytical thinker, at ease with scientific discussions.
• Ability to write clear and concise texts translating communication from authorities into actions for the members.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and solve conflicts.
• Motivated to represent the voice of industry and influence policy and guidance.
• Full professional proficiency in English and at least one other European language; additional languages are a definite asset.
• Team player who can work independently and take initiatives when needed in a multi-functional and multicultural team while demonstrating dedication and loyalty.
• Curious mind and eagerness to learn and grow within the Specialty Chemicals Industry Sector.
• Motivation to travel occasionally (up to 20%).
• Prepared to live in Belgium.

Required personal qualities

• A good team player who is able to work as well independently as well as in a multi-functional and multicultural team.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Good project management and computer skills.
• Pro-active with service and customer orientation.
• Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels).

Are you interested? Apply now

Reference pour applications: PAM26 – Web

Why Cefic?

Cefic is a unique place to work due its access to knowledge, its scope of issues, the connections at European and international level, as well as being a buzzing and friendly environment. It is a people oriented, international and dynamic organisation at the centre of EU affairs. For two years running, Cefic has been named ‘Best EU Trade Association’ by BestinBrussels. It is the largest association in Brussels, representing around 650 large and small chemical companies and associations around Europe. With our members, we work on almost all major issues impacting industry; from climate change, energy, innovation, health, safety and environment, product stewardship, sustainability, and more.

We also represent around 80 Sector Groups which work on specific substance issues. How do we do this? We offer guidance and training, we support independent science and studies, we develop aligned industry views on EU policies, and we seek opportunities to engage with representatives from industry, EU institutions, civil society and beyond.

Why chemicals?

The EU chemical industry is the industry of all industries; whether you look at wind turbines, batteries, insulation, recycling technologies, all these materials depend on chemicals. Chemicals are known as the backbone of Europe’s economy; representing over 1.2 million workers, €655 billion turnover and €10.2 billion R&I investments in 2023. Yet in the past decade the chemicals industry has faced major challenges; having lost around 11 million metric tons of chemical production capacity in Europe in the past two years alone, corresponding to 10,000-20,000 jobs possibly impacted, and a further 150,000-200,000 jobs at stake.

As an industry that has the ambition and the solutions to go climate neutral, circular and transition to safe and sustainable chemicals, while also safeguarding high-quality jobs in Europe, we believe this is an industry worth people’s time and energy.

The Human Resources team are focused on the quality of internal co-operation, sustaining healthy working conditions and maintaining direct and open dialogue at all levels. For further information about Cefic, please visit our about us section.