Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

CEPE – European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry

Brussels, Belgium

About the Role

By reporting directly to the Managing Director, Public Affairs Manager will be:

• Leading on the development, coordination and implementation of CEPE’s advocacy and public affairs strategy;
• Monitoring a number of relevant policy and regulatory topics, including issues surrounding circularity, green claims, biocides and micro-plastics, but also e.g. the CLP/REACH revisions, ESPR and other related files;
• Engaging with CEPE’s members and leading the association’s internal Public Affairs Working Group;
• Working closely with the Regulatory Affairs team and the Communications Manager with campaigning and developing social media and other strategies;
• Maintaining effective relations and expanding CEPE’s network among representatives of the EU institutions and other key policy stakeholders in the region;
• Liaising with CEPE members (companies and National Associations) and other trade associations/partner organisations such as fellow DUCC (Downstream Users of Chemicals Co-ordination) Group members and other stakeholders;
• Organising and executing events, meetings and representing CEPE in a relevant public scene that increase CEPE’s visibility among EU decision-makers.

About the Required Experience

• Preferably university degree in Political Sciences, Communications or Science background with any other relevant degree to be considered;
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience within an EU public affairs and/or communications environment (e.g. EU industry associations, consultancies, NGOs or similar);
• A strong interest in working on circularity, sustainability, and chemical industry related topics;
• Commercial drive to use public affairs and communication skills to grow CEPE’s public image;
• Enthusiastic, motivated and diplomatic attitude to take initiatives with a flexible mindset;
• Able to work alone and as a part of the team;
• Good understanding of EU legislation processes;
• Excellent written and verbal communication/people skills in English (native/near-native) and knowledge of other EU languages to be considered a plus;
• Ability to interact complex ideas and issues effectively and translate them into everyday language to engage with various industry leaders internally and externally.

About the Offer

• An open company culture where you have the independence and room to deliver an impact and to lead on the public affairs strategy of a whole industry;
• Substantial opportunity to develop personally/professionally within an experienced team;
• Full-time contract and a benefits package;
• Hybrid work arrangement (two days office presence).

How to apply

Interested candidates are asked to submit their applications to c.davidson@cepe.org putting ‘Application – CEPE Public Affairs Manager’ in the subject line.

Applications should consist of a Cover Letter, a recent Curriculum Vitae, and a written English sample and will be processed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.