Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

CEFIC – European Chemical Industry Council

Brussels, Belgium

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.

Can you make the difference?

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

• Minimum of 3-5 years of proven successful experience in EU Public affairs;
• Strong knowledge of EU decision-making processes (ordinary legislative procedure & comitology);
• Ability to navigate the Brussels policy landscape and provide strategic insights;
• Experience working within or closely with the EU institutions is an asset;
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling arguments and adjust messages to specific targeted audience;
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines;
• Full professional proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a definite asset.

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).

You may ask yourself:

Why chemicals? The EU chemical industry powers all industries – wind turbines, batteries, insulation, recycling – all rely on chemicals. With 1.2 million workers, €655 billion turnover, and €10.2 billion R&I investment in 2023, it is Europe’s economic backbone. Yet, in the past two years alone, 11 million metric tons of production capacity have been lost, putting up to 200,000 jobs at risk. This is an industry worth your time and energy – as it 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.

Why Cefic? For two years running, Cefic has been named ‘Best EU Trade Association’ by BestinBrussels and it is the largest association in Brussels, representing around 650 large and small chemical companies and associations around Europe. We tackle almost major issues; from climate change, energy, innovation, health, safety and environment, product stewardship, sustainability, and more. Cefic also represents around 80 Sector Groups on specific substance issues.

How do we do this? By offering guidance and training, supporting independent science and studies, aligning views on EU policies, and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders.

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.

What do we offer?

• Working in a people oriented, international and dynamic culture at the centre of EU affairs;
• An environment with a positive attitude towards stress and mindful of work – personal life balance;
• Working on dynamic and challenging topics;
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, coaching, mentorship);
• A full time permanent employment contract with a competitive salary, benefits and working conditions.

Interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae and motivation letter by 10^th April 2026 to Cefic:

Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Manager
Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels
E-mail address: jobs@cefic.be

NB: Please note that in the course of the recruitment process, your application may be shared with internal departments and/or Cefic members.