Technical Affairs Officer

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Technical Affairs Officer to assist the work of our Strategic Council focusing on Circularity of plastics. The ideal candidate should have a first-hand experience in environmental topics, circular economy, end-of-life, sustainability, plastics recycling or manufacturing or related topics relevant to the EU Plastics Industry.

The role provides a unique opportunity to grow professionally and personally in a dynamic environment alongside a top team and industry experts.

Who we are

Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe.  For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.

About the position

As Technical Affairs Officer, you support activities relating to technical affairs and other developments linked to circularity and end-of-life of plastics:

• Monitor, analyse and interpret technical & scientific landscape, providing intelligence developments, risks and opportunities linked to plastics circularity.
• Deliver briefings and reports and recommendations for decision-making.
• Keep abreast of developments within the plastics industry.
• Contribute to coordination of technical working groups, development of strategies, and foresight approaches.
• Review of scientific literature on recycling and circularity of plastics
• Support or manage as applicable scientific studies on recycling and circularity of plastics.
• Collaborate with Public Affairs & Communications teams on priorities and reputation management.
• Contribute to engagement strategies with internal and external technical stakeholders.
• Participate to external conferences and workshops to gather data and insights while developing strong relationships and networks with relevant stakeholders.

What does it take to succeed in this role? 

• Analytical and planning skills:
  • Ability to collect, organize, and interpret technical data accurately.
  • Demonstrate analytical skills and capacity to translate complex technical and scientific concepts into structured and convincing outputs.
  • First-hand experience with program/project management skills.

• Industry Awareness and innovation:
  • Stay up to date on industry developments and a creative mindset for innovative solutions.

• Communication Skills:
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Capacity to adjust language and content complexity for diverse audiences.

• Strategic Understanding:
  • Good understanding of key priorities and the ability to prepare accurate briefings.
  • Analyse and translate technical and scientific data into comprehensible outputs.

• Proactivity & Ownership:
  • Proactive, accountable, and able to take full ownership of assigned priority areas.
  • Demonstrated environmental awareness and commitment to sustainability.

• Team & Interpersonal Skills:
  • Build trust and establish good working relationships at different levels.
  • Use empathy and knowledge to contribute to positive change.
  • Team player mindset with great organisational skills.
  • Professional in dealing with sensitive or confidential information.

Requirements

• University or Higher Education degree (e.g. Bsc) in polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer engineering, or similar. Other technical background possible with a proven track record working in the wider plastics industry sector
• At least 1 to 2 years’ experience
• Experience in sustainability, industrial research, consultancy, or regulatory affairs within plastics industry (from production, compounding, material usage or recycling) would be an asset.
• Experience with membership-based industry association would be preferred.
• Familiarity with EU Institutions and understanding of their decision-making processes.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English – additional EU languages would be beneficial.

Apply here