Careers

Junior Policy Officer

We are looking for a motivated, analytical, and proactive Junior Policy Officer to join our young, international, and dynamic team. 

In this role, you will monitor and analyse EU policy and legislation relevant to the waste and resource management industry. Working closely with the FEAD Secretariat and members, you will coordinate input, help develop common industry positions, and support advocacy towards the EU institutions and other stakeholders. With the guidance of senior colleagues, you will work on renewable energy and organic waste recovery, textiles, eco-design, vehicles and metals, and glass recycling. 

FEAD is a Brussels based international association, representing the private waste and resource management industry across Europe. For more information about FEAD and our work please visit our website: https://fead.be/  

Main tasks and responsibilities 

• Monitor, analyse, and report on EU policy and legislative developments relevant to FEAD members, with primary focus on renewable energy and organic waste recovery, textiles, eco-design, vehicles and metals, and glass recycling; 

• Collect, review, and disseminate relevant information to members and keep the Secretariat updated on key developments, timelines, and advocacy opportunities; 

• Coordinate FEAD committees and working groups related to the assigned portfolio, including preparing agendas and background material, organising meetings, drafting minutes, and following up on agreed actions; 

• Draft position papers, consultation responses, briefing notes, voting recommendations, amendments, presentations, and other policy material; 

• Gather and reconcile member input, support the development of consensual positions, and ensure the timely adoption of FEAD policy messages; 

• Identify relevant EU institutional and external stakeholders and help establish and maintain effective working relationships; 

• Implement advocacy actions based on FEAD’s adopted priorities, represent FEAD in formal and informal meetings, and report back to the Secretariat and members; 

• Contribute to speeches, presentations, events, and related communication activities, and support other policy files when required; 

• Promote FEAD and actively represent the private waste and resource management industry. 

Candidate profile 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in European studies, political science, EU law, technical or environmental studies, or a related field; 

• Minimum 1 year of relevant professional experience at EU level in a similar policy, public affairs, or advocacy role, including experience acquired within an EU institution; 

• Good knowledge of the EU institutions and their procedures, together with the ability to analyse complex EU legislation and translate it into clear and practical policy messages; 

• Strong interest in EU environmental, climate, energy, industrial, circular economy, and waste policy; knowledge of one or more of the assigned files or practical experience in the waste sector is a strong asset; 

• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken; additional EU languages are an asset; 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including confidence in engaging with members and external stakeholders; 

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage several files, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously; 

• Ability to take initiative and work independently while contributing effectively to a small and highly motivated team; 

• Diplomatic and collaborative approach, with the ability to facilitate discussions and help build consensus among members; 

• Reliability, attention to detail, flexibility, and a proactive approach; 

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; 

• Right to work in Belgium is required. 

What we offer 

We offer a one-year Belgian full-time contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The position offers a gross monthly salary in the range of € 2.100–2.500 (paid 13,92 times per year), with the exact level determined according to skills and relevant professional experience. 

The position includes an attractive benefits package, including meal vouchers, pension scheme, 13th month salary, hospitalisation and complementary health insurance, public transport reimbursement, eco-cheques, and additional holidays. 

You will join a young, dynamic, and international team committed to sustainability and circular economy, where you will play a central role in supporting the smooth functioning of the Federation and contributing to an efficient, collaborative, and positive working environment. 

How to apply 

Please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fead.be, with the subject line: “Junior Policy Officer application – Name + Surname”. Clearly indicate your name on all attachments. 

Applications will be reviewed from mid-August onwards. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate is expected to start in mid-September. 

FEAD, the European Waste Management Association, is looking for a motivated and proactive trainee to join our young, international, and dynamic team for six months. 

Based in the heart of Brussels, close to the EU-institutions, FEAD offers you the opportunity to work with a European trade association representing the private waste management industry. As a team member of FEAD, you will take care of day-to-day policy support to enhance our visibility and outreach, ensuring that FEAD’s policy actions reach the right eyes and ears to make a difference. You will also assist FEAD in its day-to-day activities, attend meetings with members and EU policymakers, and research key EU policies. For more information about FEAD and our work please visit our website: https://fead.be/  

Main tasks and responsibilities 

• Conduct research and policy analysis on issues related to circular economy — including legal and market issues, recycling, organic recovery, REACH, energy recovery, landfill, and hazardous waste — to support and strengthen our advocacy; 

• Monitor the relevant EU institutions in areas such as Environment, Industry, Climate, Budget, and Trade; 

• Assist with the coordination of FEAD’s meetings and events; 

• Assist and support in external-facing communications, including the drafting of FEAD publications such as press releases, newsletters, and social media posts; 

• Support the team with other ad hoc tasks in a flexible, hands-on role. 

Candidate profile 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in European studies, political science, EU law, economics, technical or environmental studies, or a related field; 

• Comfortable with networking, good social skills, and ability to read intercultural settings; 

• Strong interest in environmental issues, climate, energy, industrial and waste management policies; 

• Experience in working with the EU institutions and/or public authorities, good knowledge of the EU institutions and procedures are a strong plus; 

• Excellent English is a must; any other language is considered an asset; 

• Excellent oral and written skills; 

• Excellent organisational skills; 

• Fully computer literate (Microsoft 365, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); 

• Ability to take initiative and adapt to a small and highly motivated team; 

• Right to work in Belgium is required. 

What we offer 

FEAD offers a six-month Belgian traineeship contract (Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle, CIP) with a gross monthly indemnity in the range of €1,200 – 1,500. 

How to apply 

Please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fead.be, with the subject line: ‘Policy traineeship application – Name + Surname’. Clearly indicate your name on all attachments. 

Applications will be reviewed from 24 August onwards. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate is expected to start in mid/end-September. A later start in early October can be discussed if needed. 

Spontaneous application

Want to make a meaningful impact on Europe’s waste management sector? We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our dynamic team at FEAD. Send us your CV and motivation letter to explore exciting opportunities and contribute to a sustainable future!