Person of contact

Jessica Bart-Williams

Human Resources

Cefic has a rolling programme of internships for students reaching the end of the studies – as the largest European trade group in Brussels, Cefic offers valuable and rewarding work experience in a welcoming, stimulating multicultural and international environment. Until now, these internships were focussed on advocacy and communications profiles but now we would like to broaden the scope to graduates in the field of climate change and energy.

The Climate and Energy Intern will have the opportunity to acquire the key skills relevant to the daily Cefic work in the field of EU and International Climate Change & Energy regulatory affairs.

Inspired? You will:

  • Research and analysis in areas of relevance for the for work of the department
  • Draft briefings/summary reports
  • Attend and report on stakeholder events and institutional meetings
  • Support in managing dedicated projects
  • Overall, support Cefic’s Climate Change & Energy team in carrying on day-to-day activities

At Cefic, the Climate Change and Energy (CC&E) team plays a pivotal role in shaping the European chemical industry’s response to the climate and energy transition. We are a dynamic group of policy professionals, technical experts, and strategic thinkers working at the intersection of industrial transformation and EU policymaking. Our mission is to ensure that the chemical sector remains a driver of sustainable innovation while navigating complex regulatory landscapes such as the EU Emissions Trading System, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and emerging frameworks for carbon removals. We do this by:

  • Coordinating expert networks and issue teams to align industry positions on key climate and energy files.
  • Engaging with EU institutions and stakeholders to advocate for pragmatic, science-based policies.
  • Anticipating future policy developments and launching initiatives that support the sector’s climate neutrality and competitiveness goals.
  • Collaborating across Cefic’s internal structures, including sector groups and thematic fora, to leverage deep technical and policy expertise.

Joining the CC&E team means being at the heart of Europe’s climate and energy debate—where your work will influence decisions that shape the future of one of Europe’s most vital industries.

Can you make the difference?

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

  • Knowledge of European Institutions and EU policies in the field of climate change or energy
  • Understanding of legal, public affairs and government relations
  • Ability to synthesize and translate complex issues into clear and concise messages
  • Recognises the need to react to requests in a timely and helpful manner
  • Is familiar with MS Office web management systems and related internet tool

Requirements:

  • Excellent spoken and written English.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a self-starter
  • Flexible – ready and available when needed to tackle urgent requests
  • Strongly motivated and to exercise initiative
  • Enjoys working in a multicultural team
  • Very well organised, and able to work under strict deadlines with the ability to set priorities
  • Strong analytical skills

Are you interested? Apply by 17 October 2025

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

Job application
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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 represents 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.

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.