Person of contact

Jessica Bart-Williams

Human Resources

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Application Deadline: 30 April 2026

Cefic is looking for a motivated graduate who is keen to join the Petrochemicals Europe department for a 3-month internship in the June-September 2026 timeframe.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the candidate will embark on a journey to learn the ins and outs of the European petrochemical industry, the policy files affecting the industry and the interactions between industry and EU policy-making.

The Petrochemicals Intern will have the opportunity to acquire the key skills relevant to the daily Cefic work in  relation to the EU skills agenda, climate and energy files.

Inspired? As part of the team, you will:

  • Analyze, assess and synthesize survey results, develop policy recommendations based on the survey results;
  • Join sector group meetings and provide meeting reports;
  • Scrutinize EU policy documents (ETS, CBAM, Industry Accelerator Act,…), provide analysis and policy recommendations;
  • Elaborate a comparative framework of non-EU and EU industrial policy regimes to assess competitiveness of our industry
  • Provide inputs on relevant topics to the Petrochemicals Europe department and to the Leadership Team.

At Cefic, the Petrochemicals Europe (PE) industry group 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.

Petrochemicals Europe is the voice of the European petrochemical industry, representing about 70 member companies (including affiliated members) with a turnover of 145 billion Euro, not including the turnover of its customer industries. The association was founded in 1985. Petrochemicals Europe is chaired by Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe North and its Executive Director is Leila Faramarzi. Joining the PE team means being at the heart of Europe’s debate on the competitiveness of a critical industry – where your work will influence decisions that shape the future of one of Europe’s most vital industries.

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated graduate or young professional who demonstrates the following experience, competencies and personal qualities:

  • University degree preferably in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Political science, EU Policy, Law or similar;
  • Prior experience in the Council, Parliament, Commission or a Public Affairs role is an asset;
  • Fluent in English. Other EU official languages are an definite asset.
  • Cooperative approach and teamwork;
  • Ability to synthesize and translate complex issues into clear and concise messages;
  • Fully proficient using MS Office and good understanding of social media channels;
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn;
  • Accuracy and attention to detail; and diligence in research work;
  • Enthusiasm for the (petro)chemical industry, EU affairs and trade associations.

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;
  • Opportunities for employee development (trainings, coaching, mentorship);
  • Internship contract for 3 months during the Summer time (June-September 2026);
  • Possibility to develop your advocacy skills whilst working on dynamic and challenging topics.

Are you interested? Apply now

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae and motivation letter by 30 April 2026 to Cefic

Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Manager

Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels

E-mail address: jobs@cefic.be

Reference for applications – PE Intern26

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.