Communications manager

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, founded in 1972, is the voice of large, medium and small chemical companies across Europe, which provides 1.1 million jobs and accounts for approximately 15% of world chemicals production.

Cefic strives to be the best respected and most trusted business association in Europe. Based in Brussels, it is a committed partner to the European Union, interacting on behalf of its members with European institutions, non-governmental organisations, the media, and other stakeholders. As an active member of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), Cefic seeks to strengthen existing cooperation with global organisations such as UNEP and the OECD to improve chemicals management worldwide.

The Association’s mission is to:

• Serve its members by generating and aggregating scientific knowledge that fosters the purpose of the Association in critical areas, 
• Offer services and expertise to its members in regulatory, scientific and technical matters,
• Engage, advocate and represent the industry in order to create the right support and policy frameworks in Europe and beyond,
• Add value as a collective compared to individual companies’ activities.

Cefic supports the Green Deal and Europe’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050. Our industry is at the crossroads of the circular economy, climate neutral Europe and safe and sustainable by design chemistry. Chemical Recycling, Electrification of chemical processes, Hydrogen, Digitalisation, CCS and CCU, bio-based chemicals are examples of key topics on our agenda. The time for change is now

For its Public Affairs department, Cefic is looking for a (m/f/d): 

Communications Manager 

Mission of the role:

Leading the Communcations activities for the Petrochemicals Europe industry sector and contributing tribute to Cefic’s wider Green Deal advocacy communications agenda, including our Digital Public Affairs programmes.

The successful candidate will play an instrumental role in Cefic’s newly enhanced public affairs unit, working closely with other communications team members responsible for press office, digital communications and events. They will also work closely with the advocacy teams working with the EU institutions to ensure Cefic remains well connected to relevant areas of the growing EU policy agenda. 

A major content focus of this role will be to drive the external and internal communications strategy for one of Cefic’s largest sector groups, Petrochemicals Europe, as it guides its member companies through the implementation of the EU Green Deal. The role will therefore provide opportunities to develop a deep understanding of key topics within the EU Green Deal including energy and climate, environmental, health and safety, chemicals, digital and wider industrial policies as well as the regulatory environment concerning implementation of chemicals legislation.

Are you inspired by these responsibilities? 

You will: 

• Drive the internal & external communication strategy, support the Executive Director and sector groups in designing and implementing communications, applying the latest digital communications tools.
• Manage development of all official Petrochemicals Europe and related sector group publications, such as press releases, op-eds, website texts, digital brochures, newsletters, etc.
• Develop, coordinate and (co-)write high quality media outputs, including press releases, op-eds, speaking points and briefing notes.
• Collaborate closely with other communications and advocacy colleagues to ensure coordination of media relations with other public affairs initiatives. 
• Professionalize all Petrochemicals Europe’s digital communications and take the impact of this work to the next level.
• Coach and deliver through others where appropriate, acting as a focal point for assistants. 
• Lead projects, events and initiatives and prepare engagements through conferences and webinars.
• Support industry working committees when required.
• Lead close monitoring of the media landscape, analytics and overall management of Petrochemicals Europe’s communication database.

Can you make the difference? 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, competencies and personal qualities:

• University degree in journalism, communications, political sciences or a related field. 
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience of executing/leading communications campaigns including digital communications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand complex policy and scientific issues and to articulate them in a simple, catchy way including using storytelling, case studies, illustrations, infographics and social media.
• Full professional proficiency in English (written and oral) additional European languages are an asset.
• Cooperative approach and teamworking spirit; advanced social skills, energy and drive.
• Good understanding of EU procedures and institutional framework – prior experience in Parliament, Council, Commission or public affairs role would be a definite asset.
• Ability to synthesize and translate complex, technical issues into clear and concise messages.
• Fully proficient using MS office and good understanding of social media channels. 
• Accuracy and attention to detail; and proofreading skills.
• A curious personality, keen to learn and improve continuously. 
• Prepared to live in Belgium (Brussels).

What do we offer?

• Working in a people oriented, international and dynamic culture at the centre of EU affairs.
• Full time employment contract, competitive salary according to experience and several benefits.
• Opportunities for employee development (trainings, mentoring).
• Interviews via video conferencing during COVID-19 pandemic.

Are you interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae, quoting the reference COM-03, by 11 June 2021 to 

Cefic, Jessica Bart-Williams, HR Officer, Rue Belliard 40, b15, 1040 Brussels. 

E-mail address: [email protected]

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