Start date: as soon as possible – based in Brussels

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) brings together close to 70 railway undertakings, their national associations as well as infrastructure managers and vehicle leasing companies. CER members represent 71% of the European rail network length, 76% of the European freight business and 92% of rail passenger operations in Europe.

CER’s role is to represent the interests of its members on the EU policy-making scene, in particular to support an improved business and regulatory environment for European railway operators and railway infrastructure companies.

CER is looking forward to welcoming an intern in its Public Affairs team in Brussels. Through this internship, CER offers the opportunity to recent graduates to get a first-hand experience in an association’s policy activities.

This is a paid full-time internship that is available exclusively to recent graduates who are seeking a first work experience with a strong interest in transport policy issues in an international framework, and an adaptable approach to work. Its duration will be 6 months.

Your role entails but is not limited to:

• Monitoring transport-related legislative dossiers in the EU institutions;
• Preparing briefings on relevant policy developments;
• Attending committee meetings / hearings and other institutional workshops and reporting back;
• Drafting weekly contributions to the internal newsletter, meeting briefings, press releases;
• Supporting with update of EU contacts database and mapping of EU stakeholders;
• Contributing to a wide range of CER activities and events.

Candidates must have had previous experience with the EU institutions and fulfill the following requirements:

• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field, preferably in European Studies;
• A minimum of 5 months experience in the EU institutions and/or EU public affairs sector;
• A good knowledge of the working - procedurally as well as politically - of the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament;
• Knowledge of EU Transport policy is an asset;
• Proficiency in English, knowledge of other European languages is a plus;
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail, with an ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Solid IT skills (Microsoft 365, internet search, etc.)
• Excellent organizational and team working skills;
• Ability to work in a diverse and multi-cultural team.

Please note that prior experience in the EU institutions and/or EU public affairs sector is an essential requirement for the job. Potential applicants without such experience are kindly asked to refrain from applying.

We offer interesting and varied work in a friendly multinational atmosphere, and our interns are quickly involved in many different activities. You will have the possibility to learn and grow your expertise in various fields.

We offer a vocational immersion contract (CIP/BIO) and reimburse costs.

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit via email their CV and a maximum one-page cover letter in English to Mrs Paule Bollen at jobs@cer.be.

We thank you in advance for your interest in this internship. Please note however that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.