EU Public Affairs Manager

Full-time · Permanent · Brussels-based

Application deadline: 15 September 2026

EPEE, the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment, is the leading Brussels-based European association representing the heating and cooling industry (refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps – RACHP).

We are seeking an experienced EU Public Affairs Manager to lead a portfolio of EU regulatory files, with the F-gas Regulation and refrigerants policy at its core, alongside related product regulations in the broader context of climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Reporting directly to the Director-General and working closely with EPEE’s corporate members as well as national and European associations, you will lead EPEE’s advocacy on priority regulatory dossiers, including the 2027–2030 F-gas reviews, steer technical expert committees, and engage with EU institutions and member companies on evidence-based positions.

The role will require close collaboration with the Senior Manager responsible for PFAS, as the files are interconnected and require strong coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Leadership

Own the Refrigerants portfolio end-to-end, including the advocacy strategy for the F-gas reviews on the 2027–2030 horizon.

Lead and Animate

Lead technical working groups, Impulse Teams, task forces and core groups, working hand in hand with committee chairs, member-company experts and external consultants.

Institutional Engagement

Manage engagement with the relevant European Commission services (DG CLIMA, DG ENER, DG GROW, DG ENV), European Parliament committees (ITRE, ENVI), relevant Council working parties, Permanent Representations and, increasingly, national authorities.

Policy Content

Draft and coordinate technical position papers, consultation responses and amendment proposals on key files, as well as direct advocacy to present EPEE positions.

Technical Coordination

Translate technical issues into credible advocacy positions with the support of team members, EPEE’s membership and specialised consultants.

Monitoring & Representation

Track EU developments related to the energy transition, environmental regulation and substances, and represent the association in coalitions and external meetings. EPEE strongly advocates coalition-building and collaboration with third parties.

Travel
Travel outside Brussels and Europe to represent EPEE and speak at conferences.

Your Profile

• Experience: At least 5 years directly in EU public affairs in Brussels, with demonstrated leadership of both political/public affairs and technical regulatory and legislative files.
• Trade association management: Not an absolute requirement, but you should enjoy working in a membership-driven association where compromise and consensus are the order of the day.
• Technical aptitude: Comfortable working with technical and scientific materials.
• Policy expertise: Solid grounding in EU energy and environmental policy and their links to product regulation.
• Skills & attributes: Excellent English; strong analytical, drafting and stakeholder-management skills; a team player who can also work autonomously; curious, rigorous and diplomatic, and at ease working on sensitive files in a medium-sized team.
• Presentation skills: Comfortable chairing committee meetings, engaging with a diverse and senior membership, and speaking at events on EPEE’s behalf.
• Eligibility: EU citizenship or valid work authorisation for Belgium.

What EPEE Offers

• A senior, high-visibility role at the heart of the EU’s energy transition agenda, working on files that shape a growing and major industry sector which is critical for today’s society.
• Direct access to decision-makers in Brussels, at national EU level and internationally, while working closely with relevant committee chairs and member-company experts across Europe.
• An environment where you can grow, become autonomous in your areas of responsibility, and develop your professional profile and visibility.
• A competitive salary package aligned with seniority and experience, with the usual benefits of the Belgian employment framework.
• Hybrid working: three days in the office and two days of telework per week.
• Four weeks per year working from abroad, in two blocks of maximum 15 consecutive days.
• 30 days of annual leave: 20 statutory days, 5 additional EPEE days and 5 days covering the office closure between Christmas and New Year.

EPEE is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the industry and the society we work for. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or sexual orientation. If you need any adjustment to the recruitment process, just tell us and we will arrange it.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter to r.patten@epeeglobal.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application deadline: 15 September 2026