Head of Public Affairs

About New ERAThe New European Reuse Alliance (New ERA) is a non-profit business association representing organisations that develop, operate and promote reusable packaging across Europe. Our members cover the full reuse value chain, including manufacturing, logistics, washing, digital solutions and service provision, across multiple sectors such as HORECA, FMCG, e-commerce and transport packaging.Founded in 2022 and based in Brussels, New ERA advocates for ambitious, practical and economically viable EU policies that accelerate the transition from single-use packaging to well-designed reuse systems.Representing over 80 businesses and 8 sectoral and national reuse associations, New ERA focuses on three core objectives:Influence policy: advocate for policies that support competitive reuse and refill packaging systems.Strengthen the industry: contribute to the development of the reuse ecosystem with actionable insights, market intelligence, and clear guidelines.Foster collaboration: Build a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and promote cross-border networking.Key themes at the heart of our work: Circular Economy, Reuse, Packaging, EU Public Affairs and Lobbying.Job descriptionPosition overview: As Head of Public Affairs, you will lead New ERA's EU advocacy strategy and represent the organisation in key policy processes shaping the future of reuse systems in Europe. You will be responsible for monitoring and influencing EU legislation, coordinating member advocacy, managing external representation and positioning New ERA as a credible and solution-oriented interlocutor for EU institutions and stakeholders. This is a strategic and hands-on role, combining policy expertise, political intelligence, stakeholder management and team coordination. You will report directly to the Director General. Main tasks:Strategy and policy leadershipCo-define and implement New ERA's EU public affairs strategySet priorities across legislative files in line with political relevance and organisational capacityAnticipate policy risks and opportunities affecting reuse systems and packaging policyEU policy monitoring and influenceMonitor and influence key EU legislative and regulatory developmentsContribute to the development of New ERA positions, briefings and advocacy messagesEngage with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders to promote New ERA's policy objectivesMember coordination and collective advocacyCoordinate advocacy activities with New ERA members, in particular through the Advocacy Working GroupEnsure structured information-sharing and alignment of positionsTranslate complex policy developments into clear and actionable insights for membersRepresentation, stakeholder engagement and eventsRepresent New ERA towards EU institutions, Member States, partner organisations and stakeholdersParticipate in relevant conferences, panels and expert meetingsInitiate and organise advocacy-oriented events (roundtables, workshops, webinars) to support policy influence and visibilityProfileExperience and backgroundAt least 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience in EU public affairs or policy roles (EU institutions, industry associations, NGOs, consultancies or companies)Solid understanding of EU institutions and legislative processesFamiliarity with circular economy policies, and ideally with the packaging, waste or related industrial sectorsSkills and competenciesStrong understanding of EU institutions and legislative decision-makingExcellent analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear messagesStrong advocacy, negotiation and stakeholder management skillsAbility to work autonomously while coordinating effectively within a small, dynamic teamStrategic mindset combined with a hands-on approachEducation and languagesMaster's degree in EU affairs, political science, law, environmental studies or related fieldExcellent command of English (written and spoken); additional EU languages are an assetPersonal qualitiesProactive, structured and politically astuteComfortable representing an organisation externallyStrong sense of responsibility and diplomacy Motivated by impact and committed to accelerating the transition to reuseJob specificationsLocation: The position is based in Brussels, with occasional travel across Europe.Contract: Full-time (38 hours) permanent contract.Remote work: Flexible working arrangements, including the possibility of teleworking.Remuneration: Competitive salary, depending on profile and experience.Holidays: Standard legal holidays (20 days) plus 4 additional days off.Benefits: Meal vouchers provided.How to apply: If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and possess the required skills, send us your CV and cover letter by January 11 to the following email address: info@newreusealliance.eu. The subject line of the email must read: "Head of Public Affairs - First name, Last name". Come join us to make reuse the normImportant notice: New ERA has recently been made aware of a fraudulent job posting circulating on an unaffiliated website. Please note that all legitimate job opportunities are advertised exclusively on New ERA's LinkedIn page, and applications should be submitted only to info@newreusealliance.eu.