Sustainability – Public Affairs – Senior Consultant

acumen public affairs; Brussel Hoofdstad; Sur place; EUR 70 000 - 110 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Acumen is seeking a Senior Consultant to lead our Sustainability team in Brussels. You will manage client relationships, steer projects, and develop high-level policy analysis and advocacy strategies for circular economy files.

You’ll collaborate with colleagues across EU institutions, coach Juniors, and identify new business opportunities while delivering clear, impactful outputs under tight deadlines in an international setting.

Qualifications

• EU national or Belgian work permit holder
• Fluent English; additional languages are an asset
• Ability to lead projects and project teams and deliver high-quality outputs
• Advanced writing skills and ability to summarise complex issues for different audiences
• Strong organisational and project management skills with proven track record
• Flexibility and energy to work under tight deadlines in an international environment
• Ability to work in a team, and independently with agreed deadlines
• Proficient with IT and new media tools
• Good references

Responsabilités

• Lead client accounts and projects within the Sustainability team in Brussels.
• Draft high-level policy analysis and advocacy strategy.
• Represent Acumen in external engagements.
• Identify new business opportunities.
• Coach and review work of junior team members.

Connaissances

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Strategic policy analysis

Advocacy strategy

Mentoring junior colleagues

Excellent writing

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Deadline adaptability

Description du poste

Sustainability – Public Affairs – Senior Consultant

Are you a public affairs professional with a track record on circularity files, ready to take on greater ownership, leading client accounts, shaping strategy, and mentoring junior colleagues? Are you energised by the pace of the EU's circular economy agenda and want to be at the table as it's written?Then this opportunity is for you.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a Senior Consultant to take a leading role within our Sustainability team in Brussels. The candidate will manage client relationships directly, lead projects, and support in developing the type of strategic advice that some of the most active files in Brussels demand right now.

The role includes working in client accounts, drafting high-level policy analysis and advocacy strategy, representing Acumen in external engagements, identifying new business opportunities, and coaching and reviewing the work of junior team members.

• EU national or Belgian work permit holder
• Perfect command of English; additional languages are an asset
• A client-oriented mindset, ability to lead projects and project teams and deliver high quality outputs
• Advanced writing skills and ability to summarise complex issues to different audiences
• Strong organisational and project management skills, proven through concrete previous examples and track record
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and ability to work under tight deadlines in an international environment
• Ability to work in a team, whilst at the same time carrying out own tasks independently and to agreed deadlines
• Proficient with IT and new media tools
• Good references

Experience and knowledge:

• At least three years of relevant experience working on circularity and resource-efficiency files, gained in an EU institution, consultancy, an in-house public affairs role, a trade association, or an NGO
• Strong working knowledge of EU institutions and the legislative process, with hands-on experience across circular economy and product policy files
• Applied experience on one or more of the following issues is expected: the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
• Ready to take (we are talking “plug-and-play” type of ready) on advisory work as the Circular Economy Act and the European Product Act move through consultation and legislative development
• Familiarity with low-carbon solutions and industrial decarbonisation policy (e.g. Clean Industrial Deal, CBAM, industrial decarbonisation frameworks) is a strong additional asset
• Experience in policy monitoring and coalition-building is a plus
• Prior experience contributing to business development (proposals, pitches, client scoping) is also a strong asset

Why you should join us?

Why you should join us?

• Collaborative Culture: You’ll be part of an innovative, forward-thinking team where your ideas matter, and every voice is valued.
• Impactful Work: Shape strategies that make a real difference in a dynamic and evolving political landscape, influencing key decisions and policies.
• Room to Grow: We foster a supportive, inspiring environment with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development. Your expertise will be recognized, and your career will flourish.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary, aligned with your experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.
• Continuous Learning: From on-the-job experience to dedicated trainings with industry experts, we’re committed to your professional growth.

About Acumen:

At Acumen, we have built a culture to meaningfully shape policy and deliver impact that lasts. We bring more than an experienced counsel and a winning record to the table. We pride ourselves in being the kind of advisers that clients want at their side during their most complex, difficult decisions. Passionate, committed, and genuinely client-focused, we take pride in offering forward-thinking strategy and steady support. We are always looking for the best talent to contribute to our purpose. Acumen is not just a great place to work; it’s a place where you can make a real difference.

At Acumen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are respected and valued. We ensure all qualified applicants are considered regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, language, religion, disability, age, or socio-economic status.

We believe that our team’s diverse experiences and viewpoints are key to driving innovation and success, and we are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.