🇧🇪 Traineeship in Belgium 🌱 Sustainability Public Affairs Trainee Consultant at a Consultancy 📊 (Paid)

If you are a policy nerd passionate about sustainability, energy, transport, circular economy, and agri-food, this paid traineeship at Acumen Public Affairs in Brussels could be perfect for you. You will join the Sustainability Team, monitoring policy, conducting research, and supporting senior consultants, while fast-tracking your career in EU public affairs.

About Acumen

At Acumen, the team has built a culture to meaningfully shape policy and deliver impact that lasts. Acumen prides itself on being the kind of adviser that clients want at their side during their most complex and difficult decisions, offering forward-thinking strategy and steady support. Acumen is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are respected and valued, ensuring all qualified applicants are considered regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, language, religion, disability, age, or socio-economic status.

The Role

Acumen is looking for a Trainee Consultant to join its Sustainability Team. The role includes daily monitoring of various legislative and non-legislative issues, conducting background research, drafting newsletters and policy briefings, and providing overall support to more senior staff members. The selected candidate will work on a variety of topics and assignments spanning a unique client portfolio.

Essential Requirements

🛂 EU national or work permit holder, as the traineeship is in Brussels, Belgium

🌱 Experience gained through previous internship(s) in policy areas related to sustainability (such as agriculture, food, chemicals, climate, energy, and environment); candidates without experience in these sectors will not be considered

🗣️ A perfect command of English; additional language skills are an asset, ideally German or French

🇪🇺 Knowledge of the EU institutions and legislative processes

🗂️ Strong planning skills

✍️ Advanced research and writing skills, including the ability to summarise issues quickly and accurately

📊 Strong PowerPoint skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, visually compelling presentations

🤝 The ability to work in a team while carrying out your own tasks independently and to agreed deadlines

⚡ Flexibility, enthusiasm, and the ability to work under tight deadlines in an international environment

📈 Knowledge of current developments and trends affecting Acumen and its clients' businesses

💻 Proficiency with IT and new media tools

Desirable

🏛️ Previous experience or traineeship in one of the European Institutions

📣 Experience in media relations, such as speaking and pitching to journalists, and drafting press releases or opinion pieces

🌍 An understanding of the civil society environment in Brussels

What They Offer

💶 A six-month paid traineeship

💡 A fantastic work environment where new ideas and approaches are welcome

🎓 Training opportunities on the job, as well as dedicated trainings with experienced industry experts

🧭 Continuous feedback and mentorship from your manager and team members

🚀 Opportunities to broaden your network, expand your knowledge in sustainability topics, and fast-track your career

The Details

📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium

🚀 Start date: September 2026

⏳ Duration: 6 months

How to Apply

Send your resume (saved as firstname_surname_CV) and cover letter (saved as firstname_surname_CL) in PDF format to recruitment@acumenpa.com, with the subject line "Sustainability Trainee application". Applications without either document will not be considered.

👉 Apply by email: recruitment@acumenpa.com