Brussels
Senior Public Affairs Manager: Strategic Industry & Economic Security
Languages: Dutch (native), English (fluent)
Role
Senior Public Affairs Manager with strong expertise in EU energy, industrial and transport policy. Operating at the intersection of business, government and European decision-making, you translate complex regulatory developments into clear strategic positioning and actionable advice for clients.
Ability to combine sharp political instinct with analytical depth and commercial awareness. A seasoned public affairs professional in Brussels, who can build long-term, trust-based relationships and thoroughly understands the EU political decision-making and how to navigate institutional dynamics at EU level.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead public affairs strategies on energy transition, infrastructure, ports and industrial policy. Advise on core EU policy themes across industry and transport, including:
- Competitiveness & strategic autonomy
- Industrial and transport decarbonisation
- Infrastructure investment and cross-border connectivity
- Regulatory simplification and investment climate
- Digitalisation and economic security
- Advancing the circular economy
- Translate policy developments into strategic advice, positioning papers and stakeholder strategies.
- Maintain and expand networks across ministries, parliament, agencies, European institutions and industry associations.
- Accompany and represent clients in stakeholder dialogues, consultations and high-level policy discussions.
- Contribute actively to business development and proposal writing.
- Lead, with other seniors, on Publyon’s own marketing and communications.
- Report directly to the Management Team and contribute to the company’s strategic direction.
- Mentor junior colleagues and strengthen internal knowledge development.
Profile
- 6–10+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advisory or a related environment.
- Strong knowledge of EU energy, industrial and/or port policy.
- Excellent command of Dutch and English (spoken and written).
- Strategic thinker with strong political antenna and stakeholder sensitivity.
- Comfortable operating independently in a client-facing leadership role.
- Commercially aware and able to identify growth opportunities.
- Team-oriented with mentoring capabilities.
Personal Development & Growth Path
We believe senior professionals should continue to grow. This role includes a structured development framework:
-
Strategic Deepening
- Exposure to cross-sectoral dossiers (climate, innovation, competition, economic security).
- Development into a trusted board-level advisor.
- Leadership Development
- Tailored coaching trajectory.
- Mentoring and supervision of junior consultants.
- Gradual expansion of team leadership responsibilities.
- Commercial & Entrepreneurial Growth
- Active role in client acquisition and sector development.
- Development of thematic propositions (e.g. hydrogen, maritime decarbonisation).
- Contribution to the firm’s strategic positioning.
- Contribution to the firm’s marketing and external communications
- European Exposure
- Structured involvement in Brussels-based engagements.
- Expansion of EU institutional network.
Application procedure
To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter (in English) explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position to Els Brands at e.brands@publyon.com. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 13 March with ‘Application Senior Public Affairs Manager ’ as subject line.
2 Public Affairs Trainees
We are Publyon
We are strategic advisors in Public Affairs based in Brussels, dedicated to empowering organisations in preparing for the future, especially in the following sectors: sustainability, transport, energy, climate, agrifood and digitalisation.
Publyon supports front runners who want to leave a meaningful legacy and share our values. We partner with our clients, connect with stakeholders and share our expertise to build bridges between policymakers and organisations to ensure a sustainable future.
Making organisations future-proof while societal complexity grows is a tough job. We can only succeed when we do it together, dare to lead and have fun on the go!
We are looking for 2 highly motivated trainees to support our team.
As a Public Affairs trainee you are responsible for:
- Preparing background notes, briefings, reports, and policy-related articles;
- Assisting consultants in conducting research, analysis and monitoring activities for their clients;
- Assisting consultants in the development and execution of Public Affairs and communication strategies;
- Assisting and learning to influence political decision-making through the development and execution of Public Affairs strategies.
Who are you?
- Graduated before February 2026 from a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as European studies, Political Science, International Relations, Communications or other relevant education;
- Previous internship experience within European and/or national institutions and/or Public Affairs is an asset;
- Trainee 1: Excellent spoken and written English and Dutch (Native-speaker level or equivalent).
- Trainee 2: Excellent spoken and written French and English (Native-speaker level or equivalent); a good command of Dutch is a plus.
- Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) as well as basic knowledge of social media;
- Affinity and/or experience with European sustainability policy is a plus;
- Proactive and dynamic person with excellent communication and personal skills;
- Flexible work attitude, hands-on mentality, able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Sound interest in policies related to digital and tech, transport, energy and sustainability at European level.
What we offer
- A dynamic and growing environment where personal development and growth are encouraged;
- An international team of Public Affairs professionals who work hard, but also love to share fun moments together.
Terms and conditions
- The post will be available starting from March 2026;
- Duration: 6 months;
- The traineeship is remunerated under the conditions of the ‘Convention d’immersion professionnelle / Beroepsinlevingsstage’
Application procedure
To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter (in English) explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position to Els Brands at e.brands@publyon.com. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 22 February with ‘Application Public Affairs Trainee’ as subject line. The interviews will take place from 25 February until 4 March.
The Hague
Please check the vacancies at The Hague office by clicking here.