EU Policy Officer (Brussels Stagiaire)

Intern / Student, Full-time · Ibec Europe

JOB DETAILS

Ibec is Ireland’s largest lobby and business representative group. At Ibec, we believe Irish business has the power to improve lives, solve problems, and strengthen society—and for over 30 years, we’ve helped make that happen. Our purpose is clear: to lead and deliver for business success, building a better, more sustainable future for all.

We support and represent thousands of businesses of every size and across sectors, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Through our 39 trade associations, we advocate for a positive business environment with evidence-based policies shaped by our members.

Ibec is world-leading in business representation, engaging key stakeholders locally through our six regional offices and internationally via our Brussels’ office and our networks across the EU, UK, and US. These connections inform and amplify our voice on critical business and economic issues.
We provide trusted insights through market-leading events, economic research, and forecasts that guide business decisions and inform public understanding of the economy.

Supporting businesses also means helping them strengthen their workplaces. As Ireland’s most trusted partner in employment law and HR, we offer comprehensive support in employee and industrial relations, occupational safety and health, and HR policy. Our Ibec Academy delivers accredited learning & development programmes, alongside sector-specific, government-funded training delivered via our trade associations.

Ibec’s Brussels office acts as the primary representation of the Irish business community to the EU. We engage with a wide network of political, institutional and industry stakeholders to protect and promote the interests of Irish enterprise and to champion Ireland's business model and economic priorities in European affairs. We also support the EU activities of our colleagues across Ibec's policy units, sectoral trade associations and regional teams in Ireland.

This is an 11 month contract from January to December 2026. The closing dates for applications is the 23rd December.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our internship is an excellent learning and development opportunity. The successful applicant will support our research, publications, events, communications, outreach, visiting delegations and member services activities, in addition to assisting in general administrative tasks, in preparation for and during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. The successful candidate must be available to take up duty in Brussels at the end of January 2026.

ABOUT YOU

Essential requirements

English at native level
A university degree in a relevant discipline
Knowledge of the EU Institutions and the role of stakeholders in the policy-making process
Good awareness of the Irish political system and wider public policy environment
A keen interest in and/or understanding of enterprise and employers’ issues and a commitment to defending and advancing business interests
Excellent research, report writing, drafting and editing skills
Confident, articulate and highly organised, with keen attention to detail
Comfortable juggling varied tasks in a small and busy team.

Our internship programme is very popular. Due to the large number of applications we receive, thank you in advance for understanding that it is only possible for us to contact shortlisted candidates.

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies 
 
Bias towards action 

Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’. 
Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience. 
Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

 Member and Customer Focus 

Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations. 
Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions. 
Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership 

Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks. 
Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions. 
Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email kenneth.kelly@ibec.ie

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About us

Working in Ibec

Join Ibec and further your career.

Working in Ibec means you are part of an overall effort to deliver on a vision for Ireland to be a balanced, growing and prosperous society. We look to the workplace of the future with the changing needs of our members as well as our workforce to create a dynamic and exciting working environment.
We hire people from many backgrounds who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, professional and, most importantly, passionate about business.

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your interest in Ibec. Please fill out the following short form. Should you have difficulties with the upload of your data, please send an email to kenneth.kelly@ibec.ie.