EMAS and Sustainability Unit

The EMAS and Sustainability Unit oversees the coordination and implementation of the European Parliament’s environmental management system with the aim to continuously improve the institution’s environmental performance. We work closely with different services of the Parliament to put in place actions to reduce environmental impacts, uphold stringent internal control standards, and carry out communication and awareness-raising activities in accordance with the EMAS Regulation 1221/2009.

A governance structure, consisting of a Steering Committee for Environmental Management with representatives of Parliament's top management, an Inter-DG Steering Group on Environmental Management with representatives from all Directorates-General and the EMAS and Sustainability Unit, has been set up to organise and ensure a smooth running of the environmental management system. The EMAS and Sustainability Unit organises, prepares, and coordinates appropriate follow-up of these meetings and of EMAS audits.

Our objective is to maintain the Parliament’s Eco-Management Audit Scheme (EMAS) registration, so that Members can rely on and be proud of Parliament’s outstanding environmental management system, certified under the highest EU standard.

The trainee will be mostly working on communication activities but can also expect to assist various colleagues at the EMAS and Sustainability Unit in their work, depending on planning and priorities. They will also regularly engage with staff across all of Parliament's Directorates-General, such as colleagues working on infrastructure, sustainable mobility or public procurement.

Tasks could include, inter alia, supporting the EMAS and Sustainability Unit with:

• Preparing and organising internal communication and awareness-raising activities linked to improving Parliament’s environmental performance;
• Drafting communication materials, such as presentations, electronic posters, articles, data factsheets, and announcement emails for staff and Members at Parliament;
• Preparing meeting minutes, conducting policy research, reporting internally on events attended, and documenting lessons learned from communication campaigns;
• Supporting logistics for meetings and webinars linked to Parliament’s environmental management system;
• Cooperating with relevant internal services, other EU institutions and bodies, and environmental organisations;
• Researching best environmental practices in public and private organisations;
• Preparing training materials and presenting to various audiences during training sessions;
• Developing and taking over the responsibility for implementing thematic communications projects, for example, on waste or commuting;
• Promoting activities by the EMAS and Sustainability Unit and Parliament's sustainability actions at internal and external events;
• Participating in EMAS audits and reporting on them.

The selected candidate will have obtained a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship linked to environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental engineering, sustainable development or related subjects. Additional assets could be practical experience in the field of sustainability, sustainable buildings, communication or environmental management and audits.

The ideal candidate should be creative and motivated to contribute to the improvement of the European Parliament's environmental performance and the day-to-day work of the EMAS and Sustainability Unit.

The candidate should have the following skills and competencies:

• Ability to manage and organise information;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Good analytical skills;
• Good writing skills;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills;
• Adaptability;
• Knowledge of computer applications such as MS Teams, Outlook, Excel;
• Advanced English proficiency.

The following experience and competencies would be of added value:

• Working with the online design tool Canva;
• Experience with data management;
• Experience using a content management system for websites;
• Good knowledge of French.

In the space to upload a motivation letter, please describe an environmental communication campaign you found impactful and explain why (200 words or less).

Please upload your CV and motivation letter as PDF files. The names of both files should include your name and the document type, such as CV or motivation letter.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.