Intern -Health, Public & Government Affairs Brussels

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. 

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

About Edelman Public and Government Affairs 

Edelman P&GA helps clients navigate evolving geopolitics, build trust, and achieve business success. We are executives, former diplomats, regulatory wonks, and industry experts. We’ve previously worked in all levels of government around the world, so we know how to demystify government systems and processes for our clients. We design innovative strategies, we build trusted partnerships, and we get things done. 

We are a startup within a global communications firm. Our nimble advisory team works fluidly across every key market, while leveraging the trusted expertise of Edelman's 6,000 colleagues worldwide. We are the new guard—entrepreneurs with fresh insights and tailored strategies to achieve our clients’ goals. 

We start with strategy guided by our best-in-class public affairs and government relations teams. Then we integrate Edelman’s unparalleled suite of services—public relations, communications, marketing and digital advocacy and more—to earn the trust of our client’s stakeholders. All in one seamless package. 

About the job:

Do you want to be part of a team developing sophisticated public affairs/policy strategies for clients in the field of health and life sciences? 

Are you interested in developing your career in European healthcare public affairs? 

If so, read on to see if you’d be a good fit for our team in Brussels for a six-month paid internship!  

The Health Team at Edelman Public & Government Affairs (P&GA) Brussels is looking for a talented public affairs professional with keen interest in healthcare public affairs / government affairs. 

The successful candidate will work with our exciting health clients, as well as supporting us develop new business opportunities. We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and writing skills, an eye for detail, a passion for healthcare, and an interest in developing new skills and experience in public affairs.  

Following the global recovery from the pandemic, and with a number of critical health policy proposals on the table, it is THE BEST time to work in EU healthcare public affairs. Join us on our mission to shape legislative initiatives, build reputations, manage issues, and align strategies for our clients. 

• The precise nature of activities will depend on the priorities and client work during the time of the placement, to be agreed. However, the responsibilities and tasks are likely to include the following: 
• Monitoring EU health developments and media and being able to identify and articulate the impact of legislation for clients; 
• Contributing to research and analysis on various health policy issues, reporting of relevant developments, drafting briefings, reports, updates, and other forms of client council; 
• Supporting with other communications, public affairs and government relations activities, as needed; 
• Liaising with European institutions and other organisations; 
• Attending institutional events (European Parliament Committee meetings, European Commission and other stakeholder conferences, etc.) and reporting back; 
• Supporting the team in all client work – from input into strategic advice to direct contact with relevant stakeholders; 
• Policy and media research will be a key part of your daily work. 

• Native or near-native level of English (oral and written) is required; 
• University degree in political science, public affairs, international relations, health / health policy, law, or another relevant field; 
• Excellent analytical and written skills; 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – a positive, reflective approach with a self-learning attitude; 
• Very good knowledge of EU decision making processes and its stakeholders – previous experience working in the EU institutions and / or Executive Agencies, consultancies, or member-based associations (internships) is a specific plus; 
• Ability to work under pressure and on multiple assignments; 
• Proactive approach, willingness to take the initiative and ownership of an assignment; 
• Capability to work effectively in a varied environment and within small dynamic teams; 
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams); 
• Curiosity in how health systems and policymaking processes work.  
• You must also have existing permission or a right to work in Belgium. 

At Edelman, we believe that diversity of all types – gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation, religion, disability, socio-economic background, experience, and more – enriches our work culture. We promote and enhance a diverse, equitable, respectful, and culturally curious workplace that drives innovative thinking, cultivates diverse ideas and fosters collaboration among our people, clients, and partners. We want to make sure that newcomers and existing employees see Edelman as a place where they can work, develop, and advance their careers. For our colleagues to be able to bring all of who they are to the table. Furthermore, we offer: 

- Challenging assignments on topical political issues 

- Mentorship and training 

- An opportunity to learn about policy issues and provide intelligent strategic advice 

- Integration into a dynamic, multi-cultural and motivated team 

- Access to the global P&GA / Edelman network – 65 offices across the globe 

- Hybrid working environment – comfortable office and central location & all necessary technological set-up for working flexibly 

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.