About Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)
Founded in 1948, BIR is the global federation supporting the interests of the recycling industry on an international scale. BIR represents indirectly 30.000 companies in 72 countries and counts over 1000 corporate members from the private sector and 37 national associations. Together, these members form the largest international recycling federation.
BIR covers eight material streams: iron & steel, non-ferrous metals, stainless steel and special alloys, electronics & EV Batteries, paper, textiles, plastics, tyres and rubber. It also encompasses special committees dealing with environmental affairs and international trade. The federation provides a dynamic forum for its members to share their knowledge and experience. It serves as a platform to promote the interests of the global recycling industry at international institutions and forums.
BIR is a non-profit organisation under Belgian law (AISBL), with its registered office headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The BIR Secretariat is composed of an efficient team of 14 professionals.
The Role
The secretariat is looking for an economist to join the team in Brussels. This person will be responsible for producing and analysing statistics across BIR’s eight material streams, helping the team build evidence-based positions on international trade and recycling policy, as well as collating information for BIR Mirrors and commodity statistics.
This is a role for someone who is comfortable working with data but equally comfortable explaining what it means to members, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the wider public.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect, analyse, and maintain trade and industry statistics across BIR’s eight material streams (especially on paper, ferrous and non-ferrous metals)
- Translate complex economic data into clear, accessible language for advocacy purposes
- Coordinate projects with external consultants and maintaining an overview of our various studies
- Support the preparation of reports, briefings, and presentations
- Monitor global trade trends and assess the potential impact of trade policy developments (tariffs, export restrictions, trade agreements) on the recycling industry
- Liaise with member associations and corporate members to gather market intelligence
Qualifications and Experience
- Around 3-5 years of experience in economics, trade analysis, or a related field
- A degree in economics, international trade, political economy, or a related field
- Proficiency with data tools and statistical analysis
- Strong analytical skills of international trade flows and trade policy mechanisms
- Interest in sustainability, circular economy, and/or commodities markets
- Ability to communicate complex economic concepts in plain, impactful language
- Excellent written and spoken English language skills. Additional languages are an asset
- Experience in a trade association or international organisation is an advantage
- Comfortable working autonomously as well as part of a team, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders from diverse professional and geographical backgrounds
Why Join BIR?
- A brand-new role within the team that you will get to shape and own with your own.
- You will be at the heart of a global industry that plays a critical role in the circular economy.
- You will work with an international network of companies and associations, and your analysis will directly inform advocacy at the highest levels of international trade and environmental policy.
