About Cen Cenelec

The more you know about standards, the more you will be able to benefit from them. Standards make our lives safer, simpler, more comfortable and more efficient.

CEN and CENELEC, based in Brussels, are internationally recognized non-profit associations and officially designated European Standardization Organizations (alongside ETSI). Over the last 30 years, the European Standardization System has delivered more than 3600 harmonized standards, allowing industry and SMEs to demonstrate compliance with EU law in a resource and cost-efficient way.

Representing 43 members and employing 95 professionals, we play a pivotal role in driving a resilient, green, and digital EU Single Market.

Click on the 1’30 video to know more; Show websitehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIPkUdRtLlA&t=6s

A harmonised standard is a European standard developed by a recognised European Standards Organisation: CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI. It is created following a request from the European Commission to one of these organisations. Manufacturers, other economic operators, or conformity assessment bodies can use harmonised standards to demonstrate that products, services, or processes comply with relevant EU legislation.

Two years ago, the Harmonised Standards Compliance (HSC) unit was created to enhance the quality of draft standards.

In this role, you will report directly to the Account Manager and work alongside two colleagues. The four main areas of activities are the following:

1. Enforce the correct implementation of the CEN and CENELEC rules for drafting harmonized standards by:

• performing assessment on draft Harmonized Standards content against predefined criteria, to support their compliance with European Legislation.


• engaging with standard drafters to raise awareness on rules and best practices and encourage their application.


• leading training and webinars on the rules and new aspects in the harmonized standards development processes.

1. Propose solutions to diverse issues (incl. recommendations to relevant governing bodies) to enhance the quality and the timeliness of Harmonized Standards:

• analysing the background of the case;


• fact finding; and;


• cross-checking sources;


• keeping abreast of the technical and regulatory activities to support the Technical Bodies.

1. Build relationships and networks:

• Coordinate and cooperate with the European Commission and its contractors to smoothen the development of Harmonized Standards.


• Develop essential relationships with colleagues from other units.

1. Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation for submission to relevant stakeholders (Technical Boards, Administrative Boards, Presidential Committee, other units, etc…).

1. Contributes to the continuous improvement of the digital transformation of the Harmonized standards development process

What will your work life look like with your team and your manager?

• You will report directly to Team Account Manager, Frédéric.


• You will join a team of two project managers who share a common strength: the ability to remain patient, resilient, and diplomatic without engaging in conflict. They are perseverant, adaptable, and thrive on collaboration within a multicultural environment.

• Degree in engineering (industrial engineering, bio engineering, etc), business administration or equivalent


• Very good spoken and written English


• Relevant professional experience in the EU environment is a plus


• Awareness of EU institutions and regulatory processes or willingness to learn about them


• Analytical, curious and have a broad interest in the vast world of (technical) topics that CEN and CENELEC deal with.


• Ability to work against tight deadlines, being structured and organized


• A high capability for prioritization and flexibility, adapting to urgencies


• Ability to understand and act according to standardization rules


• Ability to explain complex matters in a clear and didactical way


• Understand the importance of ‘colouring within the lines’, enforcing complex rules and principles,


• Ability to juggle between political and strategic exchanges and more technical discussions.


• Ability to undertake related administrative tasks.