ECHA’s Authorisations and Socio-Economic Analysis Unit is responsible for the applications stage of the REACH authorisation process as well as work related to socio-economic analysis, analysis of alternatives and support to substitution to safer chemicals. The unit also provides support and advice to ECHA's stakeholders and the European Commission on aspects related to safe use of substances in articles and downstream user duties, and contributes to the restriction processes (REACH, Batteries and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations) under the coordination of the Restrictions and Risk Assessment Unit (M1).
About the work of the Authorisations and Socio-Economic Analysis (M2) unit
We receive REACH applications for the authorisation of hazardous substance uses in different industries. In addition, we contribute to the development of REACH restriction proposals developed by the Restrictions and Risk Asssement unit (M1) on request of the European Commission or by EU member state authorities when risks are not considered to be adequately controlled by existing regulation. Supported by us, the scientific committees (Risk Assessment Committee - RAC and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee - SEAC) assess all submissions and provide scientific opinions on applications for authorisation and restriction cases. The resulting opinions are sent to the European Commission to support the final decision making. As an important part of chemical risk management activities, socio-economic analysis assesses the impacts of regulation on the EU economy and compares these impacts to the expected gains of environmental and health protection. Another integral part of regulatory activities is the assessment of the availability of technically and economically feasible alternative substances or technologies allowing for the substitution to safer chemicals. In addition to internal process related analyses, the unit promotes these methodologies externally by providing guidance and support to ongoing substitution activities.
Assignment for the traineeship
The objective of this traineeship is to get to know and support the activities of the unit. Depending on the skill set and interest of the successful candidate, the position may be focused more on:
• Socio-economic analysis/cost-benefit analysis, and/or
• The analysis of alternatives in substitution to safer chemicals, and/or
• Involvement in the development of impact assessment methodologies.
Depending on the needs of the Agency and the trainee’s background, the trainee may also be requested to contribute to ECHA’s preparations for its new tasks under other legislations than REACH, such as the Batteries Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, the Toys Safety Regulation, the End of Life of Vehicles Regulation or the Medical Devices Regulation.
Based on own research and other available information sources, the trainee may be asked to carry out analytical tasks, draft written output and present the results. The trainee will work closely with ECHA staff members in and outside the unit and may be required to liaise with ECHA’s stakeholders to obtain relevant information for assessments.
Profile of the trainee
• University degree (minimum B.Sc.) in any of the following study areas:
o (Environmental/health) Economics, business administration or similar
o Chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, environmental sciences or similar
• Ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English
• Good interpersonal skills with a service-oriented approach and team spirit
• Good analytical and research skills (e.g. capacity to analyse, design and/or implement processes)
• Good organisational and administrative skills (e.g. capacity in planning and execution of activities)
• Confidence with IT tools, such as those in MS Office
Starting Date: 1 March 2027
Duration: 6 months
Deadline for applications: 2 November 2026 at noon 12:00 Helsinki time (11:00 a.m. CET)
