Position Overview
COCIR is looking for a motivated and proactive Research Assistant to the Secretary General to provide strategic and operational support to the Secretary General and contribute to the association’s growth objectives through membership development, member engagement, business development, and stakeholder relations activities.
The intern will work closely with the Secretary General and the COCIR team, supporting research, analysis, and initiatives that contribute to the association’s strategic priorities. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the management of a European trade association, including membership growth strategies, industry trends, stakeholder engagement, and business development activities.
The intern will support the identification and engagement of potential new members, the maintenance and development of relationships with existing members, communication activities, and initiatives aimed at strengthening COCIR’s value proposition within the healthcare and medical technology ecosystem.
This 6-month internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a well-established European trade association, working closely with the Secretary General, COCIR staff, members, stakeholders, and representatives of the European healthcare industry.
Key Responsibilities
Membership Development & Member Relations
- Support the identification and mapping of potential new member companies and national associations within the healthcare and medical technology sectors.
- Conduct research using the latest AI tools and data analytics platforms to identify relevant companies, market segments, and industry stakeholders aligned with COCIR’s membership growth
- Support outreach activities towards prospective members, including the preparation of contact lists, introductory communications, and follow-up
- Maintain and update membership databases, CRM tools, and internal
- Assist in monitoring member engagement and supporting initiatives aimed at increasing member satisfaction and retention.
- Support the preparation of membership materials, presentations, and value proposition
Business Development Support
- Assist in identifying business development opportunities and potential
- Conduct market and sector research to support strategic
- Support the preparation of presentations, reports, and background materials for meetings with members and external stakeholders.
- Assist in analyzing membership trends and contribute ideas to improve member engagement and
Communication & Administrative Support
- Support communication activities for members and stakeholders, including newsletters, mailings, and targeted communications.
- Assist with the organization of member meetings, workshops, and networking
- Provide administrative support related to membership management, databases, documentation, and internal processes.
- Contribute to maintaining accurate records and improving membership-related
Experience
Mandatory
- Interest in business development, membership management, stakeholder relations, or association
- Experience using AI tools, databases, CRM systems, or digital
- Previous internship, academic project, or practical experience in administration, communication, business development, marketing, or related field is an asset.
- Interest in healthcare, medical technology, or the European business
Considered an Asset
- Experience in market analysis and industry
- Previous experience in an international organization, trade association, consultancy, or similar
Education
- A degree or relevant academic or professional background in fields such as Business Administration, Marketing, Data Analysis, Communication, European Affairs, International Relations, Business, Healthcare Management, or related
- Knowledge of experience in the healthcare and medical technology sectors is an
Technical & Communication Skills
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with excellent attention to
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external
- Proactive, curious, and eager to
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in an international
- Good analytical skills and ability to conduct research using AI and data analytics
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Experience with CRM systems, databases, Canva, or communication tools is an
Language Requirements
- Excellent command of English, both written and
- Knowledge of French or another EU language is an
What We Offer
- A paid 6-month internship contract under Belgian law, including additional benefits.
- The opportunity to work directly with the Secretary General, gaining exposure to strategic decision-making processes, membership development initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities at the European level.
- A unique opportunity to gain experience in a respected European trade association representing leading healthcare technology companies.
- The opportunity to contribute to business development, membership relations, and stakeholder management
- The chance to work with a diverse network of healthcare industry professionals and international
- Plenty of opportunities to develop professional skills in research, analysis, communication, and association
- A dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive international working environment in
Ideal starting date: 1 September 2026
Please send your CV and motivation letter by 17 August 2026 at the latest to: [email protected].
Interviews will start in the second half of August (first-round interviews can also be held virtually). Please note that due to the expected high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.