It’s a difficult world to get into, that of Diplomacy, and we at the Young Diplomats want to help you with an overview of some of the main opportunities in European Diplomacy for recently graduated Young Diplomats. All the information here is relevant for anyone interested in diplomacy, however when there are nationality limits or requirements, we will mention it below. Also make sure to look out for our wonderful events which will also be of great interest for all those looking to get into a diplomatic career, keep track of our events on our website, or on facebook and twitter!
If you have any other suggestions of traineeships or internships we should highlight on our page, please email us at young.diplomats@coleurope.eu
Page Last Updated: 17/01/2021
Upcoming application deadlines and useful career related events
29 January 2021 | Application deadline for Bluebook traineeships |
31 January 2021 | Application deadline for JPD (EEAS) |
X January 2021 | College of Europe Networking Evening 2020-2021, 20.00-2200 PHS, Room A+B & Foyer |
4-5 February 2021 | |
26 February 2021 | Virtual Careers Fair (organized by the College of Europe, LSE, Sciences Po), 8.00am – 11.00am |
European Union Institutions
Twice a year, the Commission offers 5-month long paid, administrative or translation traineeships in EU Directorates, Institutions and Agencies. Starting on 1 March or 1 October, trainees gain hands-on experience in EU policymaking in a multicultural environment. Trainees work in the European Commission, its services and agencies, mostly in Brussels, but also in Luxembourg and elsewhere across and beyond the European Union. The nature of your work will depend on the service you are assigned to. You may, for example, work in the field of competition law, human resources, environmental policy. A bluebook traineeship offers unique insight into the processes and policies of the European Institutions, the opportunity to contribute to the day-to-day work of the Commission as well as to put academic theory into practice.
For the upcoming cycle of bluebook traineeships (1 October 2021 – 28 February 2022), applications are open from 5 January 2021 until 29 January 2021 (12:00, midday, Brussels time). The first cycle of 2022 lasts from 1 March 2022 until 31 July 2022.
More information on the application procedure
Main requirements: – Have completed a standard 3-year higher education degree (180 credits), corresponding to a complete bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent. – Have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency, delegation, with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), or Advocate Generals at the Court of Justice of the European Union (EUCJ). – Have a very good knowledge of languages: o For the administrative traineeship – you must have a very good knowledge (C1/2 level) of two EU official languages, one of which must be a procedural language: English or French or German. For non-EU nationals, only one procedural language is required. o For the translation traineeship in the Directorate-General for Translation (DGT) – you must be able to translate into your main/target language (normally your mother tongue), from two other official EU languages (‘source languages’). |
The Schuman traineeships are remunerated (around 1,300 €) and can be undertaken at one of the European Parliament’s official places of work – Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg – or in its Liaison Offices in the Member States. The traineeships may be undertaken in a wide variety of fields, such as EU internal and external policies, finance, law, multilingualism, administration, infrastructure and logistics, communication or IT. The goal of the Schuman traineeships is to contribute to EU citizens’ European education and vocational training and to provide an insight into the work of the European Parliament. The Schuman Traineeships last 5 months and are offered from March until July (application in November) and from October until February (application in June).
More information on the application procedure
Main requirements: – Be aged 18+; – Be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or an accession/candidate country (a very limited number of traineeships to nationals of other countries can also be offered); – Fulfil the language requirement (i.e. thorough knowledge of two of the official languages of the European Union); – Provide a university level diploma(s); – Provide an eligible criminal record; – Not have worked for more than two consecutive months within an EU institution or body; – Not have carried out a Study Visit in the Secretariat of the European Parliament six months prior to the beginning of the traineeship. |
List of vacancies
Traineeships in EU Delegations provide trainees with a unique experience about the daily work of an EU Delegation while learning about the external representation of the EU’s interests and values. They offer trainees the possibility to discover directly the multicultural, multilingual and multi-ethnic working environment of a Delegation. Traineeships are offered under four different pillars:
- Funded traineeships for young graduates with less than one year of professional experience;
- Unfunded compulsory traineeships for students already residing and studying in the host country;
- Traineeships for students of national administration schools of Member States;
- Traineeships for trainee civil servants of an administration in a Member State as part of their compulsory professional training.
Main requirements: – Be a citizen of an EU Member State, from a candidate country which signed an accession agreement with the EU or a citizen from the host country of the Delegation. – For funded traineeships, applicants must have graduated from a university or equivalent higher-education establishment with at least a bachelor’s degree; For unfunded compulsory traineeships, applicants shall be 3rd ,4th or 5th year students in a University or another higher-education establishment. – Good knowledge of the working languages of the EU Delegation. – No previous paid or unpaid training or employment of more than 6 weeks within an EU institution, body, agency or office. |
The aim of the Junior Professional in Delegation (JPD) program is to enable young people to gain a first-hand experience in the work of EU Delegations and an in-depth understanding of their role in the implementation of EU external policies. Every 24 months, the EEAS and the EC open a call for expression of interests. Junior Professionals can work in one of the 143 EU Delegations and can be posted, depending on the nature of their tasks, in the EEAS sections (for political, press and information functions) or in the EC sections (for aid management, trade, economic issues, etc.). For the round 2021-2023, the EEAS and the EC will finance a minimum 54 JPDs posts (2 per Member State). Additional posts might be financed through voluntary contributions of EU Member States. Selected candidates will be offered a single traineeship agreement of a fixed-term of twelve (12) months, which can be renewed for another period of twelve (12) months. The monthly remuneration amounts to approximately 2500€ and an additional contribution of approx. 5600€ for each period of 12 months.
Main requirements: – Be a national from an EU Member State, – Hold at least a university degree equivalent to the master’s degree in a domain relevant to the activities of the Delegations; – Have excellent command of English and/or French; knowledge of other languages is an asset; – Show a great interest and motivation to work in a Delegation; – Professional experience, extra-curriculum activities such as volunteering or publications, is an important asset. |
Calendar:
Launch of the 2021 ROUND | 4 January 2021 |
Deadline for applications to Member States | 31 January 2021 |
Lists of pre-selected candidates submitted to EEAS and Commission by the MS | 28 April 2021 |
Selection panels at EEAS & Commission and matching process (who goes where) | May 2021 |
Communication of results to Member States | June 2021 |
Traineeship offers sent to candidates | June 2021 |
Reception of documents required from selected candidates | 30 June 2021 |
Obligatory Induction Training | September 2021 |
Beginning of traineeships in EU Delegations | September / October 2021 |
For more information on how to apply and on the selection process see: https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/2463/call-expression-interests-junior-professionals-delegation-jpd-programme-open-4th-january-2021_en
The United Nations
Overview of all UN career possibilities: careers.un.org
The UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified professionals to start a career as an international civil servant within the UN Secretariat. It consists of an entrance examination process and professional development once successful candidates start their career with the UN. The YPP examination is held once a year in different subject areas, depending on the needs of the UN.
YPP is open to nationals of participating countries. The list of participating countries varies from year to year.
The application period typically opens in June each year. Those interested can apply via Inspira.
Main requirements: – Be a national of a participating country – Hold at least a first-level university degree relevant for the exam – Be 32 years old or younger in the year of examination – Be fluent in either English or French |
The JPO Programme recruits Junior Professional Officers for the UN Secretariat. JPOs are recruited under bilateral agreements between the UN and donor countries. JPOs are generally nationals of donor countries, however some donors also finance nationals of developing countries. The number of sponsored positions varies from year to year and by donor country. Initially JPOs are granted a one-year appointment which may be extended, with the agreement of the donor country, and on the basis of good performance. There is no expectation of being selected for a regular staff position.
AS JPO’s appointments usually are in the UN Secretariat, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), International Court of Justice, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),…
Main requirements: – Hold an advanced university degree – Have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience – Have strong command of one of the working languages of the United Nations, English or French; an additional official language is an asset – Be 32 years of age or younger, but this varies by donor country |
The objective of the UN internship is to give a first-hand impression of the day-to-day working environment of the United Nations. The internship program lasts for at least two months and can be as long as six months. Once selected, you must begin your internship either prior to or within one year of graduation. UN interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Main requirements: – Be enrolled in a master’s or in a Ph.D. program, or in the final year of a bachelor’s program; or within one year after graduation from a bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. program – Have an excellent command of English or French – Be neither a child nor a sibling of a UN Secretariat staff member |
Every year, up to 8,000 UN Volunteers work in some 130 countries promoting peace, responding to disasters, empowering communities and helping to build sustainable livelihoods and lasting development. UNV regularly publish selected volunteer opportunities. It is possible to volunteer abroad, in your home country or even online. You must first create your profile in the UNV Global Talent Pool to apply. Being a UN Volunteer is not a career (you are currently limited to four years of service), but it is rich with opportunities and experience and offers huge personal rewards. As a UN Volunteer you receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which covers basic needs, housing and utilities. Additionally, UNV will provide a setting-in-grant, life, health, and permanent disability insurance, return airfares and a nominal resettlement allowance. Profiles, which are particularly in demand include development and project management, legal affairs, political science, public information, engineering and health.
Main requirements to serve as an international volunteer: – 25 years old and older (no upper age limit); – University degree or higher technical diploma; – At least two years of relevant work experience in a professional background; – Good working knowledge of English, Spanish or French; – Commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism; – Ability to work in a multicultural environment; – Willingness to work with people and local organizations; – Ability to adjust to difficult living conditions and sometimes to remote locations; – Strong interpersonal and organizational skills… |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Find more information here
The NATO offers two Internship Programmes at its HQ in Brussels, the NATO-funded Programme (open once a year to all eligible candidates) as well as the GRANT-funded Programme (which will open again in 2021). The NATO Internship Programme has four main objectives:
- To provide the Organization with access to the latest theoretical and technical knowledge that the intern can apply through practical work assignments, as well as with additional staff resources.
- To provide interns with an opportunity to learn from the NATO community and get a better understanding and a more balanced view of the Organization.
- To contribute to creating a more diverse workforce.
- To expand an understanding of NATO in Alliance countries.
During the internship, an Induction programme and various briefings to provide an overview of NATO’s activities and structure are organized. The monthly briefings constitute a unique opportunity to meet and discuss topics of interest with highly experienced staff across the Alliance. Visits to external institutions are also part of the training programme.
NATO internship programmes include the following:
- NATO IS/IMS Internship Programme
- NATO Defense College Internship Programme
- SHAPE Internship Programme
- NSPA Internships
- HQ LC Internship Programme (Izmir)
- ACT Internship Programme
- NCI Agency Internship Programme
- HQ AIRCOM Internship Programme
- CSO Internship Programme
Main requirements: – Over 21 years of age – Citizen of a NATO Member State. – Be a university student (i.e. have completed at least two years successfully and are enrolled in your third year) or have obtained your highest degree less than a year ago – Proficiency in one of the two official NATO languages (English and French), and a working knowledge of the other will be considered as an asset. Knowledge of other languages will be an advantage as specified in the internship description. |
The NATO-wide Young Professionals Programme (YPP) aims to attract and develop highly talented professionals, who are interested in accelerating their career through entry-level positions at NATO. Successful candidates will have the possibility to work in various areas in different NATO bodies and experience a range of activities across the Alliance.
The YPP will take in participants every year for a period of three years. Throughout the Programme each Young Professional will be assigned to three different NATO bodies, spending one year in each. This will give them a broad understanding of NATO and opportunities to develop many competences, while working on particular functions from the perspectives of the NATO bodies concerned.
Main requirements : – Over 21 years of age; – Be a national of a NATO Member State; – Have at least one year of demonstrated professional experience, including full-time employment, temporary assignments and internships; – Hold a master’s degree or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing; – Have advanced language skills in at least one of the two official NATO languages (English/French). – Specific requirements might apply depending on the vacancy advertisement. |
World Trade Organization
The WTO Internship Program provides an opportunity for post-graduate students from WTO member and observer countries to gain valuable experience from working at the WTO HQ in Geneva. Assignments given to interns are intended to enhance the individual’s understanding of the WTO and of trade policy more generally. However, internships include opportunities in other specialist areas, such as finance, human resources, language services, IT and communications, as well. The division to which the intern is assigned determines the precise nature of the work to be undertaken. Many interns work in the following areas:
- Trade law
- Economics
- Statistics
- Trade policy
- Languages
- Administration (procurement, finance, human resources)
- Information, communication and external relations
- Information management
Internships at the WTO last up to six months. Interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including week-ends and official holidays falling within the selected period).
Main requirements: – Be a national of a WTO member state or a country or customs territory engaged in accession negotiations – Have completed his/her undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline and have completed at least one year of his/her postgraduate studies – Be at least 21 years old and a maximum of 30 years old during the internship. |
The WTO Young Professionals Program was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. The program aims to attract professionals from under-represented countries who can consequently improve their chances of being recruited by the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The program is part of the Secretariat’s efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership.
The selected young professionals are allocated to a specific division of the WTO Secretariat in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organization and based on the areas of interest of the young professional. The areas of work may include accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, government procurement, competition policy, market access, rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance. The Young Professionals Programme lasts for one year (without possibility of extension). Participants in the programme receive a monthly salary of CHF 3,500. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.
Main requirements: – Be a national of a WTO member state – Have an advanced university degree in law, economics, and other international trade-related subjects relevant to WTO work – Have a minimum of two years’ relevant experience – Demonstrate a high level of interest in international trade and commitment to WTO-related work – Be fluent in English. A good working knowledge of one of the WTO’s other official languages, French or Spanish, would be an advantage |
Other International Organization Traineeships
Vacancies: https://www.coe-recruitment.com/index.aspx
Council of Europe Traineeships
Twice per year the Council of Europe welcomes young graduates as trainees. This is a chance to gain valuable experience in a complex multi-cultural and stimulating work environment. The traineeships last from eight weeks to five months, can be undertaken in Strasbourg or in one of our field offices and are remunerated. The typical responsibilities given to trainees include research work; preparation of draft reports and studies for meetings of experts; drafting of meeting reports; assistance with work in hand; committee organization; and updating websites. The Council of Europe provides a comprehensive induction program for trainees which allows them to discover the structures, activities and international co-operation procedures followed by the Council of Europe, including the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Trainees may attend conferences held within the Organization, sittings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and meetings that may take place during their stay in Strasbourg or in the field. There are two official traineeship sessions each year: (1) beginning in March until July (application deadline in September) and (2) September until January (application deadline in February).
Main requirements: – Have the nationality of one of the Council of Europe member states; – Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (a diploma for the first cycle of higher education as defined in the Bologna Declaration). – Have a desire to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the functioning and activities of the Council of Europe; – Have a very good knowledge of one of the two Council of Europe official languages (English or French) together with good drafting ability. Good knowledge of the other official language is appreciated. |
Vacancies: https://jobs.efta.int/vacancies.html
EFTA traineeships and the Short Term Expert Position provide young professionals and recent graduates with a unique opportunity to experience and participate in the work of the Association and learn about the inner workings of e.g. the EEA Agreement or grants management. Opportunities for traineeships and Short Term Expert Positions are regularly offered in the following fields/sections:
- EFTA Secretariat (Geneva, Brussels, Luxembourg), 11 months, recent graduates, open to EFTA nationals
- Financial Mechanism Office (Brussels), 12 months, recent graduates, open to EEA EFTA nationals and with exception for the Roma Inclusion traineeship also open to EU nationals
- EFTA Trade Relations Divisions (Geneva), 5-6 months, young professionals, customs officials and recent graduates with similar experience can be considered, open to EFTA nationals
- EFTA Statistical Office (Luxemburg), 5-6 months, Young Professionals from statistics authorities
Vacancies: https://oecd.taleo.net/careersection/ext/joblist.ftl?lang=en
OECD Internship Program is designed to bring highly qualified and motivated students with diverse backgrounds into the Organization to work on projects linked to the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General and to support the corporate functions of the Organization. Its main goal is to give successful candidates the opportunity to improve their analytical and technical skills in an international environment. The Internship Program is open on an on-going basis. Students enrolled at a fully accredited degree program (Bachelor, Master, PhD) during the entire duration of their internship can apply online. Selected interns are expected to work remotely until further notice.
The majority of internships are based in Paris, France. Interns can come from any country (i.e. not only OECD member countries). Successful candidates will carry out research and provide support to Policy Analysts in one of the following areas: Artificial Intelligence, Bribery and corruption, Climate, Competition, Corporate Governance, Development, Digitalization, Economics, Education and Skills, Employment, Energy, Environment, Finance, Gender and Diversity, Health, Inclusive Growth, Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Insurance and Pensions, International Migration, Investment, Public Governance, Regional Development, Regulatory Reform, Science and Technology, Statistics, Tax, Tourism, Trade and Agriculture, Transport etc.
Main requirements: – Be enrolled in a full-time degree program for the duration of the internship in a field or discipline related to the work of the OECD; – Be available for a minimum internship duration of one month; – Have an excellent command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn the other. Knowledge of other languages used at the OECD would be an advantage; – Possess solid quantitative and IT skills; – Demonstrate excellent drafting and communication skills; – Be capable of working in multicultural and international team environment. |
Vacancies: https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies?f%5B0%5D=item_type%3AIntern
The OSCE Internship Program provides a framework for graduate/postgraduate students or recent graduates or postgraduates (within two years of graduation) to develop their professional skills and gain practical work experience in an international environment. The aim of the program is to expose interns to the work of the OSCE and to provide OSCE departments with qualified and specialized assistance in various professional fields.
The OSCE offers a limited number of places for interns that are filled subject to the current needs and facilities of various Departments. Internships usually last between two to six months and do not constitute a commitment to future employment with the OSCE. The internship can be caried out in the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna or in one of the international missions / field operations.
OSCE internships are unpaid. However, selected candidates who are non-residents at the duty station may be entitled to partial compensation towards their living expenses.
Main requirements: – Students in the final year of higher education (university or other accredited institution) at graduate or postgraduate level; or recent graduates or postgraduates, i.e. within two years of graduation. – The upper age limit for applicants is 30 years. – Applicants should have a working knowledge of English, both oral and written and computer literacy. – Be able to adapt to an international, multicultural working environment. – In addition to these minimal requirements, some field operations may require working knowledge of Russian or additional requirements, which will be listed in the vacancy notice. |
Other types of OSCE employments:
Vacancies: https://careers.icrc.org/go/All-Jobs/3807301/
The ICRC offers traineeships and other professional opportunities within a variety of departments, mostly based at their headquarters in Geneva or, in a few cases, at its diplomatic delegations around the world.
Every year, more than 80 ‟associate” positions at the Geneva headquarters are open to recent graduates, as a first professional opportunity to develop their expertise and benefit from an enriching professional experience in the world’s leading humanitarian organization. For a period of up to 12 months, you will join one of the ICRC’s departments, such as International Law and Policy, Communication and Information Management, Operations, Financial Resources and Logistics, and Human Resources. You will contribute to the work of the ICRC, including in the fields of research, evaluation, analysis and/or writing. The ICRC offers paid traineeships in which all associates receive a gross monthly salary of CHF 3,567. The traineeships include an informal buddy program to welcome and support newcomers and both formal and informal training opportunities, including an initial three-day training program, access to the ICRC online learning platform and cohesive on-the-job learning.
Main requirement: – No more than one year of professional experience since graduation (in relation to the position), or two years if you have been in previous traineeships. |
Links to job advertisements of various EU agencies, bodies and offices
Agency, body, office | Abbreviation | Location |
ACER | SLOVENIA, Ljubljana | |
BBI | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
BEREC | LATVIA, Riga | |
CdT | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
CEDEFOP | GREECE, Thessaloniki | |
CEPOL | HUNGARY, Budapest | |
CHAFEA | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
CoR | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
CPVO | FRANCE, Angers | |
CSJU | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
CURIA | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
EASA | GERMANY, Koln | |
EASME | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EASO | MALTA, Valletta | |
EBA | FRANCE, Paris | |
ECB | GERMANY, Frankfurt am Main | |
ECDC | SWEDEN, Solna | |
ECHA | FINLAND, Helsinki | |
Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership Joint Undertaking | ECSELJU | BELGIUM, Brussels |
EDA | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EDPS | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EEA | DENMARK, Copenhagen | |
EEAS | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EESC | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EFCA | SPAIN, Vigo | |
EFSA | ITALY, Parma | |
EIB | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
EIGE | LITHUANIA, Vilnius | |
EIOPA | GERMANY, Frankfurt am Main | |
EIP | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EIPA | THE NETHERLANDS, Maastricht | |
EIT | HUNGARY, Budapest | |
EIT-Health | GERMANY, Munich | |
ELA | SLOVAKIA, Bratislava | |
EMA | THE NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam | |
EMCDDA | PORTUGAL, Lisbon | |
EMSA | PORTUGAL, Lisbon | |
ENISA | GREECE, Heraklion (Crete) | |
EO | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EPC | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
EPPO | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
EPSO | EU | |
ERA | FRANCE, Valenciennes | |
ERCEA | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
ESA | FRANCE, Paris | |
ESM | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
ESMA | FRANCE, Paris | |
ESO | GERMANY, Munich | |
ESPON | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
ETF | ITALY, Torino | |
EU-LISA | ESTONIA, Tallinn | |
EU-OSHA | SPAIN, Bilbao | |
EUI | ITALY, Firenze | |
EUIPO | SPAIN, Alicante | |
EUISS | FRANCE, Paris | |
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions | EUROFOUND | IRELAND, Dublin |
EUROHPC-JU | LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg | |
EUROJUST | THE NETHERLANDS, The Hague | |
EUROPOL | THE NETHERLANDS, The Hague | |
F4E | SPAIN, Barcelona | |
FCH | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
FRA | AUSTRIA, Vienna | |
FRONTEX | POLAND, Warsaw | |
GSA | CZECH REPUBLIC, Prague | |
IMI | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
INEA | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
OLAF | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
REA | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
SatCen | SPAIN, Madrid | |
Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office | SCP-KS | THE NETHERLANDS, The Hague |
SESARJU | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
Shift2Rail | BELGIUM, Brussels | |
SRB | BELGIUM, Brussels |