EUISS Traineeship Programme 2025: Develop Expertise in Foreign Policy, Security & Defence

EUISS Traineeship Programme: A Pathway to Expertise in Foreign Policy, Security, and Defence

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) offers a prestigious traineeship programme aimed at postgraduates interested in foreign policy, security, and defence. This opportunity provides a platform for young professionals to gain invaluable hands-on experience while enhancing their research skills and understanding of the strategic challenges facing the European Union.

Objectives of the EUISS Traineeship Programme

The traineeship aims to:

Bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Strengthen research abilities.
Deepen the understanding of EU’s strategic security and defence challenges.
Promote European values related to EU's external action, security, and defence.
Support EUISS operations through on-the-job training.

Traineeship Organisation and Mentorship

The Director of the EUISS determines the number of available traineeships each year, with placements at both the EUISS Paris Headquarters and the EUISS Brussels Liaison Office. Trainees are assigned a Senior Analyst or another qualified mentor who guides them throughout the programme, reviewing their work and offering feedback. Occasionally, trainees may also assist other research team members on specific projects.

Trainees are fully integrated into the EUISS team, contributing to various tasks based on the needs of the organisation. They will also collaborate closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds within the research team.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the EUISS traineeship programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of the European Union member states.
Academic Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Master's degree at the start of the traineeship.
Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential, along with fluency in at least one additional EU language.
Work Experience: While not a strict requirement, prior relevant work experience such as internships, traineeships, or voluntary roles will be considered an asset.

Duration and Conditions

Traineeship Duration: The programme lasts 10 months, beginning on 16 September 2025 and concluding on 15 July 2026. The EUISS reserves the right to adjust the start date when making the offer.
Location: There will be seven trainees based in Paris and two in Brussels.
Grant:
- Paris: Trainees will receive EUR 1,767.15 per month.
- Brussels: Trainees will receive EUR 1,539.45 per month.
Work Hours: Trainees will adhere to the same working hours as EUISS staff, benefiting from teleworking policies (though teleworking from countries outside France or Belgium is largely prohibited).

Additionally, trainees are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month and statutory holidays. They must also have valid health and accident insurance throughout the duration of the traineeship, which the EUISS does not provide.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must:

Complete the online application form.
Attach a detailed CV in English (PDF format).
Submit a cover letter in English (PDF format) addressed to the EUISS Director, outlining the applicant's interest in the traineeship and strengths.

The deadline for submissions is 30 April 2025 at 12:00 CEST. Late applications will not be considered.

Additional Information

Please note that while the EUISS offers a valuable learning experience, it does not cover travel expenses or accommodation costs, nor does it assist with finding accommodation in Paris or Brussels. However, general guidance is provided for trainees regarding housing.

Applicants will be notified about the results of their application by the end of the selection process.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply