Council of Europe Traineeship – Oct 2026 to Mar 2027

About the role

The Council of Europe is offering a traineeship session from October 2026 to March 2027. Around 80 positions are available across a range of departments, allowing participants to contribute to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law while gaining hands‑on experience in an international organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics central to European affairs.
• Assist in drafting reports, studies and policy papers.
• Summarise outcomes of high‑level meetings and expert events.
• Produce communication material such as briefs, newsletters or web content.
• Support the organisation of committee meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Provide day‑to‑day assistance in support functions (e.g., HR, IT, catering, security).

Required profile

• Completed at least three years of university study and hold a first‑cycle degree (or the first year of a Master’s for specific units such as the European Court of Human Rights).
• Strong interest in human rights, public policy, legal affairs or related fields.
• Motivation to work in a multicultural, multilingual environment.

Required skills

• Not specified in the posting.

What we offer

• Mentorship from experienced staff.
• Exposure to European‑wide projects and decision‑making processes.
• Professional development and networking opportunities across Europe.
• Possibility to work in Strasbourg, Brussels, Budapest, Geneva, Graz, Lisbon, Luxembourg or The Hague.