Traineeship Programme
Start your career at the heart of Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
- Work alongside experts from across Europe, get involved in meaningful projects, and develop professional skills through mentoring and networking.
- This is your opportunity to make a real impact while shaping your international career.
As a Council of Europe trainee, you’ll dive straight into meaningful work – and you won’t be on your own. An experienced mentor will support and guide you as you take on tasks such as researching key issues to draft documents, helping organise international events, and supporting co-ordination between different teams and stakeholders.
This real-world experience lets you develop vital skills in research, analysis, writing, and effective teamwork with people from across Europe. Whether you’re considering a career in international organisations, government, NGOs, or beyond, the skills and networks you gain here prepare you for a wide range of exciting professional paths.
- at least 18 years old by the application deadline
- very good knowledge of English or French (unless the traineeship description indicates otherwise)
- citizen of a Council of Europe member state
- no prior traineeship, study visit, or employment with the Council of Europe
- minimum of three years of university studies and a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree awarded before the application deadline (unless the traineeship description of your chosen team(s) indicates otherwise)
- not be a child, stepchild, grandchild or parent of a current staff member
TRAINEESHIP DETAILS
What we offer
Duration: 6 months
Health insurance: provided, but possible to opt-out
Number of places: about 80 per session
Work arrangements:
- full-time
- if feasible, remote work is allowed for up to 50% in each two-week period
- 2.5 days of leave per month worked (can be taken in accumulation)
Locations: trainees are based in Strasbourg (France), unless the traineeship description indicates otherwise
What you will gain
The opportunity to contribute to the daily work of the guardian of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe
Professional support from a mentor throughout your traineeship
A network of professionals working on human rights, democracy and the rule of law
A meaningful professional experience in a multicultural environment in fields like research, drafting, meeting organisation, and communication
Teams focus on different themes, so take time to read the traineeship descriptions carefully before applying.
HOW TO APPLY?
Should you have any other question, please refer to our FAQ.
Before applying, please read the vacancy notice carefully and consult the specific description page, as they contain the specific requirements and skills that we are looking for. You’ll need to meet all eligibility criteria and essential competencies listed.
You can only fill in the application form from the Council of Europe Careers Portal. You will be given the option to complete it manually or to upload your CV to automatically fill some parts of the application form. Please note that we will only consider your application form and that your CV will not be considered or even saved.
No additional documents are required at this stage. Please note that, for security reasons, hyperlinks included in your application will not be accessed.
Remember, we cannot accept applications submitted by email and applications sent after the deadline cannot be considered, so it’s best to apply in good time!
Application
4-17 June
Check that you fulfil all the eligibility requirements and carefully read the vacancy notice of the unit you wish to apply to.
Application screening
Late June
The Directorate of Human Resources checks that incoming applications fulfil all the necessary criteria and then forwards the valid applications to the respective teams.
Interview
July
Candidates who have been shortlisted may be invited to attend an online interview.
Outcome notification
Mid-July
All candidates are informed about whether they will receive a traineeship offer, be placed on a waiting list, or their application is rejected.
If you are placed on the waiting list, you may be offered a traineeship if a selected candidate withdraws.
Signature of the traineeship agreement
Late July
Selected candidates will be asked to confirm that they accept the offer and to provide information necessary to prepare their agreement. They will receive their agreement by e-mail for signature before completing pre-arrival formalities.
Start of the traineeship
September / October
Your traineeship will begin on the agreed start date. Welcome to the Council of Europe!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
As an equal opportunity employer, the Council of Europe welcomes applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion or belief. Specific measures can be taken to ensure access for people with special needs, including disabilities; do not hesitate to contact us in this regard.
The applications for the next traineeship session are open until
17 June 2026
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels they belong. Should you require any form of assistance during your application and/or traineeship owing to disability or specific needs, please reach out to us.
We approach every request individually and will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met respectfully and confidentially. Your experience with us matters, and we are committed to making the selection process and the traineeship as fair and comfortable as possible for everyone.
