Traineeships - Departments - Jobs and Traineeships

New Democratic Pact for Europe

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will help shape a New Democratic Pact for Europe and focus on participating in:

carrying out research work, tracking innovations and contributing to drafting reports in a range of issues and fields related to democracy and democratic security;
preparing and delivering high-profile events, conferences and workshops on democracy, including preparing lists of participants, communicating with speakers, collecting speaking notes and drafting talking points or other meeting documents;
liaising with civil society organisations, youth groups, and member state representatives.
collecting, organising, updating and analysing data and contributions linked to the team’s work;
contributing to the reporting and communication on achievements and progress;
drafting communications and outreach for online, social or print media, updating and promoting key initiatives to broader audiences;
attending and participating in meetings and reporting on them.

Competencies:

Drafting
Analysis and Problem Solving
Planning and Work Organisation
Creativity and Innovation
Communication
Teamwork and Co-operation
Relationship Building

Media Department

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

participating in communication tasks relating to the work and mandate of the Department;
preparing draft briefings on specific topics; preparing briefing packs for journalists on specific themes and country-specific factsheets;
monitoring communication trends and tracking engagement metrics to support the evaluation of existing communication tools and initiatives;
preparing and participating in meetings, events, press conferences, including preparing agendas, supporting materials and talking points;
collecting, organising and updating content, including online platforms;
drafting, editing and reviewing materials such as articles, news items for publications and campaigns;
producing multimedia content, including graphics and videos.

Competencies:

Drafting
Creativity and Innovation
Planning and Work Organisation
Communication
Teamwork and Co-operation

Special Representative of the Secretary General on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and all forms of religious intolerance

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on:

collecting, organising, updating and analysing data linked to the team’s work;
carrying out research work and contributing to drafting studies, reports and standards in a range of issues related to the team’s mandate, including where relevant in connection to country-visits;
preparing or reviewing materials on specific legal or policy issues to support the development of relevant reports and opinions;
verifying documents, transmission letters and requests;
monitoring and analysing the developments in areas of work related to your team;
contributing to the communication on achievements and progress, creating or updating content for online, social or print media, including for thematic events or awareness-raising campaigns;
designing project proposals, implementing and monitoring projects with relevant stakeholders;
preparing and delivering meetings and/or conferences, workshops and other events, including preparing lists of participants, communicating with speakers, collecting speaking notes and drafting talking points or other meeting documents;
attending and where relevant participating in plenary and secretariat meetings.

Competencies:

Teamwork and Co-operation
Drafting skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Concern for Quality
Communication
Analysis and Problem Solving
Learning and Development

Special Representative of the Secretary General to the United Nations - Geneva

The Council of Europe's relations with the United Nations

Geneva

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

meetings of organisations in Geneva to which the Council of Europe is accredited or observer (UN, WHO, IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, ILO, ICRC, etc.);
preparing meeting reports;
establishing and maintaining contacts with other Missions;
collaborating in the organisation of high-level visits and events, such as side events to the Human Rights Council;
organising and accompanying the Council of Europe representatives to meetings, in particular for the Universal Periodic Review and the sessions of the Human Rights Council.

Competencies:

Drafting
Planning and Work Organisation
Communication
Relationship Building
Teamwork and Co-operation
Adaptability

Traineeship with Judges of the European Court of Human Rights

Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Strasbourg

Applicants must have completed, at least, the first year of their Master's degree by the start date of the traineeship

General description:

Trainees are assigned tasks by the Judges with whom they work and who are responsible of guiding, supervising, providing feedback and reviewing the trainees' work.
The trainees' assignments are related to the Court's activities and will enable trainees to improve their skills and knowledge of the Convention as well as the Court's case-law and working methods.
By assisting the Judges, the trainees contribute to the Court's aim to disseminate information on its activities and case-law in member states.
During their traineeship, the trainees have the possibility to experience the Court's multicultural environment, attend hearings, network with the Registry staff members and learn more on the Court's procedures and functioning.

Your traineeship will focus on:

research on specific legal issues and case-law;
assistance to Judges in the preparation of lectures, speeches, articles, conferences, judicial activities and internal or external training events;
attend training and events organised for all trainees by the Council of Europe and by the Court's Training Unit, in particular those offered in the framework of the Training Programme for Trainees.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Analysis and problem solving
Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Teamwork and co-operation

Description of the traineeship

Directorate General Human Rights and the Rule of Law

Strasbourg

Depending on the team you will choose, your traineeship will focus on participating in:

collecting, organising, updating and analysing data linked to the team’s work;
carrying out research work and contributing to drafting studies, reports and standards in a range of issues related to the team’s mandate, including where relevant in connection to country-visits;
preparing or reviewing materials on specific legal or policy issues to support the development of relevant reports and opinions;
verifying documents, transmission letters and requests;
monitoring and analysing the developments in areas of work related to your team;
contributing to the communication on achievements and progress, creating or updating content for online, social or print media, including for thematic events or awareness-raising campaigns;
designing project proposals, implementing and monitoring projects with relevant stakeholders;
preparing and delivering meetings and/or conferences, workshops and other events, including preparing lists of participants, communicating with speakers, collecting speaking notes and drafting talking points or other meeting documents;
attending and where relevant participating in plenary and secretariat meetings.

Competencies:

Teamwork and Co-operation
Drafting skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Concern for Quality
Communication
Analysis and Problem Solving
Learning and Development

Teams in DG I that might offer a traineeship for this session

Please find below the list of teams that offer a traineeship for this session:

Directorate of Human Rights

Directorate of Social Rights, Health and Environment

Directorate of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law

Democracy through law

Venice Commission

Accountability for Ukraine

Register of Damage for Ukraine - The Hague

Description of the traineeship

Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity

Strasbourg

Depending on the team you will choose, your traineeship will focus on participating in:

collecting, organising, updating and analysing data linked to the team’s work;
carrying out research work and contributing to drafting studies, reports and standards in a range of issues related to the team’s mandate, including where relevant in connection to country visits;
preparing or reviewing materials on specific legal or policy issues to support the development of relevant reports and opinions;
verifying documents, transmission letters and requests;
monitoring and analysing the developments in areas of work related to your team;
contributing to the communication on achievements and progress, creating or updating content for online, social or print media, including for thematic events or awareness-raising campaigns;
designing project proposals, implementing and monitoring projects with relevant stakeholders;
preparing and delivering meetings and/or conferences, workshops and other events, including preparing lists of participants, communicating with speakers, collecting speaking notes and drafting talking points or other meeting documents;
attending and where relevant participating in plenary and secretariat meetings.

Competencies:

Teamwork and Co-operation
Drafting skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Concern for Quality
Communication
Analysis and Problem Solving
Learning and Development

Teams in DG II that might offer a traineeship for this session

Please find below the list of teams that might offer a traineeship for this session:

Education Department

Youth Department

Institutions and Freedoms Department

Anti-discrimination and Inclusion Department

Human Dignity and Gender Equality Department

Private Office of the President of the Assembly

Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly

Strasbourg

Please note that, for trainees to fully benefit from the experience of preparing a Parliamentary Assembly session, traineeships here will take place from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.

At the Private Office of the President of the Assembly your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

researching and drafting briefing notes on various areas of work and activities of the Assembly;
contributing to the preparation of files for country visits and missions by the President and members of the Private Office ;
preparation of briefings and drafting of speeches for the President;
researching CVs of official guests, drafting welcoming addresses or preparing press reviews;
preparatory work of plenary sessions of PACE and Standing Committee meetings.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Teamwork and co-operation
Learning and development

Private Office of the Secretary General of the Assembly

Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly

Strasbourg

Please note that, for trainees to fully benefit from the experience of preparing a Parliamentary Assembly session, traineeships in the Parliamentary Assembly will take place from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.

At the Private Office of the Secretary General of the Assembly your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

preparing meetings of the women@PACE group;
preparing files for working visits and missions by the SGPA;
contributing to parliamentary co-operation activities (research, drafting briefing notes etc.);
preparing background documents on issues on the political agenda of PACE;
assisting and supporting the preparation of the Vaclav Havel Prize

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Teamwork and co-operation
Learning and development

Directorates of Committees

Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly

Strasbourg

Please note that, for trainees to fully benefit from the experience of preparing a Parliamentary Assembly session, traineeships in the Parliamentary Assembly will take place from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027!

At the Directorates of Committees, your traineeship will focus on observing and supporting the work of one or several of the Directorate’s committees or entities:

preparation of the running of and the reporting on the committee meetings and the sub-committee meetings: logistics, note-taking, drafting minutes;
background thematic or country-specific research for reports under preparation;
organising meetings held during or outside part-sessions;
preparation and assistance in the running of ad-hoc events whenever applicable.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Teamwork and co-operation
Learning and development

Secretariat of the Committee of Ministers

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

checking English and French working documents and reports in the context of the preparation of meetings;
organising and following up on the Ministers’ Deputies’ meetings and their subsidiary groups;
drafting of meeting reports and information notes, information research.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Concern for quality
Adaptability
Teamwork and co-operation
Learning and development

Secretary General and Director of the Congress

Secretariat of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

researching and drafting documents, thematic reports, briefing notes, speeches and other background materials in the teams' areas of competence;
contributing to the preparation of monitoring missions, election observation missions and bilateral meetings, including preparing relevant background files;
planning, organising, implementing and following up on project activities, including drafting project proposals;
preparing and supporting Congress sessions, committee meetings and other events;
preparing files and speaking points;
monitoring developments in areas of work related to the team, including on local and regional democracy in member states;
reviewing, drafting and updating content for the Congress website, social media channels and publications

Competencies:

Drafting Skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Teamwork and Co-Operation
Communication
Initiative

Protecting local democracy

Secretariat of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

researching and drafting documents, thematic reports, briefing notes, speeches and other background materials in the teams' areas of competence;
contributing to the preparation of monitoring missions, election observation missions and bilateral meetings, including preparing relevant background files;
planning, organising, implementing and following up on project activities, including drafting project proposals;
preparing and supporting Congress sessions, committee meetings and other events;
preparing files and speaking points;
monitoring developments in areas of work related to the team, including on local and regional democracy in member states;
reviewing, drafting and updating content for the Congress website, social media channels and publications

Competencies:

Drafting Skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Teamwork and Co-Operation
Communication
Initiative

Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance

Secretariat of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

researching and drafting documents, thematic reports, briefing notes, speeches and other background materials in the teams' areas of competence;
contributing to the preparation of monitoring missions, election observation missions and bilateral meetings, including preparing relevant background files;
planning, organising, implementing and following up on project activities, including drafting project proposals;
preparing and supporting Congress sessions, committee meetings and other events;
preparing files and speaking points;
monitoring developments in areas of work related to the team, including on local and regional democracy in member states;
reviewing, drafting and updating content for the Congress website, social media channels and publications

Competencies:

Drafting Skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Teamwork and Co-Operation
Communication
Initiative

Institutional Partnerships and Communication

Secretariat of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

researching and drafting documents, thematic reports, briefing notes, speeches and other background materials in the teams' areas of competence;
contributing to the preparation of monitoring missions, election observation missions and bilateral meetings, including preparing relevant background files;
planning, organising, implementing and following up on project activities, including drafting project proposals;
preparing and supporting Congress sessions, committee meetings and other events;
preparing files and speaking points;
monitoring developments in areas of work related to the team, including on local and regional democracy in member states;
reviewing, drafting and updating content for the Congress website, social media channels and publications

Competencies:

Drafting Skills
Planning and Work Organisation
Teamwork and Co-Operation
Communication
Initiative

Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights

Strasbourg

Under the mentorship of a Human Rights Adviser, your traineeship will encompass:

ensuring permanent and thorough monitoring of the human rights situation in countries assigned to you;
preparing visits of the Commissioner to countries assigned to you, as well as the drafting of high-quality documents following the visits;
following developments for specific human rights themes assigned to you;
supporting the Commissioner (through the preparation of briefings, speeches, statements, and other documents) with respect to any action he takes in/on the countries or themes assigned to you.

Competencies:

Drafting skills
Analysis and problem solving
Teamwork and co-operation
Adaptability
Initiative

Political affairs and external relations - Strasbourg

Political affairs and external relations

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

tracking political developments in member states;
attending, following and reporting on meetings of the Council of Europe bodies and other international organisations;
implementing confidence-building co-operation activities involving partners from conflict-affected and post-conflict regions and designing and planning future activities and projects;
planning and organising policy planning initiatives within the mandate of the Directorate;
drafting briefing materials for high-level meetings.

Competencies:

Analysis and problem solving
Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Results orientation
Planning and work organisation

Liaison Office to the European Union - Brussels

Liaison Office to the European Union

Brussels

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

following conferences and events organised by various European Union Institutions (in particular, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission) as well as by other non-governmental and international organisations, especially the United Nations Offices and renowned think-tanks in Brussels, and drafting the subsequent reports;
following various debates in different Parliamentary Committees, primarily Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Human Rights (DROI);
researching and preparing files for the Head of Office on priority matters of Council of Europe-EU relations;
covering cross-institutional legislative and policy developments within the EU institutions of relevance to the Council of Europe, including on matters of interest to the Organisation, such as the EU’s external policies, including neighbourhood and EU enlargement and human rights.

Competencies:

Drafting skills
Planning and work organisation
Communication
Learning and development
Teamwork and co-operation

Legal Advice and Public International Law

Public International Law

Treaty Office

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

organising, implementing and following up on annual meetings of the Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law (CAHDI);
conducting research on topics related to public international law, EU law and treaty law;
assisting in the preparation of legal analyses, briefing notes and legal opinions preparing legal opinions in the mentioned areas;
contributing to the drafting of meeting documents and reports.

Competencies:

Analysis and problem solving
Drafting skills 
Teamwork and co-operation
Learning and development
Concern for quality

European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare (EDQM)

Strasbourg

The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare (EDQM) offers traineeships for those interested in public health and medicines regulation. A great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an international environment. Please click here for further information.

Programme and Co-ordination - Strasbourg

Directorate of Programme Co-ordination

Strasbourg

Depending on the department or field office you choose, your duties will be as follows:

supporting the strategic planning and coordination of development co-operation activities with member and non-member states, and contributing to the work of the Council of Europe's external offices
organising steering committee meetings and other meetings for large-scale programmes, often on a country-basis
drafting of the Action Plans, programmes and related reports
preparation of briefings, meeting minutes and other relevant working documents
development of communication materials, for internal and external use
development of communication standards and guidelines for the cooperation sector
working with data and analysis on the Project Management Method platform (PMM) of the Council of Europe, which is a dedicated platform for the management of the programmes of the sector
evaluation of programme outcomes and ensuring future alignment with the Council of Europe’s objectives

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Concern for quality
Adaptability
Teamwork and co-operation
Communication

North-South Centre - Lisbon

North-South Centre

Lisbon

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

the design, co-ordination, implementation and evaluation of North-South activities in the fields of Global Education, Youth Co-operation or Communication (i.e. HEY Tutored Online Courses, Intercultural Conference, Global Education Week campaign, Youth Summer Universities, etc.);
running desk research and preparing background documentation related to the above-mentioned activities;
supporting project teams in the daily project management, including in the production of of briefings, meeting minutes and other relevant working documents;
the development of communication materials, online and including web and visual products, for internal and external use;

You might be requested to undertake official journeys in connection with the activity’s implementation.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Learning and development
Drafting skills
Teamwork and co-operation
Adaptability

Reform and Governance Support

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

shaping and guiding strategic projects and initiatives that strengthen the Organisation, working closely with different departments and stakeholders;
contributing to the Organisation’s governance system and reform agenda initiatives, while building valuable skills for your professional future;
supporting the team for change management and implementation of innovative solutions;
participating in the “Change Lab” to design and test new approaches;
preparing, organising and following up on high-level meetings.

Competencies:

Creativity and innovation
Teamwork and co-operation
Communication
Planning and work organisation
Drafting skills

Human Resources

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

participating in activities supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Organisation’s People Strategy;
conducting research, benchmarking, and analysis on emerging HR topics and trends;
supporting the design and coordination of engaging professional and social events tailored for newcomers and diverse target groups within the Organisation, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community spirit;
assisting in the development of our employer brand;
collaborating with cross-functional teams and learning from experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights into HR best practices within an international organisation.

Competencies:

Creativity and innovation
Communication
Concern for quality
Planning and work organisation
Service Orientation

Internal Communication

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

collecting, organising and updating content, including online platforms;
drafting, editing and reviewing materials such as articles, news items for publications and campaigns;
monitoring communication trends and tracking engagement metrics to support the evaluation of existing communication tools and initiatives;
producing multimedia content, including graphics and videos;
preparing and participating in meetings, including preparing agendas, supporting materials and talking points.

Competencies:

Drafting
Creativity and Innovation
Planning and Work Organisation
Communication
Teamwork and Co-operation

Security

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

supporting the day-to-day security operations and access control at the Council of Europe's premises;
gaining first-hand experience in the planning and co-ordination of security measures for high-level events welcoming senior political figures and dignitaries;
contributing to the implementation of security protocols in a dynamic and internationally recognised institutional environment;
assisting in ensuring the safety and smooth operations of the Organisation's facilities and events;
supporting the Field Security team through country-specific research, situation monitoring, database maintenance and cross-checking of travel advisories.

Competencies:

Adaptability
Planning and work organisation
Teamwork and co-operation
Professional and technical expertise
Concern for quality

Catering

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

planification and co-ordination of catering services for conferences and meetings held at the Council of Europe;
the definition and organisation of the event logistics required for catering at events in an international institutional environment;
ensuring high standards of service quality and customer satisfaction across all catering outlets;
managing simple administrative tasks such as requests for building access, monitoring bacteriological analyses, drafting meeting minutes, preparing event co-ordination schedules, and following up on requests for maintenance and repairs to kitchen equipment;
promoting the implementation of new processes using new technology tools.

Competencies:

Teamwork and co-operation
Planning and work organisation
Concern for quality
Service orientation
Creativity and innovation

Publications

Strasbourg

Depending on the host team, your traineeship will focus on participating in:

Editorial Unit

preparing manuscripts, proofreading, editing, and carrying out quality control of Council of Europe publications and documents in French and/or English;
co-ordinating and monitoring the production of institutional documents;
verifying the linguistic quality of submitted documents;
preparing technical specifications for the layout of documents and publications in line with the visual identity and graphic charter of the Council of Europe;

Desktop Publishing (DTP) Unit

creating and producing all communication materials, both print and electronic (posters, leaflets, brochures, diplomas, signage, etc.), using professional layout software;
processing digital images with dedicated professional software;
co-ordinating, monitoring production, and ensuring quality control;

Central Printing Office

operating digital printing equipment in black and white and colour, as well as binding and finishing machines;
planning and co-ordinating production workflows;
participating in the entire production process, from receipt of files to the finished product;

Competencies:

Drafting skills
Concern for quality
Results orientation
Planning and work organisation
Communication
Teamwork and co-operation

Internal Oversight

Directorate of Internal Oversight

Internal Audit Division

Evaluation Division

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on observing and assisting in:

the conduct of internal audit (audits and advisories), the management and/or conduction of evaluations, and the conduct of assignments related to the prevention, detection, and investigation of wrongdoing in accordance with the DIO Charter;
researching, synthesising, and evaluating relevant information to contribute to meaningful outcomes;
collecting and analysing data to directly support the team's work;
assisting with the updating of procedures and the improvement of reporting for internal audit, evaluation or investigation activities.

Competencies:

Planning and work organisation
Analysis and problem solving
Concern for quality
Drafting skills
Teamwork and co-operation

Staff Committee

Strasbourg

Your traineeship will focus on assisting and observing in

preparing proposals and documents for the Staff Committee, especially in the context of statutory consultations
participating in the consultation process with elected representatives of the Staff Committee
collecting, organising, and analysing information to support Staff Committee decisions
contributing to drafting reports, studies, minutes of meetings, and communication materials related to Staff Committee mandates
planning, implementing, and monitoring of events involving Staff Committee representatives
supporting internal communication, including content creation and organisation of meetings

Competencies :

Concern for quality
Results orientation
Planning and work organisation
Communication
Service orientation
Teamwork and co-operation