Applications for traineeships are only open for specific periods, depending on the session you wish to apply for. Check the table below for the relevant dates. Completed traineeship applications must be submitted online by midnight (CET time) of the deadline listed.

   Important: Owing to the large amount of applications to be processed, it is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before the deadline. 

Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be processed

Nationals of the member states of the North-South Centre and/or the Council of Europe.

Candidates who have already completed an internship at the Council of Europe or any of its institutions are not eligible.

Completion of higher education or successful completion of at least three years of university study;

A very good knowledge of one of the Council of Europe's official languages (English and French) and a good knowledge of the other;

Good drafting ability.

The duties to which trainees are assigned include assisting with the preparation of activities, research, different types of drafting and other day-to-day administrative tasks.

Trainees are entitled to two days off per month. 

The usual working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17h30.

The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe ensures a monthly flat-rate grant* as well as an insurance coverage for the risks of:

- Sickness and accident;

- Death or permanent disablement as the result of an accident.

Only candidates applying online, through the official traineeship programme, will be eligible for a monthly grant of 600 €.

Algerian, Cape Verdean, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals :

In order to encourage participation of nationals of North-South Centre member states that are not Council of Europe member states, ie. Algeria, Cape Verde, Morocco and Tunisia, in its traineeship programmes, the NSC has created a monthly flat-rate grant of € 600, aimed at supporting the trainee’s monthly expenses, as well as the cover of travel and visa costs, in addition to the insurance covering sickness and accidents.

Please fill in the available application and follow instructions for sending CV and Motivation Letter.

All applications must be completed in either English or French.

Applications received in other languages will not be taken into consideration.

 Council of Europe Application Form 

(To select the department : Directorate General of Democracy (DGII) / 2 Directorate of Democratic Participation / 3. Partial Agreement - North-South Centre)