Council of Europe Traineeship Program

Gain valuable international experience in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law by joining the Council of Europe Traineeship Program. This traineeship offers the opportunity to work with people from various backgrounds while contributing to Europe’s development.

Benefits of the Traineeship

• Duration: Two to five months
• Compensation: Approximately €635/month (for trainees in the official programme)
• Start Dates: March 1st and October 1st
• Location: Mainly in Strasbourg, France, with some opportunities in field offices

As a trainee, you will engage in research, drafting reports, organizing committees, and supporting the Council’s projects.

Eligibility Criteria for Council of Europe Traineeship Program

To be eligible for the Council of Europe Traineeship, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold the nationality of one of the Council of Europe member states.
• Have completed at least three years of university study and earned a degree (or a Master’s 1 for ECHR traineeships) in accordance with the Bologna declaration.
• Demonstrate a strong proficiency in either English or French, with knowledge of both languages considered an advantage.

Note: Applicants who have previously completed a traineeship at the Council of Europe are not eligible.

Documents Required

When applying for the Council of Europe Traineeship Program, you will need to provide:

1. Basic personal information.
2. Proof of educational qualifications.
3. Language proficiency (English or French).
4. Motivational letter explaining your interest and relevant skills.

How to Apply for the Traineeship

To apply for the March 2025 traineeship, you must submit your application online. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Online Application: Apply in English or French through the online portal. Applications can be saved in stages and submitted upon completion.
2. Choose one department within the Organisation to apply for (only one choice is allowed).

After submission, the selection process takes around two months, and results (selection, reserve list, rejection) will be notified in November 2024. Self-financing options such as Erasmus+ scholarships are available, but you must first be selected for the traineeship to apply for these funds.

Deadline

• Application Deadline: October 10, 2024, for the March 2025 session (traineeships run from March 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026).
• Notification of Results: End of November 2024.

What to Expect During the Traineeship

As a trainee, your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research and preparing reports.
• Drafting meeting summaries and studies for expert meetings.
• Assisting with committee organization.
• Updating websites and handling administrative tasks.

Most traineeships take place at the Strasbourg headquarters, though field office placements are possible. Make sure to review the different departments and positions to choose the best fit for your interests.

Conclusion

The Council of Europe Traineeship is a prestigious opportunity for anyone passionate about international affairs, human rights, and law. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready for a hands-on experience in a multicultural organization, don’t miss the October 10, 2024 deadline to apply for the March 2025 traineeship!

For more information and to apply, click here.

Also check out  internship programs.