We offer:

Traineeships of up to 6 months in 2026 within the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) of the EU Delegation. The tentative start date is June 2026.

The trainee will contribute to the Delegation's work on EU – South Africa relations as pertains to the work of the section. The trainee will also work together with colleagues in the other Sections of the EU Delegation, as relevant and appropriate.

Main tasks: 

• Analyse the current and foreseen dynamics of EU-South Africa partnership.
• Monitor political developments in South Africa and South African foreign affairs and contribute to drafting political reports under the guidance of the staff of the section.
• Conduct short-term and longer-term research on specific issues of interest in the fields of foreign affairs, domestic political affairs, human rights. 
• Collate information on EU legislation and politics of relevance to South Africa for dissemination to the wider public.
• Attend and report on public events, seminars and conferences.
• Administrative support to public diplomacy events, visits organized by the Delegation, and visits from Headquarters.
• Support social media efforts of the delegation and section by proposing and drafting social media posts.
• Support the section in coordination with EU Member States, including by preparing and reporting on meetings held with EU counsellors.
• Support the EU Delegation’s alumni efforts by following up on the EU Alumni strategy and making recommendations, and management of alumni platform (updating content etc.) and database.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in the Republic of South Africa will only be considered.
• You may apply for the traineeship if:
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR A VALID WORK PERMIT (NB:  A COPY OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, E.G. WORK PERMIT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION),
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Law, Social Studies, Politics, Economics or similar subject.
• Excellent English, written and spoken.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• You are committed and able to complete tasks within set deadlines, you are eager to learn and contribute to the activities of the EU Delegation.

Additional qualifications that would be an asset: 

• Additional degree in another field
• If you can communicate efficiently in multiple languages (official languages of South Africa, official languages of the EU). 

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address Delegation-s-africa-jobs@eeas.europa.eu and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europa.eu/europass/en (CVs in other format will not be considered)
• a cover letter describing why you want to participate in a EU traineeship
• and an application form - down below

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - PPI Section – EU Delegation to South Africa

Important information to read before applying

Before applying you are requested to examine the dedicated website as well as the general eligibility criteria for a paid traineeship (Article 8 of the Decision ADMIN(2017)28 – Paid traineeship).

Each selected trainee will receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses. All costs related to travels, visa, insurance, accommodation must be borne by the trainee. 

Applications from non-eligible candidates will not be considered. After the evaluation of all applications, shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email. In case the selected candidates are not able to present the required documents, their application will be rejected.

The traineeships can only be offered in compliance with the local legislation as well as the legislation of the country of origin. 

Citizens from EU Member states:

• must provide proof that they will be covered against the risk of a pandemic and the costs of repatriation;

• must hold a relevant entrance visa and / or temporary residence permit where applicable, based on the traineeship agreement, the duration of the traineeship, and in compliance with the local legislation.