Are you a young graduate interested in international relations? Are you curious to learn more about work of a diplomatic mission and how the EU Delegation represents EU interests and values in Switzerland and Liechtenstein?

We offer:

2 Traineeships of 6 months each in 2026/2027 within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, planned starting date on 1 October 2026.

1. One traineeship in the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) with a focus on social media, press and analysis:

Main tasks: 

• Support the public diplomacy activities of the Delegation (in particular social media campaigns and public events etc.)
• Monitor and analyse the public debate on various topics in our regular annotated press review
• Monitor political developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (e.g. parliamentary sessions, popular votes, elections)
• Analyse Switzerland's and Liechtenstein's foreign policy and positions in international fora
• Participate in meetings and conferences

2. One traineeship in the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) with a focus on Switzerland’s/Liechtenstein’s EU policy and Swiss/Liechtenstein domestic politics: 

Main tasks: 

• Support the Delegation with research and analysis on Switzerland’s/Liechtenstein’s EU policy and Swiss/Liechtenstein domestic politics
• Drafting of reports and briefings on the two countries’ EU policy priorities 
• Monitor and analyse current affairs, incl. social and economic policy developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
• Prepare, actively participate in, and follow-up of meetings with Member States and stakeholders 
• Contribute to social media and public diplomacy activities in the areas of responsibility

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Candidates must have less than one year of professional experience after their graduation by the signing of the Traineeship agreement (other traineeships or student jobs or volunteering works carried out during university or after graduation are not considered as professional experience)
• Language skills: 
• for the traineeship in the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) with a focus on social media, press and analysis: Excellent knowledge of German and English (C1), and good knowledge of French; 
• for the traineeship in the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) with a focus on Switzerland’s/Liechtenstein’s EU policy and Swiss/Liechtenstein domestic politics: very good knowledge of German and English, and good knowledge of French;
• Good knowledge of EU-Swiss political and economic relations, as well as of European institutions
• Advanced studies in political science, international relations, economics, European Law or other relevant fields 
• A bachelor’s degree preferably in political sciences, economics or law. A master's degree would be an asset

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address delegation-bern-applications@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 an EU traineeship

• and the following application form:

  Application form for funded traineeships 2026.docx

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - and your preferred focus (social media/press OR EU policy/domestic politics)

Note: you may only apply to 1 traineeship per delegation; however, based on your profile, the delegation could offer you a traineeship with the other focus.

If shortlisted, online interviews will take place on 1 or 2 July 2026.

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.