Funded traineeships for young graduates at the EU Delegation to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva - Multiple sections

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 a multilateral context?

We offer:

Traineeships of 3 to 6 months in 2026 within the following sections of the EU Delegation, subject to availability of the budget. The tentative start date is September/October 2026.

Human Rights Section

Main tasks:

• Contributing to the drafting of briefings
• Assist in the preparation of meetings, e.g. research and the drafting of statements.
• Preparing draft reports on EU/OHCHR/Human Rights-related meetings, conferences and events.
• Overall analysis of Human Rights policies in various countries General logistics support.
• Participation in the Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Review meetings as well as various working groups.
   

Economic Affairs, Development, Environment and Digital Section

Main tasks:

• Assist the Head of Section and Section colleagues in their daily work in relation to the UN. agencies and bodies under their purview – UNECE, ITU, UNCTAD, WIPO, UNEP, WMO – as well as any other entity as might prove necessary, e.g. WEF,  ITC, etc.
• Assist in the preparation of meetings, e.g. research and the drafting of statements.
• Draft reports following meetings and conferences and summarizing newly issued reports.
• Assist in the preparation of official visits and general logistical support.
   

Social Affairs and Labour section

Main tasks:

• Prepare background notes, analytical reports, summary of relevant ILO (and if relevant other UN agencies) meetings, events, seminars etc. and EU/IMEC coordination meetings.
• Provide administrative support to the ILO Team.
• Support the team in drafting reports, organising meetings, researching and analysing specific policy topics, analysing policy on topical issues relating to the EU/ILO.
• Liaise and communicate with EU member States as part of the Governing Body preparations, the International Labour Conference and general EU coordination issues.
• Assist the Head of Section and section-colleagues in covering EU-activities in ILO.
• Attend meetings and events organised at the United Nations, EU Delegation, EU Member States, UN Agencies, NGOs, academia or think-tanks.
• Assist in the relevant (High Level and regular) meetings of ILO and overall communication with EUMS.
   

Health section

Main tasks:

• Assist the section-colleagues in covering EU-activities in WHO.
• Attend meetings and events organised at the United Nations, EU Delegation, EU Member States, UN Agencies, NGOs, academia or think tanks. Assist in the preparation of meetings, e.g. research and the drafting of statements.
• Prepare background notes, analytical reports, summary of documents of relevant UN and EU meetings, events, seminars etc.
• Assist in the relevant (High Level and regular) meetings of WHO and other health-related bodies, overall communication with EUMS, including through email and Agora.
• Support the team in drafting reports, organising meetings, researching and analysing specific policy topics, analysing policy
   

Head of Delegation section

Main tasks:

• Assist on cross-policy work with a particular focus on crisis responses, migration and displacement, and the nexus
• Participate in meetings related to these topics and ensure timely and quality reporting 
• Prepare briefing notes
• Support the organization of meetings and events at the EU Delegation.
• Assist in the organisation of missions from EU Headquarters to Geneva
   

Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Section (please note that this specific traineeship is planned to start in  November 2026):

Main tasks:

•  Assist the Head of Section and Section colleagues in their daily work in relation to UN and other multilateral meetings in the area of disarmament.
• assist in the preparation of meetings
• drafting reports following meetings and conferences
• assist in the preparation of official visits
• general logistics support to the team

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• MA degree in related fields (International Relations, European Studies, or studies pertinent to the specific section)
• Knowledge of the EU and the UN
• Excellent drafting skills in English, knowledge of French would be a strong advantage
• Previous internships, student or voluntary work in the specific area to which the candidate applies are considered an asset
   

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address:

For Human Rights section: delegation-geneva-human-rights-traineeship@eeas.europa.eu

For Economic section: delegation-geneva-economic-affairs-traineeship@eeas.europa.eu

For Social Affairs and Labour: delegation-geneva-social-affairs-and-labour-traineeship@eeas.europa.eu

For Health: delegation-geneva-health-traineeship@eeas.europa.eu

For HOD: delegation-geneva-head-of-delegation-traineeship@eeas.europa.eu

For Disarmament: delegation-geneva-disarmament-traineeship@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

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - Name/Acronym of the Section (you may only apply to 1 traineeship per delegation, however based on your profile, the delegation could offer you a traineeship in another section).
 

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.