EEAS Vacancy: Funded traineeship for young graduates at the EU Delegation to Türkiye - Political Section

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 Türkiye?

We offer:

A traineeship of 6 months in 2026 within the Political Section of the EU Delegation, subject to availability of the budget. The tentative start date is March 2026.

The Political Section of the EU Delegation is responsible for representing the European Union’s political interests and priorities in Türkiye and for supporting EU foreign policy objectives. It monitors and analyses political, security, and governance developments, providing regular reporting and assessments to EU institutions in Brussels to inform policy decisions.

The section maintains continuous dialogue with national authorities, political actors, civil society, and other international partners, conveying EU positions and explaining EU policies. It supports political cooperation and dialogue between the EU and the host country, including on democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace and security, and regional or global issues.

In close coordination with Member States and EU institutions, the Political Section contributes to policy formulation, prepares briefings and démarches, supports high-level visits, and helps ensure a coherent EU approach on political and security matters in Türkiye.

Main tasks: 

• Under the supervision of the Head of the Political Section, the trainee would follow domestic and foreign policy developments in Türkiye, research specific topics and areas, and contribute to the overall tasks of the Section, both in the field of reporting and in arranging incoming visits.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Bachelor Degree in international relations, political science, international economics
• Ability to work in teams and to react rapidly to urgencies
• Fluency in English
• Knowledge of French and/or Turkish is an asset

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address delegation-turkiye-trainee-applications@eeas.europa.eu  and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/ (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 - POL

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.