Funded traineeship for young graduates at the EU Delegation to Japan - Political, Press and Information 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 Japan?

We offer:

A traineeship of 6 months in 2026 within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Japan, focussing in particular on the foreign, security and defence policy agenda, subject to availability of the budget. The tentative start date is March/April 2026.

The Delegation of the European Union to Japan represents, promotes and advances the interests and values of the European Union in Japan. We develop and strengthen bilateral political, security, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and other sectoral cooperation between the European Union and Japan. Where relevant, cooperation with Japan also enables the EU to better promote and advance its interests and values at a regional and global level. 

Cooperation between the EU and Japan is deep and long-standing and is based on a range of formal agreements, such as the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement or the Digital Partnership Agreement. A Security and Defence Partnership has also been launched in 2024. 

The Political, Press, and Information (PPI) Section is responsible for fostering bilateral work in the areas of foreign, security, and defence policy, development cooperation, press and communication, culture and outreach. The section is also responsible for organising public events, social media promotion and communication across all dimensions of EU-Japan relations. 

As an intern, you will get the opportunity to work within a dynamic, experienced, and international team of diplomats and policy experts. You will get a first-hand experience of political work in a diplomatic mission. You will gain analytical skills as well as practical opportunities to develop project management and organisational abilities. The busy EU-Japan calendar will offer opportunities to assist in the preparation and coordination of official and high-level visits as well as allow you to work on longer-term bilateral projects and events.

Main tasks: 

• Coordinate the preparation of weekly political and security/defence reporting.
• Take meeting minutes where necessary and appropriate.
• Support the PPI section in preparation and organisation of incoming visits.
• Assist in organising events, seminars and other local events under the lead of DEL PPI section.
• Provide support to PPI section in preparing outreach activities and visits.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Demonstrated interest in the areas of international relations, foreign and security policy.
• Professional or extracurricular experience in organising events would be an asset.
• Motivation, flexibility and ability to work within a multicultural team.
• Writing and basic analytical skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Japanese language skills will be an asset.
• 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).

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address Delegation-Japan-Traineeship@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 - PPI 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.