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 India?

We offer:

Traineeships of 5 months within the following sections of the EU Delegation to India - POLITICAL section and TRADE section and 4 months for R&I section, starting in late March 2024:

• Traineeship in the Political Section (POL):

The Political Section is responsible for advising the Ambassador on political developments in India and on domestic and foreign policy issues affecting EU-India relations. The section also reports to Brussels on Indian foreign policy and internal developments and presents EU views on international issues to the Indian governmental agencies. The section also ensures the coordination of the EU 27 Member States on the very same issues.

Main tasks:

• Draft contributions to minutes, briefs, briefing books, and speeches
• Contribute to the Delegation's reporting on current developments in India as well as on events/seminars organised by the Delegation or others institutions
• Draft reports on events/seminars/working groups with Member States

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in India will only be considered
• Graduate in one of the following: Politics, Philosophy and Economics, International relations, Political science and studies, Human rights, Asia or South Asia studies, European Studies
• Keen interest in working with an Embassy's Political section
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Ability to research and cross check information, display of analytical and critical sense 
• Knowledge of EU institutions/South Asia/EU-India relations is an asset
• Diplomatic experience is a plus

• Traineeship in the Trade Section (TRADE):

The Trade and Economic section of the EU Delegation to India is a small team of 9 colleagues of many different nationalities working on a wide range of issues. The topics we cover range from improving market access to overcoming trade and investment barriers faced by EU companies, to engaging with India on trade-related labour and environmental standards; to digital policies, migration and health and food safety to the support to the establishment of a European Chamber of Commerce - Federation of  European Business in India.

The EU and India are currently negotiating a Free Trade agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement and an agreement on Geographical Indications. Providing support to the EU negotiating team in the preparation and the conduct of these extensive negotiations will be a key priority for the trade team in the coming year.  We also assist European Commission, European Council, European Parliament and other EU institutions on their visits to India. The section is also responsible for the implementation of trade-related EU-funded projects to fulfil the above-mentioned objectives.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven and intellectually curious person who is interested in the EU and in trade policy to join our team and support the activities of the section.

Main tasks:

• Provide support to the establishment of the Federation of  European Business in India
• Analysis, reporting and presentation on specific trade, investment related issues,  including sector-specific analysis or issues related to mobility
• Support the organization of events as well as of the high level visits
• Be involved in the implementation of EU financed projects
• Support organisation and conduct of regular EU coordination meetings, including reporting from the meetings

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in India will only be considered
• University degree (minimum BA equivalent) preferably in economics, political science, international relations
• Excellent command of English
• Flexibility to work in a multicultural environment
• Good organizational skills and capacity to work in a team
• Computer skills: Presentation software (PowerPoint, etc.) and spreadsheets (Excel)
• Excellent writing skills (reporting, notes, minutes, briefings, etc.)
• Previous working experience, especially in a start-up, or traineeships in research / think tanks / government institutions or EU institution is an asset

• Traineeship in the Research & Innovation section (R&I):

Main tasks:

• Support the Section in conducting background research on thematic areas, especially water, health and energy
• Co-ordinate with EU Member States on matters related to R&I
• Support R&I efforts in relation to the EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Global Gateway (common issues on R&I to India and other partners especially in Asia)
• Organise and support the Section in R&I outreach events in India including preparing background, logistics, stakeholder management, and representation
• Support in creating communication content for the EU Delegation website, and other publicity materials like brochures, factsheets, etc.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in India will only be considered
• Ideally at least Masters in Science, International Relations or any related field
• The candidate should have a basic knowledge of the Indian and EU research and innovation landscape
• Fluent English is essential; other European language skills considered an advantage
• Good organisational skills and capacity to work in a team
• Experience outside India will be an added advantage
• Previous working experience or traineeships in research / think tanks / government   institutions are an asset.

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address delegation-india-interns@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.