Deadline:
March 15, 2025
Program Starts: October 01, 2025
Program Ends: February 28, 2026
Location(s)
France
Strasbourg
Overview
Do you have a strong interest for human rights, democracy and the rule of law?
Would you like to gain valuable experience working at a multi-cultural Organisation aiming to make Europe a better place for all citizens? Do you want to acquire a hands-on understanding of the functioning and activities of the Council of Europe. Does working with people from various backgrounds on subjects you’ve already studied sound interesting? In turn, would you be willing to share your enthusiasm and skills with us?
Details
Where will you work and what will you do?
You can only apply for one department within the Organisation. (Only one choice is possible in the list).
The typical responsibilities given to trainees include observing and assisting in:
- research work;
- preparation of draft reports and studies for meetings of experts;
- drafting of meeting reports;
- committee organisation;
- updating websites; ...
and more
To make the best selection for you, please find out all about our different placements here.
Most of our in-person traineeships take place at our Strasbourg headquarters but there are a few options to work in our field offices.
Programme
We provide a comprehensive induction programme for trainees which enables them to find out about the structures, the activities and the international co-operation procedures followed by the Council of Europe, including the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Trainees may attend conferences held within the Organisation, sittings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and meetings that may take place during their stay in Strasbourg or in the field.
How to apply
- Use the on-line application system, ensuring that you submit by the due date. No other applications can be accepted.
- You must have an e-mail address to set up an account.
- Application forms must be completed in French or English (only). You can complete the form over several different occasions and then submit it once finalised.
When to apply
Applications for traineeships are only open for specific periods, depending on the session you wish to apply for. Check the table below for the relevant dates. Completed traineeship applications must be submitted online by midnight (French time) of the deadline listed.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The Council of Europe encourages applications from any person who has the requisite qualifications, without distinction as to gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social background, skin colour, religion, convictions or sexual orientation. Specific measures may be taken to ensure equal opportunities for applicants with disabilities.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for a traineeship, you must:
- Be aged 18+.
- Have the nationality of one of the Council of Europe member states.
- have completed a minimum of three years of university study and have been awarded a degree for the first cycle of higher education within the meaning of the Bologna declaration at the time of applying (as well as Masters 1 for traineeships at the ECHR);
- have a very good knowledge of one of the two Council of Europe official languages (English or French). Good knowledge of the other official language is helpful.
Please note that if you already were a trainee/study visitor within the Council of Europe (either in Strasbourg or in the field) you may not undertake another traineeship in the Organisation, whatever form it may take.
Dates
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Program starts:
October 01, 2025
Program ends:
February 28, 2026
Program Starts: October 01, 2025
Program Ends: February 28, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Paid: approximately €635/month (only applies to trainees selected for the official programme)
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
