Deadline:
September 30, 2024
Program Starts: February 16, 2025
Program Ends: July 15, 2025
Location(s)
Belgium
Brussels
Overview
The General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) offers around 100 paid traineeships a year to EU nationals who, by the deadline for submitting applications, have completed at least the first part of their university studies and have a degree certificate or equivalent.
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Details
Traineeships are split into 2 different periods, each lasting 5 months:
- 1 February to 30 June (first period)
- 1 September to 31 January (second period)
A traineeship at the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) offers:
- first-hand experience of the work of the GSC
- EU knowledge - insight into the processes and policies of the EU institutions
- an opportunity to contribute to the Council's day-to-day business
- the chance to work in a multicultural, multilingual and multi-ethnic environment
- an opportunity to share your fresh point of view and the knowledge you have acquired during your studies
What does a traineeship involve?
Depending on the needs of the service, your daily work would generally be equivalent to that of junior administrator officials at the beginning of their career, such as:
- preparing meetings and drafting minutes
- attending meetings of Council preparatory bodies and Coreper (Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the member states to the EU)
- researching on a particular project
- translating documents
- compiling documentation, writing reports
Trainees will also be invited to take part in a study programme that includes visits and conferences at other EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Nationality
GSC traineeships are open to:
- EU citizens
- citizens from candidate countries that have concluded EU accession negotiations
Languages
Candidates must have very good knowledge of at least two EU official languages. Given that English and French are used extensively for internal communication within the GSC, a good knowledge of English or French is required, (*C level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Profiles
The majority of applications currently come from candidates with qualifications in law, political science, international relations, EU studies and economics.
The GSC is also looking for trainees with qualifications in other domains, such as: translation, human resources, communication, education studies, computer sciences (collaboration platforms), archives and document management, civil engineering, graphic design, multimedia, agriculture, biochemical engineering, health and food safety, energy management, environment, aerospace engineering.
Who can't apply?
Applications will not be accepted from candidates who have already benefited from any kind of training (paid or unpaid) or employment for more than 6 weeks within an EU institution, body, agency or office.
Dates
Deadline: September 30, 2024
Program starts:
February 16, 2025
Program ends:
July 15, 2025
Program Starts: February 16, 2025
Program Ends: July 15, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
How much is the grant?
- Presently the grant is €1340,47 net/month.
Am I entitled to annual leave?
- Trainees are entitled to 2 days leave per worked month, in addition to public holidays and days when Council offices are closed.
Health insurance is mandatory. Is the European health insurance card for my country enough?
- Yes. We accept the copy of your European health insurance card as proof. It is your responsibility to check the coverage it offers.
- In the absence of another coverage (e.g. European health insurance card), trainees can opt for health insurance through the Council. In this case, paid trainees pay circa 15 €/month, which corresponds to one third of the premium, and the Council pays the remaining two thirds. For compulsory trainees the Council bears the entire insurance premium.
Are trainees insured?
- All trainees are insured against accidents.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
