Council of Europe Opens 80 Traineeship Positions for October 2026 – March 2027 Session
STRASBOURG, France – June 11, 2026 – The Council of Europe has announced the opening of applications for its 2026-2027 traineeship programme, offering approximately 80 opportunities across the organisation for the session running from October 2026 to March 2027.
The traineeships provide a unique opportunity to engage in the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as support roles that keep the organisation functioning. Positions are available across multiple European locations, with the majority based in Strasbourg, France, alongside opportunities in Brussels, Budapest, Geneva, Graz, Lisbon, Luxembourg, and The Hague.
A diverse range of opportunities
The Council of Europe emphasises that there is something for all interests and backgrounds. Traineeship opportunities span legal affairs, human rights, public health, international co-operation, public policy design, and support services such as human resources, political and legal advice, information technology, catering, and communications.
Each traineeship offers a unique and enriching experience. Participants will work alongside experts from across Europe, gaining valuable insight into the work, standards, and values of the Council of Europe while developing professional skills and networks.
What trainees will do
Trainees are expected to dive straight into meaningful work, supported by an experienced mentor. Depending on the team joined, responsibilities may include conducting research on topics at the heart of European affairs, contributing to the drafting of reports and studies discussed by international experts, and capturing and synthesising key outcomes from high-level meetings.
Trainees may also shape and develop compelling communication content, play an active role in organising committee meetings and expert events, contribute to the day-to-day life of their team, or support essential functions such as security, catering, human resources, or IT.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for a Council of Europe traineeship, applicants must meet several strict criteria.
Candidates must have completed a minimum of three years of university study and have been awarded a degree corresponding to the first cycle of the Bologna Process framework of qualifications for the European Higher Education Area. However, applicants should note that some teams may specify different requirements. In particular, traineeships at the European Court of Human Rights require completion of a first year of a Master’s degree.
Applicants must have a very good knowledge of one of the Council of Europe’s two official languages: English or French.
Additional requirements include being aged 18 or over and being a citizen of one of the member states of the Council of Europe. Candidates must not be the parent, child, stepchild, or grandchild of a serving staff member of the Council of Europe. Applicants must also not have previously participated in a Council of Europe traineeship, study visit, or held employment with the organisation in any capacity.
All requirements must be met at the latest on the day the vacancy closes. Applications from candidates who do not meet these requirements by the deadline will not be considered.
Key competencies sought
The Council of Europe is looking for candidates who demonstrate operational competency in learning and development, alongside interpersonal competency in teamwork and co-operation. These competencies are considered essential for successful integration into the organisation’s dynamic and international environment.
Remuneration and duration
The traineeship session will start on October 1, 2026, and end on March 31, 2027. Traineeships at the Parliamentary Assembly follow a slightly different calendar, starting on September 1, 2026, and ending on February 28, 2027.
The gross remuneration is approximately 1,320 euros per month for trainees based in Strasbourg. Remuneration for trainees at other duty stations may vary, and applicants should consult individual traineeship descriptions for specific details.
Application and selection procedure
Applicants are required to explore the list of teams and available traineeship descriptions, then select their first and second choices. The application system allows candidates to name two teams as their preferences.
Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an online interview. Applicants will be informed whether they have been selected, placed on a waiting list, or not selected approximately two months before the traineeship start date.
Important deadlines
The vacancy was posted on June 4, 2026. The application deadline is June 17, 2026, at 23:59:59 CET/CEST. Late applications will not be accepted.
Equal opportunity commitment
The Council of Europe states that it is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all suitably qualified people irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion, or belief.
Applicants with specific needs are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Such requests can be sent to [email protected], and the organisation has committed to ensuring that requests are handled appropriately.
How to apply
Interested candidates should visit the Council of Europe’s careers website to access the vacancy notice and application system. For additional information not covered in the vacancy notice, applicants may contact [email protected].
The Council of Europe advises that the information published on its careers website regarding working conditions is accurate at the time of publication. Any changes during the recruitment process will be updated on the portal and will apply at the time of any job offer.
