Funded traineeship for young graduates at the EU Delegation to the Republic of South Africa

19.03.2025 Expired Teaser 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 the Republic of South Africa?

Text We offer:
A traineeship of up to 6 months within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to the Republic of South Africa, starting in June 2025.

The traineeship will be based in the Political, Press and Information Section. It will contribute to the Delegation's work on EU – South Africa relations in the respective thematic field. The trainee will also work together with colleagues in the other Sections of the EU Delegation, as relevant and appropriate.

Main tasks:

• Analyse the current and foreseen dynamics of EU/South Africa partnership.
• Monitor political developments in SA and SA foreign affairs, and contribute to drafting political reports under the guidance of the staff of the section.
• Conduct short-term and longer-term research on specific issues of interest in the fields of foreign affairs, domestic political affairs, human rights.
• Collate information on EU legislation and politics of relevance to SA for dissemination to the wider public.
• Attend and report on public events, seminars and conferences.
• Administrative support to public diplomacy events, visits organized by the Delegation, and visits from Headquarters.
• Support social media efforts of the delegation and section by proposing and drafting social media posts.
• Support the section in coordination with EU Member States, including by preparing and reporting on meetings held with EU counsellors.
• Support the EU Delegations alumni efforts by following up on the EU Alumni strategy and making recommendations, and management of alumni platform (updating content etc.) and database.

We look for:
Qualifications or special requirements:

• You may apply for the traineeship if:
• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR A VALID WORK PERMIT (nb: A COPY OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, E.G. WORK PERMIT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION),
• You are a young graduate with a University diploma (at least Bachelor's degree) in International Relations, Law, Social Studies, Politics, Economics or similar subject.
• You have less than 1 year of professional experience.
• You are a national of an EU Member State/s, which have signed an accession agreement or a citizen of South Africa.
• You have no previous experience of more than 6 weeks in any of the EU institutions.
• Excellent English, written and spoken.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• You are committed and able to complete tasks within set deadlines, you are eager to learn and contribute to the activities of the EU Delegation.

Additional qualifications that would be an asset:

• Additional degree in another field
• If you are able to communicate efficiently in multiple languages (South Africa official languages, EU official languages).

How to apply?
Candidates must apply to the e-mail address Delegation-s-africa-jobs@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 - download below
  • South Africa_Application form for funded traineeship_PPI 2025

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - P&I Section – EU Delegation to South Africa

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. In the case where candidates are not able to present the required documents, their application will be rejected.

After the screening of all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview. If you have not been contacted three (3) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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 a valid South African working permit.