Traineeship - Policy Team

The European Institute of Peace is an independent organisation based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries. It works collaboratively with parties to conflicts, those representing people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, European decision-makers, and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community. The Institute provides practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution through analysis, mapping, peace process design, policy facilitation, and mediation support.

Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?

We are looking for a trainee to support the Policy team and contribute to upcoming European affairs initiatives. The Policy team's main policy areas are political economy; gender; environment & climate; and European affairs. The trainee will also contribute to overall analysis and monitoring & evaluation frameworks that cut across these areas.

 The trainee's time will be divided equally (50/50) between two areas of work: general support to the Policy team across the areas outlined above, and dedicated support to the European Affairs portfolio and initiatives, specifically contributing to the development and implementation of an upcoming EU mediation initiative. This traineeship offers hands‑on exposure to policy research, programme development and EU engagement, combined with direct involvement in the design and rollout of a new EU-funded initiative.

The trainee supports the Policy team and reports to the Senior Policy Officer for European Affairs.

• Support the Senior Policy Officer in the administration of the European Affairs programme, including support in budget management and basic programme administration.  

• Conduct desk research, literature reviews and policy analysis across the four priority areas to inform programming and external engagement.  

• Support the development and implementation of the upcoming EU mediation initiatives, including liaising with the Institute’s geographic teams to ensure coherence and information flow. 

• Support the Policy Team in the development of the programmes, including drafting proposal documents and budgets. 

• Participate to the reflection and support the development of internal tools for the mainstreaming of the four priority areas. 

• Support development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and contribute to overall analysis across the programmes’ portfolio. 

• Produce concise policy briefs, factsheets and short memos for internal use and external stakeholders. 

• Provide editing, data‑cleaning and presentation support (PowerPoint, Excel) as required. 

• Support the organisation of events, meetings and consultations related to the upcoming EU initiative, including logistical and substantive preparation. 

• Undertake other tasks relevant to the team’s priorities and daily work. 

• Ideally 6 months - 1 year of work experience in a similar role. Recent Master's degree graduates are also welcome to apply.
• Excellent command of English. Any other EU language is a plus.
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills; able to summarise complex material succinctly; comfortable reviewing and analysing legal texts and interpreting budgetary/financial information. 
• Demonstrated keen interest in conflict prevention, and global affairs more generally, as well as  the four policy priorities listed above. 
• IT literate, with good knowledge of Excel. 
• Comfortable working with and organising datasets. 
• Organised, proactive, able to work independently and as part of a small team, with good attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Legally entitled to work in Belgium (EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit).

Closing date: 02/08/2026, midnight (CEST).

Please submit your application using the webform below.

Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.

EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.