The EU Delegation to Serbia offers traineeships for university graduates. Our intense traineeship programme is designed for highly-motivated young graduates to get a direct experience of the European integration process by taking part in the activities of EU Delegation.
These include: monitoring EU – Serbia political and economic relations; promoting reforms in Serbia; informing the authorities, media and citizens about the European integration process and about EU institutions and policies.
Traineeships are offered exclusively on a volunteer (unpaid) basis for a period up to 6 months. We welcome applicants of all nationalities and backgrounds.
2. PURPOSE OF TRAINEESHIPS AND REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of a traineeship within the EU Delegation to Serbia is to provide the trainees with an opportunity to:
- have a unique, first-hand experience of the day-to-day work of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, in a multicultural environment,
- deepen their knowledge of the various aspects of EU-Serbia relations as well as with the European integration process and EU policies in general,
- familiarize with the functioning of the EU Institutions,
- put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, particularly in their specific areas of competence.
We offer traineeships in the following Sections of the EU Delegations:
A) Political and Information Section
A.1) Political/ Justice and Home Affairs/Human Rights and Minorities
Description of tasks:
Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the trainee will be closely involved in activities concerning Serbia’s progress in meeting the Political criteria of the Stabilisation and Association Process. Tasks mainly consist of assisting in research and reporting, analysing information and documentation, participating in meetings and conferences and supporting the administrative coordination of the unit.
Qualifications and skills needed: university degree holders and above, preferably in Political Sciences/Law/Social Studies. Good understanding of EU Serbia relations, EU integration process, EU policy framework and functioning, acquis communautaire and relevant Serbian legal framework in judiciary, police and public administration reform, fighting organised crime and -corruption, protection of human and minority rights is needed.
Competent in using basic computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails, and internet browser.
Linguistic skills: excellent knowledge of English language (written, spoken and read); knowledge of Serbian language would be an important asset; knowledge of French is desirable.
A.2) Press and information
Description of tasks:
Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the trainee will be closely involved in activities relating to information and communication. Tasks mainly consist of monitoring and summarizing the daily press, assisting in research and reporting, analysing information and documentation, replying to public queries, contributing to the organisation of visibility events, participating in meetings and conferences and supporting the administrative coordination of the unit.
Qualifications and skills needed: university degree holders and above, preferably in Political Sciences/Journalism/Iinternational Relations/Public Relations. Familiarity with the current situation/issues related to Serbia’s path towards the EU. Good understanding of the EU policies, good knowledge of Serbian media environment and public opinion surveys on Serbia’s European integration. Good drafting skills.
Competent in using basic computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails, and the internet browser.
Linguistic skills: excellent knowledge of English language (written, spoken and read); knowledge of Serbian language would be an important asset; knowledge of French is desirable.
B) European Integration and Economic Section
Description of tasks:
Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the trainee will be closely involved in activities concerning Serbia’s progress in approximation with the EU policies in the context of the Stabilisation and Association Process, and in the implementation of the Interim Agreement. Tasks would mainly consist of analysing information and documentation, assisting in research and reporting, replying to queries, contributing to organisation of events, participating in meetings and conferences and supporting the administrative coordination of the unit.
Qualifications and skills needed: university degree holders or above, preferably in Economic/Social/Political Sciences. Familiarity with the current political and economic situation/issues related to Serbia’s path towards the EU. Good understanding of the EU-Serbia policies as well Serbia’s policies with special focus on the areas of environment, energy, health protection, agriculture and fisheries). Competent in using basic computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails, and the internet browser.
Linguistic skills: excellent knowledge of English language (written, spoken and read); knowledge of Serbian language would be an important asset; knowledge of French is desirable.
3. DURATION AND COMPENSATION
Traineeships are offered throughout the year and the selection process, takes place, in principle, twice a year.
The traineeship may not exceed six months, and candidates should commit on a FULL TIME basis, i.e. 37.5 hours per week, Mondays through Fridays.
Traineeships are offered exclusively on a volunteer (unpaid) basis.
4. APPLICATIONS
There is no specific application form. If you wish to apply, please send:
– A letter of motivation indicating your motivation for the traineeship with the EU Delegation in Serbia;
– A letter of recommendation from a School/University or previous employer;
– An EU CV form (can be requested at delegation-serbia@ec.europa.eu or downloaded here);
– The trainee should bring the proof that he/she has suitable sickness/accident insurance coverage; for expatriated trainees, it is highly recommended to have a sickness/accident insurance policy specifically covering repatriation;
– The candidate must not have already benefited from previous in-service training or employment (paid or unpaid) with any of the European institutions or bodies for more than six weeks;
– The Delegation is not able to recruit a European Commission Blue Book candidate who has already performed his/her internship. However, a European Commission Blue Book candidate who has never carried out a traineeship can apply for an unpaid internship;
– Expatriated trainees have to register with their national Consulate or Embassy. The Commission cannot be responsibility for the trainee in case it is necessary to evacuate EC Staff from the country.
Please mail your applications (original documents) indicating the Section of Choice (Political and Information Section or European Integration and Economic Section), and the desired traineeship period, to the Delegation of the European Commission, Vladimira Popovica 40/V, GTC avenue block 19a, 11070 New Belgrade with an electronic copy to delegation-serbia@ec.europa.eu .
5. TRAINEESHIP PERIODS AND APPLICATION DEADLINES
- 31 July each year application deadline for session 1 September – 28 February
- 31 January each year application deadline for session 1 March – 31 August
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
