2026 Funded traineeship for young graduates at the EU Delegation to the Republic of South Africa

Requirements

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in the Republic of South Africa will only be considered.
• You may apply for the traineeship if:
  • You have the right to work in the Republic of South Africa or a valid work permit (a copy of supporting documentation, e.g. work permit must be submitted with your application)
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Law, Social Studies, Politics, Economics or similar subject.
  • 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

Additional qualifications that would be an asset:

• Additional degree in another field
• If you can communicate efficiently in multiple languages (official languages of South Africa, official languages of the EU).

Main Tasks

• Analyse the current and foreseen dynamics of EU-South Africa partnership.
• Monitor political developments in South Africa and South African 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 South Africa 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 Delegation’s alumni efforts by following up on the EU Alumni strategy and making recommendations, and management of alumni platform (updating content etc.) and database.

Benefits

• Traineeships of up to 6 months in 2026 within the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) of the EU Delegation. The tentative start date is June 2026.
• The trainee will contribute to the Delegation’s work on EU – South Africa relations as pertains to the work of the section. The trainee will also work together with colleagues in the other Sections of the EU Delegation, as relevant and appropriate.

Application Process

Candidates must apply by sending the following documents to the specified e-mail address:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) (CVs in other format will not be considered)
• A cover letter describing why you want to participate in a EU traineeship
• An application form Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship – PPI Section – EU Delegation to South Africa

Deadline

Application Deadline: April 13, 2026