CONCORD is seeking a highly-motivated young professional with a keen interest in civil society space to join CONCORD’s Policy and Advocacy Team as a trainee.

About CONCORD

CONCORD is the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. We are made up of member organisations: 26 national platforms, 25 international networks and 7 associate members that represent over 2,600 NGOs, supported by millions of people across Europe.

We work together to ensure that European policies promote equal, just and inclusive societies in a sustainable world. CONCORD envisions and works toward a world in which poverty and inequality have been eradicated; in which decisions and policies are based on social justice, gender equality and upon our responsibility to future generations; where every person has the right to live in dignity, sustainably, on an equal basis, free from poverty.

CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Role Specification

We are looking for a young professional who is passionate, motivated, creative, cooperative, and committed, who would like to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the work of a confederation of NGOs.

As a trainee, you will contribute to the work of our Policy and Advocacy Team under the supervision of a Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser. You will specifically support the activities of the thematic area concerning civil society space and an enabling environment for civil society.

Our Civil Society Power project aims to encourage the EU and Member States to defend and promote civic space and enable civil society worldwide. We engage with the EU and its Member States to foster meaningful and inclusive engagement with civil society in decision-making processes, and to strengthen enabling frameworks for a vibrant civil society inside and outside the EU. 

Main learning objectives

• You will acquire a good understanding of decision-making processes in the EU institutions as well as the ways of working in an European NGO confederation, bringing together networks and national platforms from across the European Union.
• You will obtain knowledge about EU international cooperation in general, and support to civil society in particular.
• You will enhance your analysis, coordination and organisational skills. 
• You will learn more about policy analysis and advocacy processes, including drafting relevant documents, enhancing the engagement of members in order to develop and advocate for CONCORD’s positions, and monitoring EU institutional policy processes. 
• You will have opportunities to attend external events and become familiarised with the work of CONCORD’s allies and partners.
• All while working in an international, multicultural environment.

Main responsibilities and tasks

The role involves supporting the implementation of CONCORD’s policy and advocacy objectives, coordinating our members in the collective policy and advocacy work vis-à-vis EU institutions. Under the supervision of a Senior Adviser, the trainee will conduct:

Policy and advocacy work:

• Monitor relevant EU policies and processes;
• Support activities within the Civil Society Power (CSP) project, including drafting of joint positions and analyses;
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and management within the Policy and Advocacy Team and CONCORD’s wider membership (drafting monthly CSP newsletter, contribute to “Daily Round Up” internal bulletin);
• Conduct targeted research relevant to the work of the CSP project;
• Other policy and advocacy tasks

Logistics and events:

• Support the organisation of internal and external meetings and events, including note-taking and preparing presentations;
• Administrative tasks: mailing list management, tracking participation in meetings, etc.

Staff coordination and work:

• Participate in and contribute to the coordination within the Policy and Advocacy Team and with other teams in CONCORD;
• Participate in staff coordination meetings and contribute to collective staff work.

Conditions of Employment – PLEASE, READ THIS CAREFULLY

Duration of contract: This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week) for a period of minimum 6 months and maximum 12 months.

Location: Brussels, Belgium   

Please note that if you do not currently reside in Belgium you will be required to relocate. You must already have the right to live and work in the European Union.

If you are eligible for a CIP (‘contrat d’immersion professionnelle’):

• The minimum duration of your traineeship will be 6 months with the possibility of extending to 12 months under certain conditions;
• The salary will be 1100 euros per month;
• You will be entitled to 20 vacation days pro rata which amounts to 10 vacation days for a 6-month traineeship;
• CONCORD also provides meal vouchers of 8 euros per working day, a monthly commuting allowance on local public transport or by bicycle, and a monthly teleworking allowance given that you will be required to telework on certain days of the week.

Please note that the CIP contract is not compatible with a traineeship convention from a university. 

Feedback and evaluation:
Throughout the traineeship, you will be given feedback on your performance to help you learn and grow professionally.

Qualification and Experience

Education/Training:

• University Degree or equivalent in development studies, political science, EU or other relevant studies.

Technical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of the functioning of the European Union institutions and EU policy-making processes;
• Knowledge and/or strong interest in civic space, inclusive decision-making, enabling environment for civil society is an asset;
• Good analysis, writing and reporting skills;
• Good spoken and written English and Spanish is mandatory.

Profile of the ideal candidate:

• Ability to organise one’s own work and manage one’s own time;
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others and towards shared objectives;
• Ability to work under pressure and to achieve tight deadlines;
• Analytical and problem solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Eager to take initiative;
• Strong computer skills.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please complete the questionnaire below where you will be asked to upload in one pdf document your CV (max 2 pages, no photo) and motivation letter (300 words max) highlighting 1) your interest in working for CONCORD’s Civil Society Power project and 2) answering the following question: Why is civil society important for sustainable development? 

Please name the pdf file as follows: LAST NAME – First Name – CSP Traineeship January 2026.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 30 November 2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted. 

Short listing and Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview.

Please note that due to the large number of expected applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. In advance, we thank all candidates for their interest.

Closing Date:                 30 November 2025 at 23:59 CEST
Interview dates:            Week of 8 December 2025
Aimed starting date:    Monday 19 January 2025