Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Democracy & Human Rights Traineeship 2026 in Belgium

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung invites applications for its Global Unit for Democracy and Human Rights Traineeship Programme 2026. This Brussels-based opportunity offers recent graduates hands-on experience in project delivery, operations, communications, and organisational management within a leading international foundation.

What the Traineeship Offers

Selected trainees gain comprehensive professional development through meaningful engagement with the foundation’s global work:

• Full-time placement from September to December 2026
• Practical experience across administration, project support, research, events, and communications
• Exposure to transnational advocacy networks and human rights initiatives
• Mentorship and supervision from experienced professionals
• Learning opportunities in a multicultural, collaborative environment

Key Responsibilities

Trainees contribute across multiple work streams, supporting the Unit’s core activities:

Administrative and Operational Support

• Assist with day-to-day organisational tasks and logistics
• Help prepare reports, meeting materials, and documentation

Project Support

• Contribute to project implementation and monitoring activities
• Support coordination with internal and external stakeholders

Research and Analysis

• Conduct background research on democracy, human rights, and civic participation topics
• Prepare briefing notes and summary outputs

Events and Outreach

• Support preparation and organisation of workshops, conferences, and meetings
• Assist with participant management and follow-up activities

Communications

• Help prepare content for websites, newsletters, and other channels
• Contribute to disseminating information and project results

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria for consideration:

• Be eligible to work in Belgium under the Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle (CIP)
• Hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Communications, Law, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Possess excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Show proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Display strong interpersonal skills for multicultural collaboration

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with previous internship, volunteer, or extracurricular experience relevant to the Unit’s activities will stand out. Knowledge of German, French, or Dutch is considered an advantage, along with experience supporting projects, events, research, communications, or stakeholder engagement.

How to Apply

Submit your application by email to eui-info@eu.boell.org with the subject line “Trainee – Global Unit Democracy & Human Rights”. Your application must include:

• A CV (maximum one page)
• A motivation letter (maximum one page) explaining your relevant experience, interest in democracy and human rights work, and what you hope to gain from the traineeship
• A copy of your Master’s diploma or proof of expected graduation

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Only shortlisted candidates will receive contact. This traineeship offers an exceptional pathway into international human rights and democracy work, providing foundational experience for early-career professionals passionate about social justice and civic engagement.

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