Transparency International EU (TI EU) is inviting applications for its EU Political Integrity Traineeship, an opportunity for early-career professionals interested in European policy, anti-corruption, political integrity, transparency and accountability.
Based in Brussels, Belgium, the six-month traineeship will provide the successful candidate with practical experience supporting policy research, anti-corruption analysis, project implementation, communications and advocacy work directed toward European Union institutions.
The traineeship is scheduled to begin on 5 October 2026 and will be offered under a Belgian Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle on a 38-hour-per-week basis. The selected trainee will work in a combination of office-based and remote arrangements.
Importantly, applicants must have the legal right to reside and work in Belgium.
Opportunity Details
- Host Organisation: Transparency International EU
- Position: EU Policy Trainee
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Duration: 6 months
- Start Date: 5 October 2026
- Working Hours: 38 hours per week
- Contract: Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle under Belgian law
- Monthly Allowance: €1,200 gross
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, combining teleworking and office-based work
- Application Deadline: 6 September 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time
- Application Language: English
What Does the Traineeship Offer?
The position provides an opportunity for an early-career professional to work directly in the field of EU political integrity and anti-corruption.
The trainee will support the TI EU office with research and policy-related requests from senior team members. This could involve monitoring developments affecting anti-corruption policies, researching EU-level issues, analysing relevant data and stakeholders, and helping the organisation understand emerging trends.
The role also offers exposure to project management, event coordination, communications and organisational reporting. This makes it particularly relevant for graduates seeking careers in EU policy, international relations, public policy, governance, anti-corruption, advocacy, research or communications.
Key Responsibilities
The successful trainee will contribute to several areas of TI EU’s work.
Policy Research and Analysis
Responsibilities will include monitoring anti-corruption developments and trends and conducting desk research into relevant information. The trainee may also analyse data, trends and stakeholders connected to anti-corruption and political integrity.
This will provide valuable practical experience for candidates interested in evidence-based policy development and European governance.
Events and Meetings
The trainee will help organise presentations, internal meetings and external events. This may involve preparing materials, coordinating logistics and providing general support before and during activities.
Project Support
The position includes assisting with the implementation of projects, including project management and reporting. The trainee will also help track activities and assess impact for reporting to external stakeholders.
Communications
The successful applicant will support communication activities, including proofreading and social media outreach. This provides an opportunity to develop communications skills while working on issues related to transparency, accountability and anti-corruption.
The trainee will also provide general administrative and operational support to the office and undertake other ad hoc duties when required.
Who Can Apply?
TI EU is looking for a highly motivated early-career candidate with an academic background relevant to its political integrity and policy work.
Applicants should have a university degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as:
- European Studies
- Economics
- Law
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Communications
- Social Sciences
- Other related fields
Candidates should also have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
Knowledge of EU institutions and EU-level policymaking is required, making the traineeship particularly suitable for applicants who have studied European affairs, public policy or international governance.
Previous experience in policy research and analysis is considered an advantage but is not presented as an absolute requirement.
Skills and Qualities
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong organisational abilities and be comfortable using the Microsoft 365 suite of applications.
TI EU is also seeking candidates who have a genuine interest in its work and in the broader field of anti-corruption and political integrity.
The ideal candidate should be a team player with a practical approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively within a small, multicultural team.
A clear commitment to the values and objectives of Transparency International is also expected.
What Financial Support Is Provided?
The traineeship offers a €1,200 gross monthly allowance alongside several additional benefits.
These include:
- 10 extra-legal days of holiday
- Work-from-home allowance of €148.73
- Internet allowance of €20 per month
- Lunch vouchers worth €8 per working day
- Mobile phone subscription
- Hospitalisation insurance
- Private accident insurance
- Paid sick leave
- 100% transport allowance
Together, these benefits make the traineeship a potentially attractive opportunity for eligible early-career professionals seeking practical experience in Brussels.
Career Opportunity for Young Professionals
The traineeship is specifically designed for candidates at the start of their careers, with the legal traineeship framework indicating that applicants should have no more than approximately five years of professional experience in the relevant field.
It is important to note that this traineeship cannot provide credit required for a degree or diploma.
For graduates and young professionals interested in European policymaking, the role can provide valuable exposure to the work of an international anti-corruption organisation and its engagement with EU institutions.
Experience gained in policy research, stakeholder analysis, project coordination, advocacy and communications could be relevant to future opportunities across the nonprofit, public policy, international development and governance sectors.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications in English and provide both a CV and cover letter.
Applications must be submitted through the application form provided by Transparency International EU.
The deadline is Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time.
Shortlisted candidates are expected to participate in interviews during the week of 14 September 2026.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying, particularly the requirement to have the legal right to reside and work in Belgium.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The Transparency International EU Political Integrity Traineeship offers more than a conventional graduate placement. It provides practical exposure to the intersection of EU policymaking, anti-corruption, research, advocacy and communications.
For candidates with academic backgrounds in political science, international relations, European studies, law, economics, communications or related social sciences, the opportunity can serve as a pathway toward a career in European policy and governance.
Applicants who combine strong research and analytical skills with an interest in transparency, accountability and integrity are particularly well positioned to benefit from the experience.
With a €1,200 gross monthly allowance, additional benefits and a hybrid working arrangement in Brussels, this six-month traineeship represents an opportunity for eligible early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience within the Transparency International movement.
Interested candidates should prepare their CV and cover letter early and submit their application before the 6 September 2026 deadline.
