CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation, is pleased to open applications for the Policy and Advocacy Traineeship: Civil Society Power. This opportunity offers aspiring professionals an exceptional entry point into the world of European civil society advocacy, policymaking, and global cooperation.

Through this traineeship, CONCORD seeks to empower a young, motivated, and socially engaged individual with the skills, networks, and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to civil society strengthening efforts in Europe and beyond. The position is based in Brussels, the heart of European decision-making, and offers an immersive experience within a dynamic, multicultural environment.

For those who are passionate about democracy, civic engagement, social justice, and sustainable development, this traineeship provides a hands-on opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference alongside experienced policy and advocacy professionals.

About CONCORD

CONCORD is the European Confederation of NGOs dedicated to advancing sustainable development and international cooperation. The confederation unites a broad and diverse membership of organizations that collectively represent more than 2,600 NGOs across Europe. These include 26 national platforms, 25 international networks, and 7 associate members. Together, they represent millions of citizens committed to creating a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable world.

The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that European policies should promote equality, justice, and sustainability for all. By uniting civil society actors under a shared vision, CONCORD works to ensure that the European Union’s external and internal policies reflect social justice, gender equality, and the responsibility to protect future generations.

Our Vision

CONCORD envisions a world in which:

• Poverty and inequality are eradicated;
• Policies and decisions are guided by justice, equality, and sustainability;
• Every person has the right to live in dignity and freedom;
• Civil society flourishes as a key driver of democratic accountability and social progress.

At the core of this vision lies the belief that civil society is essential for upholding democratic values, promoting social cohesion, and holding institutions accountable. The Civil Society Power project — which this traineeship supports — is a vital expression of that belief.

About the Civil Society Power Project

The Civil Society Power (CSP) project is one of CONCORD’s flagship initiatives. It aims to promote an enabling environment for civil society across the European Union and globally. In an era where civic space is shrinking in many parts of the world, the project’s mission is to defend, strengthen, and expand spaces for citizens and civil society organizations to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

The CSP project engages with the European Union institutions, Member States, and global partners to:

• Advocate for the protection of civic freedoms and human rights defenders;
• Promote inclusive participation of civil society in policymaking;
• Strengthen enabling frameworks that allow NGOs and community-based organizations to operate freely and effectively;
• Foster mutual learning and solidarity among civil society organizations across different contexts.

This traineeship provides an opportunity to become directly involved in this work — supporting advocacy, research, coordination, and communication within the CSP framework.

Role Overview

CONCORD is seeking a highly motivated trainee to join its Policy and Advocacy Team. The selected candidate will support the Civil Society Power project, working closely with a Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser and collaborating with member organizations across Europe.

This position is ideal for a young professional who is:

• Passionate about civil society, democratic participation, and international cooperation;
• Curious to learn about EU policymaking processes;
• Eager to develop strong policy, research, and coordination skills;
• Ready to contribute actively to the collective work of a European NGO confederation.

The traineeship combines practical experience, professional development, and personal growth. It allows the trainee to learn directly from experienced advocates and policy experts while contributing to concrete actions and campaigns that influence EU policies.

Learning Objectives

The Policy and Advocacy Traineeship offers a structured learning experience designed to strengthen both professional competencies and personal understanding of global and European policy dynamics. By the end of the traineeship, the selected candidate will have developed:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of EU institutions and policymaking processes:
   Gain insight into how EU institutions function, how decisions are made, and how NGOs influence those decisions through advocacy and coalition-building.
2. Understanding of EU international cooperation and support to civil society:
   Learn about the EU’s global development agenda and the mechanisms through which the EU supports civil society organizations worldwide.
3. Enhanced analytical and research skills:
   Develop the ability to monitor EU policies, analyze documents, and produce concise and evidence-based advocacy materials.
4. Organizational and coordination abilities:
   Learn to plan and coordinate meetings, events, and collaborative actions within an international network of organizations.
5. Practical policy advocacy experience:
   Gain direct exposure to the processes of drafting position papers, monitoring institutional developments, and representing civil society perspectives.
6. Professional communication and teamwork:
   Strengthen interpersonal communication, team collaboration, and reporting skills in a multicultural professional environment.

Main Responsibilities

1. Policy and Advocacy Support

The trainee will play a key supporting role in the development and implementation of CONCORD’s policy and advocacy objectives. This includes:

• Monitoring EU policy developments relevant to civil society space and enabling environments;
• Supporting the Civil Society Power project’s advocacy work, including contributing to joint positions, analyses, and briefings;
• Conducting targeted research on issues such as democratic governance, civil society rights, and EU cooperation frameworks;
• Drafting and editing documents, newsletters, and policy updates for internal and external audiences;
• Contributing to knowledge sharing, including preparing the Civil Society Power newsletter and contributing to CONCORD’s Daily Round Up bulletin;
• Collaborating with member organizations to collect input, share updates, and align advocacy efforts.

2. Logistics and Events

The trainee will also assist in the planning and execution of internal and external meetings and events. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and advocacy events;
• Preparing presentations, minutes, and follow-up reports;
• Handling administrative tasks such as managing mailing lists, tracking participation, and maintaining databases.

3. Team Coordination and Collaboration

CONCORD values teamwork and shared responsibility. The trainee will:

• Participate in team meetings within the Policy and Advocacy department;
• Collaborate with other teams, including communications and operations, to ensure coherence in CONCORD’s work;
• Contribute ideas and feedback in staff coordination meetings;
• Take part in cross-cutting activities and internal capacity-building sessions.

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Candidate Profile

Education and Background

• A university degree (or equivalent) in development studies, political science, European studies, international relations, or another relevant field;
• Demonstrated interest in civil society, democratic governance, or sustainable development;
• Prior experience — through volunteering, internships, or projects — in NGOs, civil society, or advocacy work is a strong asset.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding (or strong interest in learning) of EU institutions and policy processes;
• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish (minimum level C1 in both);
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including cross-cultural awareness;
• Organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and work collaboratively;
• IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with CRM systems such as Odoo is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate is:

• Motivated and eager to learn;
• Cooperative, open-minded, and adaptable;
• Able to take initiative and show creativity in problem-solving;
• A team player committed to collective goals and values.

Conditions of Employment

Contract and Duration

• Full-time traineeship (37.5 hours per week) for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months;
• Based at CONCORD’s offices in Brussels, Belgium.

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the European Union, as CONCORD cannot provide sponsorship for work authorization.
Candidates not currently residing in Belgium must be willing to relocate for the duration of the traineeship.

Traineeship Framework (CIP)

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

• Minimum duration: 6 months, extendable up to 12 months;
• Monthly stipend: €1,100;
• Entitlement to 20 vacation days pro rata (10 days for a 6-month traineeship);
• Additional benefits include:
  • Meal vouchers (€8 per working day);
  • Monthly commuting allowance for public transport or bicycle use;
  • Teleworking allowance is required, as the role includes a mix of office and remote work.

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

Supervision and Evaluation

The trainee will receive continuous feedback and guidance from a Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser throughout the traineeship. Regular evaluations will support the trainee’s learning progress, ensuring that the experience is both enriching and professionally beneficial.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through CONCORD’s online application form. Applicants will be asked to upload a single PDF document containing their CV (maximum two pages, no photo) and motivation letter (maximum 300 words).

The motivation letter should address two key points:

1. Your interest in working on CONCORD’s Civil Society Power project;
2. Your response to the question: “Why is civil society important for sustainable development?”

File Naming Convention

Please name your document as follows:
LAST NAME – First Name – CSP Traineeship January 2026

Language Requirements

Only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.

Selection Timeline

• Application Deadline: Sunday, 30 November 2025, at 23:59 CEST
• Interviews: Week of 8 December 2025 (online)
• Expected Start Date: Monday, 19 January 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. CONCORD appreciates the interest of all applicants and thanks them in advance for their commitment to the values of civil society.

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Why Join CONCORD?

Joining CONCORD means becoming part of a vibrant network of organizations and professionals who are shaping the future of sustainable development and international cooperation in Europe. Beyond the technical skills you will gain, this traineeship offers:

• Exposure to EU policymaking and advocacy processes;
• Direct experience in an international NGO confederation;
• Opportunities to contribute to tangible policy changes;
• Access to a supportive and collaborative professional environment;
• A chance to build professional networks across Europe’s civil society community.

As a trainee, you will be part of a diverse team of individuals who are passionate about justice, equality, and sustainability. You will have opportunities to attend external meetings, workshops, and events, allowing you to connect with policymakers, activists, and researchers in the field.

The Importance of Civil Society for Sustainable Development

At the heart of CONCORD’s mission lies the conviction that civil society is indispensable for achieving sustainable development. Civil society organizations (CSOs) — from grassroots groups to global networks — play critical roles in:

• Promoting accountability and transparency in governance;
• Defending human rights and protecting marginalized groups;
• Fostering social innovation and local development;
• Raising public awareness about global challenges such as inequality and climate change;
• Ensuring inclusive participation in decision-making processes.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved by governments and businesses alone. Civil society provides the vital connection between people and policies, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Through initiatives such as the Civil Society Power project, CONCORD advocates for policies that recognize, protect, and empower civil society actors — not only within Europe but across the world. This traineeship offers a direct opportunity to contribute to that mission.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity

CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our staff and membership and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or any other protected status.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our collective work and contribute to innovative and effective advocacy. Every team member at CONCORD has a role to play in shaping an organization that truly reflects the diversity of civil society itself.

Contact Information

CONCORD – The European Confederation of Relief and Development NGOs
Rue de l’Industrie 10, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 743 87 60
Fax: +32 2 732 19 34
Website: www.concordeurope.org

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Conclusion

The Policy and Advocacy Traineeship: Civil Society Power is more than just a learning opportunity — it is an invitation to participate in a movement for global justice, democratic participation, and sustainable development. By joining CONCORD, you will contribute to the collective voice of European civil society, helping shape the policies that impact millions of lives worldwide.

Suppose you are passionate about civic engagement, eager to learn from experts, and ready to grow as a policy and advocacy professional. In that case, this traineeship is your opportunity to take a meaningful step in your career — and to make your voice count in Europe’s global development dialogue.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/