The EU Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein is offering a five-month funded traineeship in Bern for eligible young graduates. Apply by 16 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The European Union Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein is inviting applications for a funded traineeship for young graduates within its Political, Press and Information Section (PPI), based in Bern, Switzerland.
The five-month traineeship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in diplomacy, European affairs, political research and public communication. The selected trainee will focus on Switzerland’s and Liechtenstein’s EU policies, domestic politics, and social and economic developments.
The traineeship is scheduled to start as soon as possible, with a possible one-month extension subject to budget availability. Online interviews are planned for 23 October 2026.
Applications must be submitted by 16 October 2026, close of business.
Traineeship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | European Union Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
| Section | Political, Press and Information |
| Location | Bern, Switzerland |
| Opportunity | Funded traineeship for young graduates |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Possible extension | 1 additional month, subject to budget availability |
| Expected start | As soon as possible |
| Online interviews | 23 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 16 October 2026, close of business |
| Eligible applicants | Qualifying EU, EU candidate-country and host-country citizens |
| Application email | delegation-bern-applications@eeas.europa.eu |
| Official vacancy | EU Delegation Traineeship Announcement |
Tasks
The trainee will support the Delegation’s work on EU policy and domestic political developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Responsibilities include researching and analysing political developments, drafting reports and briefings, and monitoring current affairs, including social and economic policy.
The trainee will also help prepare for and follow up on meetings with EU Member States and other stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include contributing to social media, communication and public diplomacy activities related to the Delegation’s areas of responsibility.
This experience is intended to provide practical exposure to the work of an EU diplomatic mission and its role in representing EU interests and values.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education Requirements
Applicants should have advanced studies in political science, international relations, economics, European law or another relevant field.
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in political science, economics or law, is required or expected as part of the stated academic profile. A master’s degree is an advantage.
Nationality Requirements
The vacancy is open to candidates who are:
- Citizens of an EU Member State.
- Citizens of an EU candidate country that has signed an accession agreement with the EU.
- Citizens of Switzerland or Liechtenstein, the host countries.
Applicants should verify that their nationality meets the exact conditions in the official vacancy announcement.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have less than one year of professional experience after graduation by the time the Traineeship Agreement is signed.
The announcement states that other traineeships, student jobs and volunteering undertaken during university or after graduation are not counted as professional experience for this requirement.
Language and Skills Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Very good knowledge of German and English.
- Good knowledge of French.
- Good understanding of EU–Swiss political and economic relations and European institutions.
- Strong research, analytical and drafting abilities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Candidates should also be interested in European affairs and able to contribute to research, reporting and public communication activities.
Additional Information
Funding and Duration
The position is described as a funded traineeship lasting five months, with a possible extension of one month depending on budget availability.
However, the supplied vacancy announcement does not specify the exact monthly grant or stipend amount. Applicants should consult the official vacancy information for further details on the financial arrangements.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 16 October 2026, close of business.
Online interviews are planned for 23 October 2026. Applicants should submit their documents promptly and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must email the following documents:
- A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter explaining why they want to participate in an EU traineeship.
- The official traineeship application form.
Important: The Delegation states that CVs in formats other than Europass will not be considered.
Applicants can prepare their CV through the Europass website and download the Funded Traineeship Application Form.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the official vacancy.
Read the EU Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein traineeship announcement carefully.
Step 2: Prepare your Europass CV.
Create a detailed CV using the official Europass platform. Other CV formats will not be considered.
Step 3: Complete the application form and cover letter.
Download and complete the official application form. Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in the traineeship and how your academic background relates to the work of the Delegation.
Step 4: Submit your application by email.
Send all required documents to:
Email: delegation-bern-applications@eeas.europa.eu
Use this exact email subject line:
Funded Traineeship - EU policy/domestic politics
Submit the application before the 16 October 2026 deadline.
Selection Process
The Delegation plans to conduct online interviews on 23 October 2026. Applicants should ensure that the submitted documents are complete and that their contact details are accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the EU Delegation Switzerland and Liechtenstein traineeship?
It is a funded traineeship within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation in Bern, focusing on EU policy and domestic political developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
2. How long does the traineeship last?
The traineeship lasts five months, with a possible additional month subject to budget availability.
3. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 16 October 2026, close of business.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible candidates include citizens of EU Member States, qualifying EU candidate countries that have signed an accession agreement with the EU, and citizens of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
5. What academic qualifications are required?
Applicants should have advanced studies in political science, international relations, economics, European law or a related field. A bachelor’s degree, preferably in political science, economics or law, is part of the stated academic profile. A master’s degree is an advantage.
6. Which languages are required?
Candidates need very good knowledge of German and English and good knowledge of French.
7. Is previous professional experience allowed?
Applicants must have less than one year of professional experience after graduation by the signing of the Traineeship Agreement. Certain student jobs, other traineeships and volunteering activities are excluded from the professional experience calculation under the vacancy’s rules.
8. Is the traineeship paid?
The position is described as funded, but the supplied announcement does not state the exact monthly grant amount. Applicants should check the official vacancy details.
9. Which documents must be submitted?
Applicants must provide a detailed Europass CV, a cover letter and the official application form. CVs in other formats will not be considered.
10. When are interviews scheduled?
Online interviews are planned for 23 October 2026.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The EU Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein traineeship may suit recent graduates interested in international relations, European policy, diplomacy and political analysis. It provides an opportunity to gain practical experience with an EU diplomatic mission while researching policy developments and supporting public diplomacy.
Candidates should pay particular attention to the nationality requirements, language skills and professional-experience limit. They must also submit a Europass CV rather than another CV format.
With the application deadline approaching on 16 October 2026, eligible applicants should prepare their documents and submit them as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career and traineeship announcements for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the European External Action Service or the EU Delegation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein and does not participate in recruitment decisions. Applicants should confirm all eligibility criteria, funding conditions and submission instructions through the official vacancy announcement.
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