Funded traineeships for young graduates at the EU Delegation to China - Beijing

01.04.2025 New opportunity Teaser Are you a young graduate interested in international relations? Are you curious to learn more about work of a diplomatic mission and how the EU Delegation represents EU interests and values in China?

Text We offer:
Traineeships of up to 6 months within the following sections of the EU Delegation to China, starting in May and October 2025. Please note that no traineeship will start in August or September

Traineeship in the Political Section (POL):
Main tasks:

• Analyse foreign and security policy issues impacting EU-China interactions
• Conduct research on Chinese domestic policy and EU-China relations
• Prepare reports on developments in Chinese policy and their implications for the EU
• Contribute to briefings, minutes, and memos for various meetings and events.
• Build networks with interns from other diplomatic missions and international organizations in Beijing
• Attend and participate in meetings, seminars, and conferences in Beijing related to the EU's foreign, security, and human rights agendas.
• Assist in organizing and coordinating these events, ensuring effective communication and logistics.
• Provide logistical and substantive support for the preparation and execution of official visits and missions by EU officials.
• Assist in the follow-up actions required after visits, including drafting debriefings and implementing agreed measures.
• Undertake additional tasks to enhance understanding of the dynamics within the EU Delegation and broader EU-China relations.
• Participate in daily activities of the Political Section, contributing to its overall mission and objectives

Traineeship in the Press and Information Sector (P&I):
Main tasks:

• Research and analysis of information; reporting on Chinese policy and EU-China relations in the relevant files of the section;
• Screening international and Chinese press;
• Update the Delegation's social media platforms; publish content on social media ( specific to PPI sector;
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, seminars and conferences in Beijing; contribute to briefings and minutes for meetings;
• Liaison with authorities and building relationships with different stakeholders;
• Support the Delegation in the preparation of visits, missions as well as follow-up actions;
• taking memos and drafting reports;
• Any other task , which may be beneficiary to the trainee with the aim to better understand the dynamics of the EU Delegation and EU-China relations;

Traineeship in the Cooperation section (COOP):
Main tasks:

• Contribute to research, analysis and reporting in areas relevant to the section
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, seminars and conferences in Beijing and contribute to minutes for meetings
• Assist the section in the preparation of meetings, seminars, conferences, and networking events in Beijing
• Support the section on communication and visibility initiatives
• Any other task , which may be beneficiary to the trainee with the aim to better understand the dynamics of the EU Delegation and of EU-China relations

Traineeship in the Economic and Financial Affairs Section (ECFIN):
Main tasks:

• Contribute to the section's analysis and reporting on China by monitoring China's economic and financial market developments;
• Monitor and report on media coverage of developments relevant to the section’s work;
• Research and analyse information; make contacts to discuss issues with economists at other embassies or institutions;
• Support section in preparing and conducting conferences, seminars or visits;
• Contribute to drafting speeches and press releases;
• Participate in meetings, seminars and conferences in Beijing, and report on them as needed;
• Contribute to briefings ahead of visits form EU Headquarters or stakeholders;
• Carry out routine tasks such as proof reading or writing minutes from meetings;
• Any other task that helps the trainee to better understand the dynamics of the EU Delegation and EU-China relations.

Traineeship in the Green Section (Green):
Main tasks:

• research and analysis of information; reporting on Chinese policy and EU-China relations in the relevant files of the section;
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, seminars and conferences in Beijing; contribute to briefings and minutes for meetings;
• Liaison with authorities and building relationships with different stakeholders;
• Support the Delegation in the preparation of visits, missions as well as follow-up actions; taking memos and drafting reports;
• Any other task , which may be beneficiary to the trainee with the aim to better understand the dynamics of the EU Delegation and EU-China relations

Traineeship in the Trade Section (Trade):
Main tasks:

• Research and analysis of information; reporting on Chinese trade policy and EU-China trade relations in the relevant files of the section.
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, seminars and conferences in Beijing; contribute to briefings and minutes for meetings.
• Support the Delegation in the preparation of visits, missions as well as follow-up actions; taking memos and drafting reports.
• Any other task, which may be beneficiary to the trainee with the aim to better understand the dynamics of the EU Delegation and EU-China trade relations.

Traineeship in the Science &Technology; Digital Policies Sections (ST & CONNECT):
Main tasks:

• Analyse and report about EU and EU Member States research, innovation and digital cooperation activities and policy developments visa-a-vis China.
• Analyse and report about the developments and policies in the Chinese research, innovation and digital fields.
• Support the drafting of memos for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on media coverage and developments relevant to both sections’ work.
• Liaise with and attend regular meetings with the EU Member State contacts in China and Chinese interlocutors.
• Assist in the preparation and logistical coordination of relevant events such as workshops, conferences, seminars, visits, etc. and prepare summaries or reports as needed.
• Contribute to briefings, preparatory documents, speeches or presentations for relevant missions and meetings.
• Contribute to both sections’ projects, initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
• Perform other tasks that enhance the trainee’s understanding of EU Delegation dynamics, EU-China relations, and diplomatic processes in research, innovation and digital sections.

We look for:
Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in China will only be considered.
• Good command and drafting skills in English;
• Fluent Chinese (mandarin), with good interpretation skills will be an asset;
• Sound Communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work in a team and interact with outside stakeholders;
• High degree of responsibility and discretion;
• University degree in International Relations, EU Affairs, Political Science, Political Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Economics, Finance, Multimedia or Communication;
• Good user proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint;
• Basic knowledge of the workings of the European Union and diplomatic missions.

How to apply?
Candidates must apply to the e-mail address delegation-china-hr@eeas.europa.eu and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europa.eu/europass/en (CVs in other format will not be considered)
• a cover letter describing why you want to participate in a EU traineeship
• and an application form which you can click on the link below to download

China_Application form for funded traineeships_2025.docx

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - Name/Acronym of the Section (you may only apply to 1 traineeship per delegation, however based on your profile, the delegation could offer you a traineeship in another section).

Important information to read before applying
Before applying you are requested to examine the dedicated website as well as the general eligibility criteria for a paid traineeship (Article 8 of the Decision ADMIN(2017)28 – Paid traineeship).

Each selected trainee will receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses. All costs related to travels, visa, insurance, accommodation must be borne by the trainee.

Applications from non-eligible candidates will not be considered. After the evaluation of all applications, shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email. In case the selected candidates are not able to present the required documents, their application will be rejected.

The traineeships can only be offered in compliance with the local legislation as well as the legislation of the country of origin.
Citizens from EU Member states:

• must provide proof that they will be covered against the risk of a pandemic and the costs of repatriation;
• must hold a relevant entrance visa and / or temporary residence permit where applicable, based on the traineeship agreement, the duration of the traineeship, and in compliance with the local legislation.