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 Japan?

We offer:

A traineeship of 6 months within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Japan, starting in October 2024.

The Delegation of the European Union to Japan represents, promotes and advances the interests and values of the European Union in Japan. We develop and strengthen bilateral political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and other sectoral cooperation between the European Union and Japan. Where relevant, cooperation with Japan also enables the EU to better promote and advance its interests and values at a regional and global level. 

Cooperation between the EU and Japan is deep and long-standing and is based on a range of formal agreements, such as the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement, or the Digital Partnership Agreement.

The Political, Press, and Information (PPI) Section is responsible for fostering bilateral work in the areas of foreign, security, and defence policy, development cooperation, strategic communication and human rights. The section is also responsible for organising public events, social media promotion and communication across all dimensions of EU-Japan relations.

As an intern in the PPI Section, you will get the opportunity to work within a dynamic, experienced, and international team of diplomats and policy experts. You will get a first-hand experience of political work in a diplomatic mission. You will gain research and analytical skills as well as practical opportunities to develop project management and organisational abilities. The busy EU-Japan political calendar will offer opportunities to assist in the preparation and coordination of official and high-level visits as well as allow you to work on longer-term bilateral projects on topics such as security and defence, connectivity, and human rights.

Main tasks:

1. Support the section with research and analysis on Japanese domestic and foreign policy developments.
2. Support the PPI section in preparation and organisation of incoming visits.
3. Assist in organising events, seminars and other local events under the lead of DEL PPI section.
4. Provide support to PPI section in preparing the Ambassador’s outreach activities and local visits.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Demonstrated interest in the areas of international relations and foreign policy or background in the fields of relevant area studies and/or politics;
• Academic knowledge or professional experience in the Japan policy landscape would be an asset;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Motivation, flexibility and ability to work within a team;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Command of written and spoken English;
• Japanese language skills can be an asset.

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address Delegation-Japan-Traineeship@eeas.europa.eu and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/ (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

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - PPI 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.