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 India?

We offer:

A traineeship of up to 6 months within the Trade and Economic Affairs Section of the EU Delegation to India, starting in  November 2024.

The Trade and Economic section of the EU Delegation to India is a small team of 9 colleagues of many different nationalities working on a wide range of issues. The topics we cover range from improving market access to overcoming trade and investment barriers faced by EU companies, to engaging with India on trade-related labour and environmental standards; to digital policies, health, migration, agriculture  and food safety matters.

Apart from issues pertaining to EU India trade and investment relations both the bilateral and multilateral aspects, we work with 12 Directorate Generals of the European Commission on extensive set of EU policy issues, including agriculture and food safety, macroeconomic policy and financial regulations, taxation and customs issues, digital trade and standards, migration and home affairs, competition and consumer protection etc. In New Delhi, we engage regularly with a wide range of interlocutors from government officials, to EU and Indian businesses, diplomats from EU Member States missions and third country missions, think tanks, and academia and so on.

The EU has deep and longstanding trade and investment relations with India; the EU is India’s number one trading partner of India. The EU and India are currently negotiating a Free Trade agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement and an agreement on Geographical Indications.  Providing support to the EU negotiating team in the preparation and the conduct of these extensive negotiations will be a key priority for the trade team in the coming year. In addition we also provide support to the EU India Trade and Technology Council, a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners.

We also assist visiting delegations from headquarters be it from the European Commission, European Council, European Parliament and other EU institutions on their visits to India.

The section is also responsible for the implementation of trade-related EU-funded projects to fulfil the above-mentioned objectives.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven and intellectually curious person who is interested in the EU and in trade policy to join our team and support the activities of the section

Main tasks:

• Monitoring, analysis, reporting and presentation on specific trade, investment related issues, including sector-specific analysis on issues related to mobility, digital policies etc.
• Supporting the organization of events as well as of the high level visits
• Be involved in the implementation of trade related EU financed projects
• Supporting organisation and conduct of regular EU coordination meetings with EU Member States including reporting from the meetings

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

Taking into account the local health and security conditions, applicants currently residing in [India or in the nearby areas of New Delhi will only be considered

• University degree (minimum BA equivalent) preferably in economics, political science, international relations
• Excellent command of English
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Good organizational skills and capacity to work in a team
• Computer skills: Presentation software (PowerPoint, etc.) and spreadsheets (Excel)
• Excellent writing skills (reporting, notes, minutes, briefings, etc.)
• Previous working experience, especially in a start-up, or traineeships in research / think tanks / government institutions is an asset (see eligibility criteria for work experience)

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address  delegation-india-interns@eeas.europa.eu   and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv (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 - Trade and Economic Affairs (TRA) 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.