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 5 months within the Trade 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. 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 Trade section works on aspects of EU-Japan relations in a large variety of areas, ranging from trade, economic security, industrial policy, agriculture, customs, financial services, climate, energy and environmental matters.

We support the implementation of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, facilitate cooperation between Japanese Ministries and various departments in the European Commission, monitor policy developments in Japan and maintain contacts with Japanese interlocutors.

As an intern in the Trade Section, you will get the opportunity to learn about a range of European policies, and how the EU and Japan cooperate in such areas. You will gain practical research and analytical skills, report drafting skills, as well as project management and organisational skills. You will work in an international team, with members drawn from a variety of different countries.

Main tasks:

• Analyse policy developments both in the EU and Japan;
• Draft background notes on topics covered by the section;
• Attend and report on meetings, seminars and other events;
• Provide research support to the section on the basis of needs (including the possibility of an individual research project relevant to the work of the section);
• (Language skills allowing) Summarise and translate main elements of documents from Japanese language to English.

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• General understanding of international economics and trade;
• Eagerness to learn, motivation to work in a team, attention to detail;
• Good drafting skills in English;
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and curiosity;
• Ability to undertake research in Japanese will be a significant advantage;
• Knowledge of environment, energy, climate and environment files would be a plus.

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 - Trade 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.