Job Description

Deadline for application: 6 November 2026. We are looking for a trainee to support the Corporate Governance and Internal Policies (CGIP) division of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). CGIP facilitates decision-making at the ESM’s highest level by providing high-quality and efficient support to the Board of Governors, Board of Directors and Board committees. The division also manages shareholder relations and supports the development, review and continuous improvement of the ESM’s governance frameworks, internal policies, procedures and processes. The aim of the traineeship is to provide a promising young professional with an opportunity to understand how the ESM works, gain practical experience of its governance and internal policy framework, and contribute to the division’s day-to-day work and selected projects.

PURPOSE OF THE TRAINEESHIP

• Provide day-to-day support in planning, preparing and following up on meetings of the ESM governing bodies, Board committees and selected high-level events;
• Support the preparation, quality review and coordination of agendas, briefings, meeting documents, written procedures and records of decisions;
• Maintain governance records, databases, collaborative workspaces and document-management processes;
• Contribute to timely and effective communication and information exchange with internal and external stakeholders, including ESM shareholders;
• Conduct research and benchmarking for briefings, notes, governance frameworks and internal policies, including a review of practices at EU and international financial institutions;
• Prepare presentations, analysis and other decision-support material, and contribute to initiatives that improve governance and policy processes, including through digital and AI-enabled tools;
• Provide general support for CGIP initiatives and perform ad hoc tasks as needed.

KEY BACKGROUND

• A candidate (or recent graduate within one year of graduation) for an advanced university degree in in European Studies, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations or a related field;
• Good understanding of European affairs and the institutional framework of the European Union; familiarity with financial institutions or public international institutions would be an asset;
• Strong command of Microsoft 365 tools, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint; interest in digitalisation and the responsible use of AI tools would be an asset;
• Excellent oral and written English skills, including strong drafting ability.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Eagerness to learn
• Critical and strategic thinking
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem solving
• Developing self and others

APPLICATION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Deadline for application: 6 November 2026
• Expected start date: as soon as possible, subject to the selected candidate’s availability
• Duration: six months, with a possible extension for another six months
• Place of employment: Luxembourg
• Competitive allowance granted
• Current working arrangements: possibility to work remotely, normally up to two days a week, from Luxembourg and the border region (or from further away under certain conditions)

Note: Please clearly indicate your availability in your cover letter.

The ESM aims to provide equal opportunity to all candidates irrespective of their gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage women to apply.

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. It provides financial assistance to Members facing financing difficulties. To date, the ESM and its predecessor organisation, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), have launched six financial assistance programmes to five countries, provided financial support, monitored repayment capacity, and engaged with partner institutions for programme design in areas of financial interest.

The ESM is a unique place to work with around 230 individuals committed to making a difference to the future of the euro area. It recruits talented professionals of any nationality from both the private and public sectors. The ESM’s senior management is committed to preserving and enhancing a diverse, inclusive recruitment and work environment.