Policy Trainee for Constitutional Affairs for the Volt delegation in the European Parliament

Volt Europa is looking for a trainee to support our MEP Reinier van Lanschot in his work on the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) Committee. In particular, you will assist his work on files related to strengthening European democracy, such as the EU electoral law, European Political Parties and European political Foundations (EUPPF), and the rights of mobile EU citizens. The trainee will be responsible for a variety of tasks in the areas of drafting, research and stakeholder engagement, as well as communication and event organisation. A big focus of your work will be on developing practical and unconventional strategies to move Member States to engage with files that have passed in the EP. This is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience learning about the role of an MEP and the workings of the EU institutions in a fast-paced, fun, and multi-cultural environment.

Our main goal is for your work to have meaningful impact while contributing to your own career parth. In this way, we want to make sure you feel value, agency and autonomy in your work while being part of a team that supports and guides you. The role would run from March 2025 until July 2025 (and potentially beyond). We are (somewhat) flexible on the start and end dates.

We want to underline that, above all, please apply even if you are wondering if you fit the profile. We value equity ofopportunity and do not expect a trainee to arrive with 10 years of working experience.

Responsibilities:

  • Research and produce briefing notes, reports, articles, speeches, speaking points and explanations of votes for use by Reinier and/or the wider Volt EP delegation;

  • Attend and prepare meeting notes on Parliamentary and Joint Committee meetings;

  • Engage with stakeholders to ensure a variety of perspectives are taking into account in our policy work;

  • Set up an outreach plan for Reinier to meet with EU Affairs Ministers, civil society organisations and national polticians in all 27 Member States;

  • Support communication colleagues with information on policy issues under your responsibility;

  • Help organise events and related outreach activities on relevant topics.

We ask for:

  • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail;

  • A proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment;

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously;

  • English language competence at CEFR level C1 or above, as the Volt Europa delegation's working language is English;

  • Knowledge of and passion for European politics, policy issues, and current events, and a commitment to progressive values and principles.

We would be happy about:

  • An educational background and/or professional experience/interest in and/or a passion for the field of EU (constitutional) law and reform and an understanding of the diverse electoral and constitutional systems of the EU 27 Member States and its practical challenges to the emergence of a European Parliamentary Democracy.

What we offer:

  • First-hand experience in the office of a Volt Europa MEP;

  • The opportunity to develop your expertise on EU constitutional and reform related topics within and outside of the EU legislative process;

  • A purpose-driven work environment, underpinned by our shared commitment to the Eropean project;

  • A fun, young, and international team;

  • A competitive salary.

How to apply?

We are excited to read your application! If you are interested, complete this application form before 26.01.2025 23:59.

Interviews and the final decision will be made no later than the end of mid-February 2025, with a start date foreseen for early March 2025.

Unsuccessful candidates will be duly notified.

Questions regarding the vacancy and application procedure can be addressed to Teun Janssen via teun.janssen@ep.europa.eu.