Trainee Political Assistant to Co-President of Volt Europa (Mels)

About Volt

Only a Europe that acts together can solve our shared challenges. National parties are reaching their limits and the EU has proven incapable to enhance people’s voice and have a coherent and strong position on the international stage. Volt was created to counteract populist promises and give a home to all Europeans. As the first pan-European party, we strive to empower people to change politics and unlock Europe’s true potential. Active in more than 30 countries, we encourage citizens to rethink and reshape politics in their cities, in their countries and across borders in Europe.

The internship

You will be working as a communication and political trainee for Mels Klabbers, co-president of Volt Europa. You will get the opportunity to work closely together with him on a daily basis, and you will learn about a wide range of political topics, while also being responsible for his media presence and communication in general. As trainee to the co-president, you will support him in day-to-day planning, supporting him in writing his speeches, reaching out to relevant stakeholders and creating engaging political communication for social and traditional media. You will be involved in the political positioning strategy of the party in relation to different political matters. You will also be given the freedom to engage with other projects you are interested in. 

Working as Mels’s trainee means getting to know him and comprehending who he is and what his priorities and aspirations are. Mels has a very open attitude, leaving much freedom for you as a trainee both creatively and practically which also comes with the responsibility of achieving the results you will agree upon. Flexible planning and pro-activity becomes an essential skill for organizing work in a sustainable and orderly way. It will be crucial to stay informed of current events and internal party dynamics.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in daily and long-term planning for projects, campaigns, events, public engagements, travels and partnerships.

  • Administrative tasks (organise meetings, agenda, inbox management)

  • Assist in the management of social media accounts & content creation (graphic design, video-editing, copywriting, scheduling).

  • Conduct independent research aimed at creating content and/or political briefs regarding European politics.

  • Keep current on the most recent news, and internal party dynamics.

  • Put out original and innovative ideas.

  • Manage public relations (e.g. liaising with stakeholders, scheduling interviews).

  • Assist with internal alignment with elected officials, EUR staff and national chapters (mostly minute-taking in dedicated meetings).

What we look for in you

Must haves:

  • Sensitivity and openness towards other cultures

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and proactively

  • Strong understanding of social media dynamics (particularly Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky), with the ability to balance structured planning with seizing spontaneous opportunities

  • Ability to work with tools like Google Workspace, Asana (or other PM tools) is needed.

  • Canva, Capcut and similar ones are desirable, or willingness to learn is needed.

  • Ability to write clear and easy-to-understand texts & to create SoMe content

  • Demonstrable knowledge of the political landscape of the EU and of EU and its institutions

  • Trustworthy, reliable, proactive, curious and positive attitude

Nice to haves: 

  • Experience in political strategy, communication or a related field

  • Pursuing a degree in Politics/International Relations/Journalism/Communication Studies or a related field

What we can offer you

  • Flexibility: Volt is primarily a volunteer organization, which means we do not have fixed working hours. We aim for trainees to work 38 hours per week, but you can plan your hours according to your schedule (and that of Mels). Being flexible is important.  

  • A dynamic, fast-paced working environment

  • You will be working with both fulltimers and volunteers, all from a variety of cultural backgrounds

  • A unique insight into the European political culture within a rapidly growing organization

  • At Volt, we believe that every employee should have the opportunity to make their mark. You will have the opportunity to influence an innovative, youthful political movement.

Practical details 

  • Start date: mid/end February preferably. 

  • Duration: max. 6 months. 

  • Allowance: we offer an internship allowance of €550 gross p/m for a full-time contract. Please note that, due to our payroll set-up, at the moment we can only pay a salary to trainees living in the Netherlands or France. 

  • Location: remote working, you can work from your location of choice. Depending on where that is you will also be able to work in a Volt office (e.g. located in The Hague) from time to time. Travel could be part of the internship, depending on needs. 

  • Holidays: ca. 2 days of time off per month.

Interested? Apply by filling out this form. If you have any questions, check out the FAQ page for internships.