Traineeship - Policy Strategy and Institutional Relations

Deadline for application: 26 October: We are looking for recent graduates of or candidates studying towards a masters’ degree, PhD, or postdoctoral programme to assist our Policy Strategy and Institutional Relations (PSIR) division of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The PSIR team is part of the Secretary General Department and is responsible for policies related to the ESM’s mandate, for the relationship with Rating Agencies and peer institutions in Europe and worldwide. The aim of the traineeship is to provide promising young professionals with an opportunity to understand how the ESM works, while contributing to its mission and pursuing their research interests.

The ESM is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for the countries of the euro area. During the euro crisis, it launched six financial assistance programmes for five countries, providing financial support, monitoring repayment capacity, and engaging with partner institutions on programme design in areas of financial interest. As a policy institution, the ESM is also one of the big issuers of euro-denominated debt with a large global investor base. 

 PURPOSE OF THE TRAINEESHIP

• Support the team in preparing policy notes and briefings in relation to ESM’s mandate and instruments, as well as for collaboration with institutional partners such as the Regional Financial Arrangements and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Assist ESM’s management and senior staff in preparation of IMF/WB Annual and/or Spring Meetings including policy briefings and the setup of bilateral meetings.
• Contribute to the analyses on topics related to the deepening of the Economic Monetary Union, as needed 
• Provide research assistance, and/or carry out an agreed analytical project in line with the division’s objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidate (or recent graduate within one year since graduation) for a master’s degree in economics, finance, international relations and EU studies, a PhD student within a year or two of completing a PhD and active student status, or a postdoctoral candidate who recently completed their PhD
• A first experience in international relations would be an asset
• Excellent oral and written English skills, additional languages are an asset

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Proactive attitude and self-organized
• Innovative and strategic thinking
• Problem solving

APPLICATION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION 

• Deadline for application: 26 October 2026
• Expected start date: 1 January 2027
• Duration: six months, renewable once for up to another 6 months
• Competitive allowance granted

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.

Note 1: the ESM reserves the right to refrain from hiring, or to slightly modify job responsibilities, as needed. 

Note 2: As a result of the selection process, please note that you may be placed on a ‘reserve list’ valid for a duration of six months during which you might be considered for a similar position with a similar level of requirements. Only those candidates who have been notified will be placed on the ‘reserve list’. After this period, you will need to apply again for our vacancies to be considered for a different selection process.

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.