CONCORD is seeking a highly motivated young professional with a keen interest in the civil society space to join CONCORD’s Membership and Communication Team as a trainee.
ABOUT CONCORD
CONCORD is the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. We are made up of member organisations: 26 national platforms, 25 international networks and 7 associate members that represent over 2,600 NGOs, supported by millions of people across Europe.
We work together to ensure that European policies promote equal, just and inclusive societies in a sustainable world. CONCORD envisions and works toward a world in which poverty and inequality have been eradicated; in which decisions and policies are based on social justice, gender equality and upon our responsibility to future generations; where every person has the right to live in dignity, sustainably, on an equal basis, free from poverty.
CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
ROLE SPECIFICATION
We are looking for a young professional who is passionate, motivated, creative, cooperative, and committed, who would like to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the work of a confederation of NGOs.
As a trainee, you will contribute to the work of our Membership and Communication Team under the supervision of both the Communication Advisers and Membership Adviser. You will specifically support the activities of internal and external communication.
Our Internal communication aims to engage CONCORD members in the work developed by the confederation, as well as ensure its transparency and accountability. And our external communication aims to increase visibility and influence for our advocacy and fundraising goals.
Main learning objectives
– You will acquire a good understanding of decision-making processes in the EU institutions as well as the ways of working in a European NGO confederation, bringing together networks and national platforms from across the European Union.
– You will obtain knowledge about EU international cooperation in general, and support to civil society in particular.
-You will learn more about internal and external communication processes, including drafting different newsletters, updating the website, enhancing the engagement of members and stakeholders, and monitoring digital statistics.
-You will enhance your capacity to draft sharp and short messages, as well as build a communication plan and toolkits.
-You will learn about creating, implementing and maintaining organisational identity;
-You will learn to coordinate the design of publications with external consultants
-You will have opportunities to attend internal and external events.
-All while working in an international, multicultural environment.
Main responsibilities and tasks
The role involves supporting the implementation of CONCORD’s internal and external communication objectives. Under the supervision of the Communication Adviser and the Membership Adviser, the trainee will conduct:
Internal communication:
-Support in the design and publication of our Monthly Newsletter and semestral one (internal audience);
External communication:
-Support in the design and publication of our Bi-Monthly Newsletters (external audience);
-Keep the website up to date;
-Implement branding guidelines across all platforms;
-Draft targeted messages around publication launches, events and organisational news;
-Assist in social media updates (including basic graphic design work);
-Monitor EU-level news on development and humanitarian assistance;
-Collect digital analytics;
-Stakeholder mapping.
Logistics and events:
-Support the organisation of internal and external meetings and events, including note-taking and preparing presentations;
-Administrative tasks: mailing list management, tracking participation in meetings, etc.
Staff coordination and work:
-Participate in and contribute to the coordination within the Membership and Communication team and with other teams in CONCORD;
-Participate in the different staff coordination meetings and contribute to collective staff work.
Conditions of Employment – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Duration of contract: This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) for a period of a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Please note that if you do not currently reside in Belgium, you will be required to relocate. You must already have the right to live and work in the European Union.
If you are eligible for a CIP (‘contrat d’immersion professionnelle’):
-The minimum duration of your traineeship will be 6 months, with the possibility of extending to 12 months under certain conditions.
-The salary will be 1100 euros per month.
-You will be entitled to 20 vacation days pro rata, which amounts to 10 vacation days for a 6-month traineeship.
-CONCORD also provides meal vouchers of 8 euros per working day, a monthly commuting allowance on local public transport or by bicycle, and a monthly teleworking allowance, given that you will be required to telework on certain days of the week.
Please note that the CIP contract is not compatible with a traineeship convention from a university.
Feedback and evaluation:
Throughout the traineeship, you will be given feedback on your performance to help you learn and grow professionally.
Qualification and Experience
Education/Training:
-University Degree or equivalent in communications studies, political science, EU or other relevant studies.
Technical Skills/Expertise:
-Knowledge in the use of news systems, WordPress and social media channels.
-Knowledge of Visual communication (Canva, design basics)
-Good communication mindset, storytelling and ability to simplify complex topics;
-A native or proficiency level in spoken and written English is mandatory. A second EU official language is considered an asset, but not a requirement.
-Understanding of EU institutions or global development topics (a plus)
Desirable skills:
-Ability to organise one’s own work and manage one’s own time;
-Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others and towards shared objectives;
-Ability to work under pressure and to achieve tight deadlines;
-Analytical and problem-solving skills;
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
-Eager to take initiative;
-Strong computer skills.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, please complete the questionnaire below where you will be asked to upload in one pdf document your CV (max 2 pages, no photo) and motivation letter (300 words max) highlighting 1) your interest in working for CONCORD’s Internal & External communication and 2) answering the following question: How do you see communication supporting policy impact and movement-building?
Please name the PDF file as follows: LAST NAME – First Name – Communication Traineeship February 2026
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 14 December 2025, at 23:59 CEST.
