Are you a recent graduate looking to build practical experience in communications, social media management, digital content, website publishing, and events? Friends of Europe is offering a six-month paid Communications Assistant traineeship designed to help early-career professionals develop hands-on communications experience while working within an influential European think tank.
The traineeship provides an opportunity to work across social media, digital communications, publications, website management, multimedia content, events, campaigns, podcasts, and communications administration.
The position is based in Belgium and operates under a hybrid working arrangement. The traineeship is expected to begin in late September or early October 2026 and will run for six months, with the possibility of renewal.
The application deadline is August 26, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Opportunity Overview
- Organisation: Friends of Europe
- Position: Communications Assistant
- Opportunity type: Paid traineeship
- Duration: 6 months
- Expected start: Late September/early October 2026
- Location: Belgium
- Work arrangement: Hybrid
- Team: Communications
- Application deadline: August 26, 2026 at 23:59 CEST
- Application requirement: CV in PDF format, no longer than two pages
- Selection process: One-hour online test followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates
- Possibility of renewal: Yes
About Friends of Europe
Friends of Europe is an independent think tank focused on policymaking and international cooperation.
The organisation works toward a multilateral world where different levels of government, businesses, civil society organisations, and citizens can cooperate to address common challenges.
Friends of Europe believes that effective policies and innovative ideas can emerge through collaboration, breaking down traditional silos, and creating communities based on trust.
Founded in 1999, the organisation works to stimulate debate, connect people, and encourage change in support of a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking Europe.
About the Communications Assistant Traineeship
The Communications Assistant will join the Communications Team and support a broad range of communications activities.
The traineeship is designed for people who have recently graduated and are looking to gain their first significant professional experience.
Rather than being solely an observational internship, Friends of Europe describes its traineeships as an opportunity to combine initial full-time work experience with hands-on training.
During the six-month programme, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop practical skills while contributing directly to the organisation’s communications work.
This could be particularly valuable for graduates interested in careers involving:
- Communications
- Social media management
- Digital marketing
- Content creation
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Website management
- Policy communications
- Multimedia production
- Events
- European affairs
- International development
- Think tanks and public policy
What Will the Communications Assistant Do?
The successful candidate will work across several areas of Friends of Europe’s communications activities.
1. Editing Publications
The Communications Assistant will help edit publications produced by Friends of Europe.
This may include:
- Articles
- Reports
- Other written publications
The candidate will be expected to ensure that content follows the organisation’s in-house style and maintains a high standard of written communication.
Strong English writing and editing abilities are therefore important for this role.
2. Social Media Management
Social media is a major part of the position.
The Communications Assistant will support the creation, planning, and scheduling of content across platforms including:
- Bluesky
Responsibilities may include drafting social media posts, adapting visual materials, planning content, and supporting live event coverage.
This means the role provides practical experience in managing social media communications within a professional policy-focused organisation.
Candidates who already have experience managing social media accounts, creating content, writing captions, designing visuals, or analysing social media performance may find this particularly relevant.
3. Campaign Optimisation
The Communications Assistant will contribute to the daily optimisation of communications campaigns.
The goal will be to help campaigns perform effectively and achieve their intended objectives.
This requires an ability to:
- Monitor campaign performance
- Identify useful insights
- Understand audience engagement
- Adjust communications approaches
- Support the achievement of campaign goals
This aspect of the traineeship can help candidates develop practical knowledge of digital campaign management and performance optimisation.
4. Research and Insights
The role also involves using different tools and information sources to uncover insights and develop strong messages.
The Communications Assistant may therefore need to research information, identify relevant trends, and help translate findings into effective communications.
Strong research, analytical, and information-gathering abilities can be valuable in this area.
5. Website Management
The successful candidate will assist with updating and publishing content on the Friends of Europe website using WordPress.
Tasks may include:
- Updating website content
- Formatting articles
- Uploading publications
- Publishing digital materials
- Making basic SEO optimisations where appropriate
Experience with WordPress is an added advantage, although the role is also suitable for candidates interested in developing their website publishing skills.
6. Social Media and Website Analytics
The Communications Assistant will help extract data and develop performance reports relating to the organisation’s social media and website activities.
The purpose is not simply to collect numbers but to identify useful insights and lessons that can help improve future communications.
This provides an opportunity to develop experience with:
- Social media analytics
- Website performance
- Data extraction
- Performance reporting
- Audience insights
- Campaign evaluation
7. Multimedia Content
The role also involves supporting the production of multimedia content for Friends of Europe’s social media channels.
This can include:
- Short-form videos
- Event clips
- Digital assets
- Other multimedia materials
Candidates with experience in video editing, photography, graphic design, or Canva may therefore have an advantage.
8. Events and Live Coverage
Friends of Europe organises events related to European and global affairs.
The Communications Assistant may support communications around these events, including live coverage.
Because some events can take place in the morning, evening, or on weekends, candidates need to demonstrate flexibility when required.
9. Podcasts
The Communications Assistant will also assist with the conceptualisation, planning, and production of podcasts.
This provides exposure to another form of digital communication and allows the trainee to develop experience in multimedia storytelling and content production.
10. Administrative and Communications Support
The position also includes administrative responsibilities that support the Communications Team.
These may include:
- Taking meeting minutes
- Managing correspondence
- Updating databases
- Supporting press activities
- Supporting multimedia projects
- Completing other communications-related tasks as required
Skills and Qualities Friends of Europe Is Looking For
The organisation is looking for someone who is motivated, organised, flexible, and willing to take initiative.
Highly Motivated and Hands-On
The successful candidate should demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and be willing to take an active role in the team’s work.
A hands-on attitude is important because the traineeship is designed around practical experience.
Solution-Oriented Approach
Friends of Europe is looking for someone with a “can-do” and solution-oriented mentality.
Applicants should demonstrate that they are able to identify challenges and look for practical ways to solve them.
Attention to Detail
The Communications Assistant will work with written publications, social media posts, website content, reports, and other communications materials.
Being able to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail is therefore essential.
Ability to Work Independently
The candidate should be comfortable working both as part of a multicultural team and with minimal supervision.
This requires initiative, responsibility, communication, and good organisational skills.
Interest in Think Tanks
Applicants should have a genuine interest in working for a think tank.
An understanding of how think tanks contribute to policy discussions and public debate can help candidates succeed in the role.
Flexibility
The position may sometimes require attendance at events during mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Candidates should therefore be willing to work flexibly when required by communications and event activities.
Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants should have demonstrable knowledge of and interest in communications.
This can come from:
- A relevant degree
- Equivalent experience
- Self-learning
- Practical communications experience
The organisation also welcomes candidates who have developed communications skills through practical experience outside of formal education.
English Language Requirement
Fluent English is required.
The vacancy specifies that written and spoken English at native-level fluency is required.
Excellent writing skills are particularly important because the role involves editing publications, drafting social media content, preparing communications materials, and supporting various written outputs.
Social Media Experience
An interest in social media is required, while previous experience is considered an advantage.
Candidates should have basic knowledge of:
- Social media platforms
- Social media management tools
- Social media analytics
Experience creating and managing content for platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social networks can therefore strengthen an application.
Graphic Design and Digital Skills
Friends of Europe identifies several additional skills as an advantage.
These include:
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Canva
- Video editing
- WordPress
Applicants do not necessarily need to be experts in all these areas, but having practical experience in some of them can make a candidate’s application stronger.
Interest in European and Global Affairs
Applicants should have knowledge of and an interest in European and global affairs.
This is particularly important because Friends of Europe is a think tank focused on European policymaking, international cooperation, and global challenges.
Candidates should therefore demonstrate an interest in current affairs, policy, international relations, European issues, or related areas.
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility requirements for this traineeship are specific.
The position is open to:
- Nationals of European Union member states
- Nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) member states
- Nationals of Switzerland
- Non-EU nationals who already have the right to work in Belgium
Applicants who do not fall into these categories may not be eligible for the position because the organisation does not indicate that it will provide work authorization for candidates who do not already have the right to work in Belgium.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate
The opportunity is particularly suited to a recent graduate who wants to turn academic knowledge or self-developed digital skills into practical professional experience.
A strong candidate could have a combination of:
- A relevant communications or related degree
- Excellent English writing skills
- Social media experience
- Content creation skills
- Digital marketing knowledge
- Basic analytics experience
- Graphic design skills
- Canva experience
- Video editing skills
- WordPress experience
- An interest in European and global affairs
- Strong organisational skills
- An ability to work independently
- A willingness to learn
Candidates do not need to have extensive professional experience, as the traineeship is specifically designed for people who have recently graduated and are seeking initial full-time work experience.
What Makes This Traineeship Valuable?
One of the strongest aspects of the opportunity is its broad communications exposure.
Rather than focusing on just one area, the successful trainee can gain experience across several digital and traditional communications functions.
These include:
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Digital campaigns
- Website publishing
- Basic SEO
- Social media analytics
- Website analytics
- Publication editing
- Multimedia production
- Event communications
- Podcast production
- Database and administrative support
This broad exposure can help a recent graduate understand how a professional communications team operates and identify which areas of communications they may want to specialise in long term.
Hybrid Working Arrangement
The position is listed as hybrid, meaning the successful candidate will have a combination of workplace and remote-working arrangements according to the organisation’s working practices.
Candidates should be prepared to participate in team activities, meetings, and events as required.
Duration and Start Date
The traineeship is expected to begin in late September or early October 2026.
The initial traineeship will last six months, with a possibility of renewal.
This provides a substantial period for the successful candidate to gain practical experience and build a professional portfolio.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to apply through the Friends of Europe website.
The application should include a CV in PDF format.
The CV should be:
- No longer than two pages
- Focused on relevant skills and experience
- Clear and well structured
- Tailored to the Communications Assistant position
Applicants should also answer the relevant application questions and demonstrate their motivation for applying.
Visit HERE to learn more about the Communications Assistant Paid Traineeship at Friends of Europe in Belgium
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes multiple stages.
Stage 1: Application
Candidates submit their application, including their CV and responses to the relevant questions.
Stage 2: Online Test
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a one-hour online test.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their communications, writing, analytical, and practical skills.
Stage 3: Interview
Candidates who successfully progress through the test stage will be invited for an interview.
The interview provides an opportunity for Friends of Europe to assess the candidate’s experience, motivation, skills, and suitability for the role.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
August 26, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline. Waiting until the final hours can create unnecessary risks, particularly if there are technical issues with the application platform.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Friends of Europe recruitment page, answer the required application questions, and upload their CV in PDF format.
When preparing your application, it is advisable to highlight relevant experience in:
- Communications
- Social media
- Content creation
- Digital marketing
- Writing and editing
- Website publishing
- WordPress
- Canva
- Graphic design
- Video production
- Analytics
- Events
- European and global affairs
Applicants should also clearly communicate why they are interested in working for a think tank and how the traineeship fits into their professional development goals.
Conclusion
The Friends of Europe Communications Assistant traineeship offers recent graduates an opportunity to gain six months of practical, paid experience within an established European think tank.
The position provides broad exposure to social media management, digital content creation, publication editing, website publishing, basic SEO, analytics, multimedia production, events, podcasts, and communications campaigns.
Candidates with strong English writing skills, an interest in communications, knowledge of social media, and an interest in European and global affairs are encouraged to consider the opportunity. Additional skills in graphic design, photography, Canva, video editing, and WordPress can further strengthen an application.
Because the traineeship is specifically designed for people seeking their first professional experience after graduation, it can be a valuable stepping stone for anyone looking to establish a career in communications, digital media, public affairs, policy communications, or related fields.
The application deadline is August 26, 2026, at 23:59 CEST, and eligible candidates should ensure their application and two-page CV are submitted before the deadline.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
