High Level Traineeship Programme in the Delegations of the European Union

2026-2028 EU Junior Professionals in Delegation Scheme

The call for expressions of interest for the 2026-2028 High Level Traineeship Programme in the Delegations of the European Union (also known as the Junior Professionals in Delegations scheme) is now open.

The purpose of this programme, established by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission, is to enable talented graduates from EU Member States to gain first-hand experience in the work of EU Delegations as well as a deeper insight into their role in the implementation of EU external relations policies. EU Delegations are the offices of the EU institutions in countries outside the EU, and act as focal points for the EU’s relations and partnerships with those countries.

Selected candidates for the round 2026-28 will be offered a single traineeship agreement of a fixed-term of twelve (12) months, which can be renewed for another period of twelve (12) months after a positive mid-term evaluation.

Candidates applying for this high-level traineeship programme should:

• be a national from an EU Member State;

• hold, by the closing date for applications, at least a university degree equivalent to the Master's degree (see Diplomas Annex) in a domain relevant to the activities of the EU Delegations;

• have excellent command of English and/or French; knowledge of other languages is an asset;

• have, by the closing date for applications, not more than 1 year of professional experience with the EEAS, the Commission or another EU institution or body;

• show a great interest and motivation to work in an EU Delegation;

• professional experience, extra-curriculum activities such as volunteering or publications, is an important asset.

JPDs receive remuneration including, but not limited to, a monthly grant and an accommodation contribution throughout the duration of the traineeship. Those posted to hardship locations are also entitled to a monthly hardship contribution.

In addition, JPDs will be granted an installation contribution at the beginning of their traineeship, a contribution for the cost of the journey for each period of 12 months of traineeship and a contribution for the insurance cost for each period of 12 months of traineeship.

Full details, including important eligibility criteria and the application form, are available on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS) here.

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2025.Eligible candidates wishing to apply for the programme should complete and sign the application form (signature must be hand-written) and send a scanned copy by e-mail to eu.jpd@dfa.ie by the above date.