Trainee for Economic Development

Position description

Eurocities is the network of major European cities, representing 200+ members across 35+ countries and working across a wide range of thematic areas that reflect cities’ priorities.

Eurocities is a dynamic and international team where we trust in people and value constructive exchanges and collaborative work. We help people thrive in a friendly, open, and healthy environment while promoting a work/life balance.

We are recruiting a trainee to work on topics linked to economic development, to become a member of the Economic Development team for 1 year (six months, renewable for another six months), ideally starting at the beginning of June 2026.

Responsibilities

As trainee, you will play an important role in Eurocities’ daily work, with a focus on topics linked to the Eurocities Economic Development Forum. You will report to the EDF Policy Advisor and Forum Coordinator, covering topics such as the next EU budget (MFF 2028-2034), industrial policy and competitiveness, local innovation ecosystems, sustainable tourism, talent attraction, and more.

In this role, you will:

• Support the EDF Working Groups with the implementation of their workplans, including organising meetings (online knowledge exchanges, workshops, webinars), and ensuring follow-up;
• Support the organisation of the EDF annual meeting (liaising with the host city, supporting programme and logistics preparation, on-the-day support);
• Draft articles and collect input for the EDF Forum newsletter, regularly update the online Collaboration Space for members, and perform other communications-related tasks;
• Monitor EU policy developments and events on topics such as urban and regional development, innovation and entrepreneurship, financing and local investments, industrial policy, public procurement, and sustainable tourism;
• Carry out research, analyse policy documents, and draft briefing notes;
• Maintain the relevant member database and provide general and administrative support to the EDF team as needed.

Profile

You are proactive and enthusiastic about delivering positive results in a flexible manner.

Eurocities will support you in developing your skills for entering the workplace. We have set out below some skills that would help you get the most out of this traineeship.

You have:

• A university degree, preferably linked to economic and regional development issues;
• Basic knowledge and interest in local and regional economic development trends across the EU;
• Basic knowledge about EU economic development policies, the EU institutions, and the role of local authorities;
• A keen interest in economic policies
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English. Other languages are an asset;
• Excellent organisational skills
• Problem-solving approach
• Good interpersonal skills for an international environment;
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (incl. Teams, SharePoint).

(Please note that this position does not have a focus on urban planning/development, architecture, or spatial planning)

You are:

• A dynamic team player, able to work independently or with minimal supervision in a small team;
• Happy to take the initiative;
• Agile in a changing environment, with the ability to self-organise and flag competing deadlines.

We offer

• A 1-year traineeship contract (six months, renewable for another six months), ideally starting at the beginning of June 2026;
• A full-time position based at the Eurocities office in Brussels;
• A remuneration of approximately €1,200 per month.

Important: Eurocities will provide you with a Belgian trainee contract (CIP “convention d’immersion professionnelle”). Due to the CIP requirements and conditions, the selected candidate will need to already live or be willing to move to Belgium for the duration of the contract, as candidates need to provide a Belgian address. More information on this type of contract may be found on: https://www.actiris.brussels/fr/citoyens/convention-d-immersion-professionnelle/.

Benefits

• Meal vouchers;
• Full reimbursement of public transport costs;
• Training opportunities and access to online training;
• A dynamic international team;
• A pleasant working environment;
• Flexible working hours;
• Part-time teleworking.

Eurocities promotes the importance of a work-life balance.

Application instructions

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