🇧🇪 Traineeship in Belgium ♿ Policy and Research Assistant for Inclusive Employment and Disability Rights 📊 (Paid)

If you care about disability rights and want everyone to have access to decent work, this paid traineeship at the Association for Supported Employment Europe (ASEE) in Brussels is a meaningful opportunity. You will support EU-level policy and research advancing inclusive labour markets, helping build a Europe where no one is left behind in employment.

About the Organisation

The Association for Supported Employment Europe (ASEE), established in 1993, is the only European umbrella network dedicated to advancing excellence in Supported Employment practice and policy. Representing national and regional organisations from 22 countries, ASEE champions labour market inclusion for people facing employment barriers, including persons with disabilities, NEETs, third-country nationals, and others at risk of social exclusion. Its work combines capacity building, best-practice exchange, research, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based advocacy at the EU level. ASEE believes in a single inclusive labour market where every person can find a decent job that provides a living with dignity.

Main Responsibilities

🔍 Monitor EU and selected national policy developments, EU funding calls, and consultations related to em

ployment and disability inclusion, as well as the activities of other relevant networks

✍️ Produce written outputs such as news articles, LinkedIn updates, and policy briefings

📋 Support the drafting of policy positions and consultation responses

📝 Support editorial work: proofreading, light copy-editing, and formatting of materials

🎧 Attend meetings, webinars, and conferences, taking notes and preparing short reports and action points

🎪 Assist with the preparation and follow-up of ASEE meetings and events

📚 Gather information about research and tools supporting the implementation of Supported Employment, and research the business case for diversity

Profile

❤️ A strong interest in employment policy, disability inclusion and rights, and European affairs, with a commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunities

🗣️ Excellent written and verbal communication in English; proficiency in another EU language is an asset

🔬 Strong research and synthesis skills, turning complex information into concise, audience-appropriate content

🎯 An analytical mindset with attention to detail, proactive and reliable, able to work independently and in a small team

💻 Comfortable with digital tools (MS Office, Zoom, AI LLMs); familiarity with EU institutions, policy processes, and funding instruments is an advantage

What They Offer

💶 A paid internship under the CIP, with lunch vouchers and travel reimbursement in line with the CIP

🧑‍🏫 Mentoring from experienced staff and practical experience in EU-level policy work on supported employment and disability inclusion

🤝 The opportunity to build networks with national organisations, practitioners, and EU stakeholders, and to strengthen Supported Employment systems across Europe

📆 Location: Brussels (with working from home); duration 6 to 12 months (possible extension to 12 for non-Belgian interns); start September 2026

Eligibility

🛂 EU citizens, or non-EU citizens in possession of a work permit. Students are not eligible. Candidates receiving unemployment benefits or in insertion-stage status may need prior authorisation before starting.

How to Apply

Send a CV (maximum 2 pages) and a completed application form, merged into one PDF with your name in the title, following the guidelines, with the subject line "Policy & Research Assistant" and your name. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an online interview. ASEE welcomes applications from people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds and will support any adjustments needed.