Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies, is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the world's top ten best think tanks. One of CEPS's distinguishing features is its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes.
The Energy, Resources and Climate Change unit of CEPS consists of a research team specialised in today's energy, circular economy, climate change and geopolitical challenges, and it provides a forum that stimulates discussions among both EU and non-EU stakeholders and decision-makers.
🌍 Main Tasks
You will become a member of the Energy, Resources and Climate Change team and work under the supervision of the Head of the Climate Programme, contributing to the activities of the Climate Programme:
📚 You will primarily contribute to research projects within the scope of the Climate Programme
🔍 You will conduct desk research on relevant topics, assist with data collection and daily research support, support the preparation and conduct of interviews, and summarise findings from interviews and meetings in written form
🗂️ You will perform other related tasks as required, including administrative and organisational support for the activities of the Climate Programme
🌱 A hands-on ESC placement in Belgium centred on advocacy and communication: ESC Volunteering in 🇧🇪 Belgium 🤝 Advocacy and Communication 🌍 → https://youthworkshub.org/21044
✅ Your Background and Qualifications
🎓 You are about to complete a master's in economics, international relations, political or social sciences, engineering or other relevant fields, and you must be enrolled as a student at an EU-based university for the full duration of the internship
📌 For recent graduates, the option of the CIP scheme may be considered, subject to the candidate's eligibility and possession of the right to work in Belgium
🌡️ You have a demonstrable interest in climate-related topics, among others carbon pricing, climate risks and resilience, climate adaptation and climate finance, and you have conducted research assignments or projects in one or more of these areas during your studies or previous internships
🗣️ You have an excellent command of English, both orally and in writing
🌟 Your Profile
🤝 You are able to work in a research team comprising junior and senior colleagues
💬 You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback
🗂️ You are flexible, organised and respect deadlines
🌈 You have absolute respect for diversity and an inclusion-oriented mindset
💙 You are enthusiastic to contribute towards the success of the whole of CEPS as an organisation
💶 A placement where climate policy meets finance, at another Brussels institution: Internship in 🇧🇪 Belgium 📣 Communications and Events at a Renewable Energy Industry Alliance ⚡ → https://youthworkshub.org/20520
💶 What CEPS Can Offer
📄 A full-time internship for a period of six months, starting from September or October 2026
💰 The selected candidate will be eligible to receive expense reimbursement of up to 850 EUR per month upon submission of supporting documents, and if the selected candidate is a recent graduate they may join under the CIP scheme and receive a CIP allowance of 1,200 EUR per month
🏠 The internship is based in Brussels and will take place in-person, but some teleworking might be possible for a limited period
⚠️ Candidates must be legally entitled to undertake an internship in Belgium for the duration of the placement
📋 The Details
📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium
🏢 Unit: Energy, Resources and Climate Change, Climate Programme
📄 Duration: 6 months, full-time
📅 Start: September or October 2026
📩 How to Apply
Send your application to the Climate Programme internship email address with "Intern Climate Programme September 2026" in the subject line. Applications should include, all in English and compiled into a single PDF document, a one-page letter of motivation explaining your interest and confirming your availability and willingness to relocate to Brussels, your CV indicating your current university enrolment or right to work in Belgium, and two written examples of work in the fields relevant to this post. Applications not submitted as a single PDF file, incomplete applications, or applications that do not follow the instructions will not be considered.
⏰ Deadline
10 August 2026, at 23:59 CET.
🔗 Link
📧 Applications and information: internship.erc@ceps.eu
