The European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy is looking for a highly motivated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Trainee to join its Human Resources Service. It is a paid, 12-month, full-time traineeship with a maintenance grant of €1,540 per month, starting on 1 February 2027, and applications close on 9 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. At Youth Works Hub, we went through vacancy notice TR.HRS.1.2026 line by line so you have every detail in one place.
About the European University Institute
The EUI was founded in 1972 and is located in Florence, Italy. It is a treaty-based post-graduate institution dedicated to advanced research and training with a unique European focus.
The three pillars of its activities are:
🔬 The training of early-stage researchers through excellent research
📑 Policy-relevant research
🎯 The training of current and future policymakers
Committed to global engagement, diversity, inclusiveness and improved accountability, the EUI fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that connects scholars and policymakers worldwide.
What This Traineeship Is About
The EUI is seeking a trainee to join the Human Resources Service and gain hands-on experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the context of the EUI Strategy 2026-2031.
Working closely with the EDI Officer and the Office of the Provosts, the trainee contributes to research, data analysis, reporting, training, events and communication activities that support the EUI's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse working and learning environment.
Traineeship Key Facts
📌 Position: EDI Trainee, Human Resources Service
🏷️ Vacancy notice: TR.HRS.1.2026
📍 Location: Florence, Italy
💶 Type: Paid (remunerated) traineeship
⏱️ Duration: 12 months
🕘 Working time: Full time, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day
🚀 Start date: 1 February 2027
📬 Deadline: 9 November 2026, 23:59 CET
What You Will Do as EDI Trainee
Within the HR Strategy team, the trainee supports the work of the EDI Officer and is assigned the following tasks:
🎉 Supporting the organisation of EDI events, campaigns and awareness-raising activities across the Institute
📊 Assisting with research, data collection and analysis to support EDI initiatives, projects and action plans
🏫 Contributing to the organisation and delivery of the EUI's EDI training activities
📝 Supporting the preparation of the annual EDI Report through data collection, analysis and the drafting of reporting content
🗓️ Providing administrative and organisational support to EDI-related committees and working groups, including meeting preparation and follow-up activities
🎙️ Assisting with EDI communication and engagement initiatives, including supporting the EDI podcast and the development of awareness-raising materials
🗄️ Maintaining and updating EDI resources, documentation and records, and supporting document management and archiving activities
What You Gain From the Traineeship
The traineeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within an international and multicultural academic institution. The trainee develops practical skills in:
🔎 Research, data analysis and reporting
🧩 Project and event coordination
🤲 Stakeholder engagement
📣 Communications and policy implementation
By working closely with the EDI Officer, the Office of the Provosts and colleagues across the EUI, the trainee gains insight into how strategic EDI objectives are translated into concrete institutional actions. The experience strengthens the professional competencies required for a career in human resources, equality and diversity, public policy or organisational development.
Who Is Eligible? Nationality Conditions
Candidates must meet every condition below:
📍 Be nationals of the Member States of the European Union and of candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy
🕊️ Ukrainian nationals are also eligible under President's Decision no. 67/2025
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Degree and Graduation Rules
🎓 You must have completed the first cycle of university studies and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications. The minimum national qualifications required by the legislation of the country where the diploma was obtained are listed in the EUI's own reference document.
📅 Your last university diploma must have been obtained no longer than three years before the application deadline.
📖 The three-year rule does not apply to trainees enrolled in further university studies at the moment of their application for the traineeship at the EUI.
⛔ Applicants who do not meet the conditions should not apply and may not receive any response if they choose to do so.
Language Conditions
🔤 A good knowledge of English (CEFR level B2 or above)
🗣️ A satisfactory knowledge of another language of the European Union, to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties
All rules governing the traineeship refer to President's Decision no. 16/2023 and President's Decision no. 67/2025.
Requirements
🇬🇧 Proven knowledge of English, both written and spoken, at CEFR Level B2 or higher
💡 Demonstrated interest in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) through academic studies, training, research, extracurricular activities, volunteering or professional experience
🤝 Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, social and professional backgrounds, as evidenced through academic, volunteer or work experience
💻 Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
🧮 Previous experience in collecting, managing, analysing or interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data
✍️ Demonstrated research, analytical and written communication skills, evidenced through academic records or professional assignments
🧭 Demonstrated ability to organise and manage assigned tasks independently while contributing effectively to team-based projects and activities
Advantageous Skills and Qualifications
🌟 Previous experience in EDI initiatives, demonstrated through academic work, research projects, internships, professional roles, volunteering, training, or participation in relevant networks and initiatives
🌐 Previous experience in an international, intercultural, academic, higher education or research environment
📈 Experience in preparing reports, dashboards, briefings, recommendations or policy-related documents based on data analysis or research findings
🛠️ Previous experience with, or familiarity with, data analytics and visualisation tools, such as Microsoft Power BI or comparable business intelligence and reporting applications
📚 Familiarity with equality, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-discrimination or related institutional policies and frameworks
Competencies Assessed at Interview
Candidates invited for an interview may also be assessed for the competencies all EUI staff share:
⚖️ Ethics and integrity
🌏 Working in a multicultural environment
🧾 Accountability
🏅 Delivering quality and results
And for the competencies related to the Service:
👐 Effective collaboration and teamwork
🔐 Accountability and confidentiality
💬 Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
Grant and Benefits for the EDI Trainee
💶 A maintenance grant of €1,540 per month (as from 1 January 2026); the EUI points candidates to its up-to-date figures
🧳 Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred at the beginning and end of the traineeship, for trainees recruited outside of Florence
🍽️ A discounted fee for one lunch per day at the EUI canteen
🏛️ Access to EUI facilities: the Library, Reading Rooms and the Centre for Academic Literacies and Languages
🎤 Participation in professional training, public seminars, workshops and extracurricular activities, including wellbeing initiatives
🛠️ The opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical work environment, particularly in relevant areas of expertise
🌍 Experience in an international institution and research university, as part of a vibrant and dynamic multicultural community
🗨️ Enhancement of language skills, interpersonal communication and intercultural teamwork abilities
To see how this kind of funded placement compares with other options, read our guide on how funded traineeships abroad really work.
How to Apply
🖊️ Fill in the online application form and upload the requested documents: your CV and your ID/Passport.
🔒 Only applications submitted through the online application form are accepted.
📧 Your application is considered successfully submitted once you receive an automatic email confirmation.
🛠️ If you have difficulties submitting your application, write to the EUI traineeships email address.
Selection Process
📞 Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
📨 Only candidates invited for interviews will receive information from the EUI on the selection status.
Discover more paid placements in the internship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the EUI EDI Trainee receive?
The trainee receives a maintenance grant of €1,540 per month as from 1 January 2026. Trainees recruited outside of Florence also get their travel expenses reimbursed at the beginning and end of the traineeship.
When does the EDI traineeship start and how long is it?
It starts on 1 February 2027 and lasts 12 months. It is full time, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 9 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Only applications sent through the online application form are accepted.
Which nationalities can apply?
Nationals of EU Member States and of candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy can apply. Ukrainian nationals are also eligible under President's Decision no. 67/2025.
What will the trainee actually work on?
The trainee supports the EDI Officer within the HR Strategy team. Tasks include organising EDI events and campaigns, collecting and analysing data, supporting EDI training, preparing the annual EDI Report, assisting committees and working groups, supporting the EDI podcast and maintaining EDI resources and records.
Do I need years of work experience?
The vacancy does not set a number of years of experience. It does ask for proven English at B2 or above, interest in EDI, Microsoft Office skills, and previous experience in collecting, managing, analysing or interpreting data.
Which documents do I upload?
You upload your CV and your ID or passport through the online application form. The application counts as submitted once you receive the automatic confirmation email.
Can I apply if I graduated more than three years ago?
Your last university diploma must have been obtained no longer than three years before the deadline. This rule does not apply if you are enrolled in further university studies when you apply.
How will I hear about the result?
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview. Only candidates invited for interviews receive information from the EUI on the selection status.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026
Links
🔗 Online application form: https://apps.eui.eu/Vacancies/CandidateAccess/Login?redirectToVacancy=2040
📄 Vacancy notice TR.HRS.1.2026 (pdf): https://www.eui.eu/Documents/ServicesAdmin/PersonnelService/Administrative-Positions/2026/V.TR.HRS.1.2026.pdf
🌐 EUI traineeships page: https://www.eui.eu/About/JobOpportunities/Traineeships
📧 Application difficulties: Traineeships@EUI.eu
