Ocean Community is offering the OC Innovate Digital Opportunities Traineeship in Lisbon, Portugal: an unpaid Erasmus+ traineeship for Master's students (EQF 7) who are EU/EEA residents, with applications open until 01 February 2027 (Brussels time). At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full offer and set out every duty, requirement and application step below.
OC Innovate Traineeship Essentials
📌 Position: OC Innovate, Digital Opportunities Traineeship
🏢 Host organisation: Ocean Community (non-profit / NGO)
📍 Location: in person at the Lisbon office, Portugal
🎓 Traineeship type: during studies
🌐 Programme: Erasmus+ traineeship
🪙 Pay: unpaid traineeship, Erasmus+ funding may be available
⏱️ Duration: 3 months
🕒 Schedule: full time, 40 hours per week
🗓️ Expected starting date: 01 March 2027, with a flexible start
🗣️ Working language: English
Who Is Ocean Community?
Ocean Community is an international non-profit connecting people, knowledge and innovation to accelerate ocean regeneration and a blue economy. It is a global organisation based in Lisbon that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in ocean sustainability through initiatives such as the Ocean Community Challenge and OC Learn.
Turning Ocean Ideas Into Blue Economy Solutions
This traineeship is aimed at people who are passionate about ocean innovation and project management. You would join Ocean Community and help develop initiatives that turn innovative ideas into solutions for a sustainable blue economy.
Your Day-to-Day Work on OC Innovate
🧭 Plan, coordinate and monitor innovation projects and initiatives
🐚 Support the Ocean Community Challenge and its annual programme cycle
🌱 Connect and support early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs
📈 Assist with business development, strategy and implementation
🎤 Organise online and in-person events and meetings
📣 Support external communication and maintain impact reports
Study Fields Linked to This Traineeship
🗂️ Management and administration
💹 Economics
🌎 Environmental sciences
🗄️ Database and network design and administration
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Portugal →
────────────────────────────────────────
What the Lisbon Placement Gives You
You gain hands-on experience while contributing to solutions for ocean sustainability, in these areas:
🛠️ Project management
🚀 Innovation
💼 Entrepreneurship
🤝 Stakeholder coordination
The offer also lists these benefits:
📚 Learning courses and training assistance
🏡 Partial remote work
📶 Internet connection
Funding: Unpaid With Possible Erasmus+ Support
The placement is an unpaid internship, and Erasmus+ funding may be available. It is listed under the Erasmus+ traineeship programme and takes place during your studies. If you are comparing formats, this guide on the difference between a fellowship, an internship and a traineeship explains how they work.
Study Level and Residency Requirements
🎯 Level of studies: Master (EQF 7)
🏫 Timing: the traineeship takes place during studies
🛂 Residency: EU/EEA residents only. Ocean Community is currently only able to host candidates who do not require an additional work visa, for example EU citizens or those with existing residency.
Skills Ocean Community Expects
🔍 Analysing business operations
💬 Advising on business or operational matters
💻 Using digital tools for collaboration, productivity and problem solving
🧾 Browsing, searching and filtering digital data
💾 Data management
🏗️ Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking
🗺️ Developing objectives and strategies
Tools You Will Be Working With
📊 MS Office
🎥 Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet
☁️ Drive
How to Apply
📄 Submit your CV and cover letter through Ocean Community's application form
✅ Applications must be submitted through this form to be considered
📆 Indicate your availability and preferred internship duration
Find more internship opportunities in Europe and beyond on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the OC Innovate traineeship take place?
The traineeship is based at Ocean Community's office in Lisbon, Portugal, and the location is listed as in person. Partial remote work also appears among the benefits of the offer.
Is the OC Innovate traineeship paid?
No, it is an unpaid traineeship. Ocean Community states that Erasmus+ funding may be available, and the placement is listed as an Erasmus+ traineeship.
Who can apply for this traineeship at Ocean Community?
The offer is for candidates at Master level (EQF 7), as the traineeship takes place during studies. Only EU/EEA residents can be hosted at the moment, meaning candidates who do not require an additional work visa, such as EU citizens or those with existing residency.
How long does the traineeship last and when does it start?
The offer lists a duration of 3 months, full time at 40 hours per week. The expected starting date is 01 March 2027, and Ocean Community describes the start as flexible.
What does an OC Innovate trainee actually do?
Trainees plan, coordinate and monitor innovation projects, support the Ocean Community Challenge and connect early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs. The role also covers business development, event organisation, external communication and impact reports.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need a CV and a cover letter, submitted through Ocean Community's application form, as applications sent any other way are not considered. You should also indicate your availability and preferred internship duration.
What language will I work in?
The working language of the traineeship is English.
Deadline
⏳ 01 February 2027
Links
📝 Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIwSKq_3U90kc3amDZ2k_eE1Ishom0xLPke0FBr4XycZbbfA/viewform?pli=1
🔗 Ocean Community website: https://www.oceancommunitychallenge.co
👤 Susanne Wedin-Schildt, Executive President, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-wedin-schildt-a5603ba/
