CIDSE, an international family of Catholic social justice organisations, is looking for a Policy and Communication Intern for a 4-month Erasmus+ traineeship in Brussels, Belgium, starting on 01 March 2027. The intern supports the Corporate Power Policy Officer on the EU's Global Gateway strategy project, with roughly 80% policy work and 20% communications. Applications close on 23 November 2026 at noon (Brussels time).
At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and listed every task, requirement and condition below, so you can check your fit before you send your CV. If you want to understand how traineeships abroad are funded, our guide to paid internships abroad and how funded traineeships work explains the basics.
About CIDSE
CIDSE is an international family of Catholic social justice organisations working for transformational change to end poverty and inequalities. It challenges systemic injustice, inequity and the destruction of nature, and promotes just and environmentally sustainable societies. CIDSE is a non-profit / NGO based in Brussels, Belgium.
Start Date, Duration and Study Levels
The listed field is political sciences and civics. The placement is an Erasmus+ traineeship during studies, open to Bachelor (EQF 6) or Master (EQF 7) students, in Brussels, Belgium. It is expected to start on 01 March 2027 and lasts 4 months; the vacancy also mentions a duration of 3 to 5 months. The working languages are English and Spanish.
What You Will Support: The Global Gateway Project
The intern supports CIDSE's Corporate Power Policy Officer, with a particular focus on the EU's Global Gateway strategy project. You contribute to research on the impact of Global Gateway in Latin America, drawing on two case studies from CIDSE partner organisations.
Corporate Power Advocacy Project (80%)
The larger part of the placement is policy and advocacy work:
🔎 Process and analyse information from two selected case studies from CIDSE member organisations' partners, who will take part in the CIDSE Global Gateway Training in Peru. The case studies are built on information provided by the partners and on your own desk research.
🏛️ Support the organisation of a high-level dialogue with policymakers, together with the EU LAC network, where the cases are presented.
📦 Possibly support the logistics of a workshop in Honduras.
Communications Tasks (20%)
The remaining part of the placement covers communications around the Global Gateway project:
✍️ Contribute to social media posts (captions, visuals, hashtags) aligned with CIDSE's tone, messaging and advocacy priorities.
🎨 Support the creation of visual assets such as banners, flyers, carousels and short videos or reels using Canva Pro.
📡 Support live coverage of key advocacy moments (events, conferences, campaign launches) by preparing real-time content or scheduled posts.
📰 Support the preparation of website articles related to the Global Gateway project.
🔁 Adapt content for different platforms (X, BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn), making sure each format meets platform best practices.
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Who Can Apply and Visa Conditions
CIDSE can currently only host candidates who do not need an additional work visa, such as EU citizens or people with existing residency. The vacancy states EU/EEA residents only. You must also be a resident of Belgium or hold a right of residence for study purposes, and the placement must be undertaken as part of a degree programme.
Skills and Requirements
The vacancy lists these requirements:
🧭 A Political or Social Sciences background with a strong interest in conducting qualitative research.
🇪🇺 Basic knowledge of the EU institutions.
📱 A strong interest in communications and the ability to translate complex information into visuals (social media, design).
🤝 Comfort working within a network of organisations.
⛲ Familiarity with or interest in faith-based environments and CIDSE's mission and values.
🗨️ An excellent level of spoken and written Spanish and English; French is an asset.
💻 Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.
🧰 Basic knowledge of Canva, AI tools, social media platforms and Zoom.
💡 Creativity, attention to detail, autonomy and initiative.
⏱️ The ability to manage several tasks and meet deadlines.
Expected skills listed on the offer: analysing and evaluating information and data. Tools: Microsoft 365, Canva, AI tools, social media platforms and Zoom.
Working Setup and Benefits
🏢 The position is 4/5 and is carried out in the Brussels office; partial remote collaboration can be an option.
🕒 Part-time schedule of 30 hours per week.
🏠 Partial remote work is listed as a benefit.
💻 A corporate laptop is provided.
Is the Internship Paid?
In accordance with Belgian law, the internship is unpaid, unless the university internship agreement expressly provides for the payment of a modest lump-sum allowance. The offer is an Erasmus+ traineeship, so the mobility grant comes through the Erasmus+ programme. Check with your university's international office how that grant works for your placement. For the wider picture of how internship types compare, see our overview of fellowships, internships and traineeships, and browse more Internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
How to Apply
Send your CV (no photo) and a cover letter by email, no later than 23 November 2026 at noon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the CIDSE internship based and when does it start?
The internship is based in CIDSE's office in Brussels, Belgium, with partial remote collaboration as an option. It is expected to start on 01 March 2027 and lasts 4 months.
Who is eligible to apply?
The vacancy is for EU/EEA residents only, as CIDSE cannot arrange an additional work visa. Applicants must be residents of Belgium or hold a right of residence for study purposes, and be studying at Bachelor (EQF 6) or Master (EQF 7) level.
Does the placement have to be part of my studies?
Yes. The placement must be undertaken as part of a degree programme, and it is offered as an Erasmus+ traineeship during studies.
Is the CIDSE internship paid?
No, it is unpaid under Belgian law, unless your university internship agreement expressly provides for a modest lump-sum allowance.
Which languages do I need?
An excellent level of spoken and written Spanish and English is required. French is an asset.
What will I work on?
About 80% of your time goes to the Corporate Power Advocacy project on the EU's Global Gateway strategy, including two case studies and a policymaker dialogue. About 20% goes to communications: social media posts, visual assets in Canva Pro, live coverage and website articles.
How many hours per week is the internship?
The schedule is part time at 30 hours per week.
What should I send in my application?
Send your CV without a photo and a cover letter to the email address in the Links section below, by 23 November 2026 at noon.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
Links
📧 Application Email: recruitment@cidse.org
🌐 CIDSE Website: https://www.cidse.org
