UIPI, the International Union of Property Owners, is recruiting a Policy & Research Assistant for a traineeship of at least six months in Brussels, Belgium, starting in early 2027. The traineeship pays a monthly allowance from UIPI on top of the Erasmus+ traineeship grant from your home university, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the vacancy and set out the tasks, profile and application steps below.
About UIPI
UIPI is the European voice of private property owners and the largest pan-European non-profit association of homeowners and private landlords. Active for over a century, it brings together 29 member organisations from 25 countries, representing around 7 million owners and 25 million dwellings across Europe. Based in Brussels, its main task is to represent private property owners vis-à-vis the European institutions and to help shape EU policy on housing, energy and climate, and real estate.
What You Will Do at UIPI
The traineeship covers four areas of work: EU policy monitoring, research and content for advocacy, EU-funded projects, and communication.
EU Policy Monitoring
📡 Track and analyse EU policies, legislation and initiatives relevant to housing and the property sector.
📝 Prepare briefings and summaries on key policy developments.
🎤 Attend relevant meetings, events and conferences and report on them.
Research and Content for Advocacy
🔎 Conduct research on national legislation and practices across UIPI member countries.
📄 Develop content for UIPI's advocacy work, including position papers, consultation responses and policy analysis.
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Work on EU-Funded Projects
🧪 Contribute to research activities and content development in the EU-funded projects UIPI participates in.
📅 Assist with the logistics of project meetings, workshops and events.
Communication Tasks
📰 Support UIPI's communication activities, including newsletter articles, website and social media content.
Who UIPI Is Looking For
🎓 Currently enrolled at university (Master's or final-year Bachelor's) in law, political sciences, European studies or a related field.
🧾 Eligible for a university exchange or traineeship programme, such as an Erasmus+ traineeship grant, through your home university.
🇪🇺 Strong interest in EU affairs and European policy, in particular housing, climate and real estate policy.
⚖️ Good understanding of the EU decision-making process.
🗣️ High proficiency in written and spoken English. Additional EU languages are an asset.
🧠 Strong research, analytical and drafting skills.
⚡ Proactive, independent and highly organised.
🪪 EU national or holder of a valid Belgian work permit.
What UIPI Offers
🏢 A traineeship in Brussels of a minimum of six months, with the possibility of extension.
🗓️ Start in early 2027, with the start date to be discussed and earlier availability welcome.
💶 A monthly allowance from UIPI, on top of the Erasmus+ traineeship grant paid by your home university.
🏛️ Hands-on exposure to EU policymaking and EU-funded projects, with the possibility to be entrusted with fully operational tasks.
🌐 A stimulating experience within an EU umbrella association and a multicultural environment, with the possibility to travel.
Funding and Eligibility Notes
The allowance amount is not stated in the vacancy. Because the Erasmus+ traineeship grant is paid by your home university, you need to be eligible for a university exchange or traineeship programme. Our guide on how funded traineeships abroad work explains how this kind of funding is usually combined.
How to Apply
Send your CV and motivation letter by email, using the reference "Application – Policy & Research Assistant". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the vacancy notice advises not to wait. The vacancy notice can be downloaded as a PDF.
Find more placements like this one in the internship section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UIPI traineeship paid?
Yes. UIPI offers a monthly allowance on top of the Erasmus+ traineeship grant paid by your home university. The amount of the allowance is not stated in the vacancy.
How long does the traineeship last and when does it start?
It lasts a minimum of six months, with the possibility of extension. It starts in early 2027, the start date is to be discussed, and earlier availability is welcome.
Who can apply?
Students currently enrolled at university (Master's or final-year Bachelor's) in law, political sciences, European studies or a related field. You must be eligible for a university exchange or traineeship programme such as an Erasmus+ traineeship grant, and be an EU national or hold a valid Belgian work permit.
Is work experience required?
The vacancy does not ask for previous work experience. It asks for a strong interest in EU affairs, a good understanding of the EU decision-making process, and strong research, analytical and drafting skills.
What language skills do I need?
High proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Additional EU languages are an asset.
What will the trainee actually do?
The trainee follows EU policy and legislation on housing and the property sector, researches national rules across UIPI member countries, and develops content for advocacy such as position papers and consultation responses. The trainee also contributes to EU-funded projects and supports newsletter, website and social media content.
How do I apply?
Email your CV and motivation letter to the address in the Links section below, using the reference "Application – Policy & Research Assistant".
Deadline
⏳ As soon as possible!
Links
📨 Application email (CV and motivation letter): office@uipi.com
🔗 Vacancy announcement: https://uipi.com/join-us-in-brussels-two-traineeships-at-uipi/
📄 Vacancy notice (PDF): https://uipi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Policy-Research-Assistant-A4-4.pdf
