The Delegation of the European Union to Japan represents, promotes and advances the interests and values of the European Union in Japan, developing and strengthening bilateral political, security, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and other sectoral cooperation between the EU and Japan. Cooperation between the EU and Japan is deep and long-standing, based on agreements such as the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Digital Partnership Agreement, with a Security and Defence Partnership launched in 2024. The Delegation is offering a funded traineeship of 6 months in 2026 within its Political, Press and Information (PPI) Section, with a tentative start in October or November 2026, for a young graduate curious about the work of a diplomatic mission.
The PPI Section
The Political, Press and Information Section is responsible for fostering bilateral work in the areas of foreign, security and defence policy, development cooperation, press and communication, culture and outreach, and is also responsible for organising public events, social media promotion and communication across all dimensions of EU-Japan relations. As a trainee, you will work within a dynamic, experienced and international team of diplomats and policy experts, gaining first-hand experience of political work in a diplomatic mission, developing analytical skills and practical project-management and organisational abilities, and assisting in the preparation and coordination of official and high-level visits as well as longer-term bilateral projects and events.
Main Tasks
📄 Coordinate the preparation of weekly political and security/defence reporting
🗒️ Take meeting minutes where necessary and appropriate
🤝 Support the PPI section in the preparation and organisation of incoming visits
📅 Assist in organising events, seminars and other local events under the lead of the Delegation's PPI section
📣 Provide support to the PPI section in preparing outreach activities and visits
💡 New to how funded traineeships work? Read our guide: Paid Internships Abroad for Students: How Funded Traineeships Really Work → https://youthworkshub.org/paid-internships-abroad
Who We're Looking For
🌍 Demonstrated interest in international relations, foreign and security policy
🎪 Professional or extracurricular experience in organising events would be an asset
🤝 Motivation, flexibility and ability to work within a multicultural team
✍️ Writing and basic analytical skills
🗣️ Excellent command of written and spoken English (Japanese language skills would be an asset)
🔎 Another press and communications placement worth exploring: Editorial and Social Media Internship at IRK Magazine in 🇫🇷 France → https://youthworkshub.org/19102
Grant and Costs
Each selected trainee receives a monthly grant to cover living expenses. All costs related to travel, visa, insurance and accommodation must be borne by the trainee. The traineeship can only be offered in compliance with local legislation as well as the legislation of the country of origin. This is a paid traineeship under the EU's general eligibility criteria; applications from non-eligible candidates will not be considered.
The Details
🗓️ Duration: 6 months in 2026, tentative start October/November 2026
🏛️ Section: Political, Press and Information (PPI)
📍 Location: Japan
How to Apply
Apply by email to the Delegation, sending a detailed standard Europass CV (CVs in other formats will not be considered), a cover letter describing why you want to participate in an EU traineeship, and the official application form. Mention in the subject of your email: Funded Traineeship - PPI Section. Before applying, examine the dedicated EEAS traineeship website and the general eligibility criteria for a paid traineeship.
Deadline
⏳ 31 August 2026 (12.00 noon, Tokyo time)
Links
🔗 Official page: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/funded-traineeship-young-graduates-eu-delegation-japan_en
📧 Application email: Delegation-Japan-Traineeship@eeas.europa.eu
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