Policy and Advocacy Intern

Eurocities; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reimbursement of public transportation costs

Mentorship and practical experience

Job summary

Eurocities in Brussels is offering an internship in advocacy suited for students eager to contribute to impactful European projects.

The position requires organisational and analytical skills and provides an opportunity to work closely with experts in urban affairs while receiving mentorship and exposure to a European network.

Successful candidates will develop communication skills and gain insights into EU policy-making within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a student at a recognised higher education institution throughout the internship.
• Strong interest in EU policy and urban affairs.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing briefings and policy papers.
• Organise meetings and advocacy campaigns.
• Monitor key EU initiatives affecting cities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Familiarity with digital tools

Interest in EU policy

Event preparation experience

Proactivity

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s student

Tools

Excel

Adobe

Job description

Eurocities, the network of major European cities, is offering an internship in advocacy.

We are looking for a motivated and proactive intern to join our advocacy team starting in September 2026 for a 6-month term.

Eurocities is a dynamic and international team where we help people thrive in a friendly, open, and healthy environment. Joining our team means being part of an organisation that connects cities across Europe. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, contribute to impactful initiatives, and engage with a network of experts from various fields.

This opportunity is reserved for students eligible for the Erasmus+ grant or other grants and depends on a successful application to the grant scheme. More information about the scheme is available. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check eligibility and specific details with their university.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, making it an ideal place for young professionals to gain hands‑on experience in an international context.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will have a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in European policy‑making, urban affairs, and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic network of major European cities.

You will work as part of the advocacy team at the Eurocities Brussels office. In this role, you will:

• Assist in preparing briefings, policy papers, and communication materials.
• Help organise meetings, events, and advocacy campaigns.
• Support policy monitoring and analysis on key EU initiatives affecting cities.
• Attend relevant EU institutional meetings and report back.
• Contribute to internal coordination and knowledge‑sharing across teams.

As part of our team, you will:

• Gain in‑depth insight into EU advocacy, housing and just transition, enhancing your knowledge and practical skills.
• Work closely with and learn from experts and city representatives from across Europe, fostering professional development and networking opportunities.
• Be welcomed into a supportive and engaging workplace in the heart of Brussels.
• Receive reimbursement of public transportation costs in Belgium.

Profile

You are a student full of initiative, self‑driven, curious, creative, flexible, and results‑oriented. You are eager to take ownership of tasks and contribute meaningfully to your team’s goals.

The skills and experience to do this job successfully include:

• You must be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student at a recognised higher education institution (e.g. university, business school, or equivalent) for the entire duration of the internship, in political science, EU affairs, law, economics, housing, urban studies, sustainable development, or a related field.
• To be considered, the internship must be arranged through a direct agreement with your university. You must have a funding option such as a university bursary or an Erasmus+ grant.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills, plus familiarity with digital tools (like Excel, Adobe, etc.), are highly beneficial.
• Strong interest in EU policy, urban affairs, and sustainability, with a broad knowledge and interest in housing, just transition and governance in the EU context.
• Previous experience in event preparations and logistics.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English (other languages are a plus).
• Being a proactive team player, organised, detail‑oriented, and able to work independently.
• Has a collaborative mindset and is eager to learn.

Assets

• Previous experience in EU affairs or dealing with EU institutions, beyond university courses and projects.
• Familiarity with EU institutions, policies, and processes.
• Any additional skills relevant to the position.

We are looking for candidates who fulfil most of these criteria, but do not hesitate to apply if you think that you could be a good fit for the position.

What you can expect from Eurocities

• The chance to contribute to impactful projects with support and guidance from managers and colleagues.
• An opportunity to enhance both hard and soft skills through practical experience and mentorship.
• Learning goals tailored to help you meet educational requirements effectively.
• A valuable educational experience that integrates with a real‑world professional environment.
• Exposure to an international work environment of a European network organisation.