Apply for the European Commission Junior Professionals in Delegation (JPD) Programme 2026 – 2028
The call for expression of interest for the European Commission Junior Professionals in Delegation (JPD) Programme 2026 is now open.
Applications close on 30 April 2025.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission (EC) have established a high-level traineeship programme that offers highly qualified junior professionals from the EU Member States an incredible opportunity to work in EU Delegations around the world.
OBJECTIVES OF THE JPD PROGRAMME
The aim of the programme is to enable junior European professionals to gain first-hand experience in the work of EU Delegations and develop a deep understanding of their role in implementing EU external policies.
Every two years, the EEAS and the EC open a call for expression of interest.
The JPD programme is governed by a series of decisions that outline its implementation and objectives. Applicants are invited to read these decisions carefully before applying.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Candidates interested in this high-level traineeship programme should meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of an EU Member State.
- Hold, by the closing date for applications, at least a university degree equivalent to a Master’s degree in a relevant domain.
- Have an excellent command of English and/or French; knowledge of other languages is an asset.
- Possess, by the closing date for applications, no more than 1 year of professional experience with the EEAS, the Commission, or another EU institution or body.
- Demonstrate a strong interest and motivation to work in an EU Delegation.
Professional experience or relevant extra-curricular activities, such as volunteering or publications, are viewed as strong assets.
No professional experience is required, but candidates with up to four years may be given preference.
WHERE ARE THE CANDIDATES POSTED?
Junior Professionals can work in one of the 145 EU Delegations, with postings potentially in:
- EEAS sections: for political, press, and information functions.
- EC sections: for international partnerships, programme/project management, humanitarian affairs, etc.
Number of Traineeship Positions in the 2026 – 2028 Round: The EEAS and the EC will finance a minimum of 54 JPD positions (2 per Member State) for the Round 2026-2028, split equally across EEAS and EC functions.
HOW TO APPLY?
The call for expression of interest is open from 1 April 2025 to 30 April 2025.
Applications must be sent exclusively to the designated authorities in each EU Member State.
Only one application per candidate is allowed; multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
The selection of candidates is based on the information provided in the application form, which must include details about academic achievements, language skills, professional experience, and motivation, along with three (3) geographical preferences for assignment.
Disclaimer:
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SELECTION PROCESS
The pre-selection of candidates is managed by the EU Member States, with the final selection conducted by the EEAS and the EC.
The selection process involves:
- EU Member States submitting a shortlist of candidates to the EEAS and the EC.
- Both EEAS and EC selecting one candidate per Member State based on the shortlist.
The matching of candidates to EU Delegations will consider both the priorities of the agencies and the candidates’ profiles and preferences.
WHAT WE OFFER?
Selected candidates for the round 2026-28 will receive:
- A 12-month traineeship agreement, renewable after a positive evaluation.
- A monthly remuneration package consisting of:
- A monthly grant of 2,500 EUR.
- A housing contribution of 1,700 EUR.
- A hardship contribution based on living conditions allowances.
Additional contributions include:
- Installation contribution: 2,340 EUR at the start.
- Journey contribution: 2,926 EUR for each 12-month period.
- Insurance contribution: 1,800 EUR for each 12-month period.
CALENDAR
- Launch of the 2026 – 2028 Round: 1st April 2025
- Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025
- Pre-Selection Lists Submitted: End of August 2025
- Selection Panels and Matching Process: September 2025
- Results Communicated to Member States: October 2025
- Traineeship Offers Sent: October 2025
- Supporting Documents Reception: October – December 2025
- Start of Traineeship Agreement: 16 January 2026
- Induction Training: Mid-January 2026
- Start of Traineeships in EU Delegations: End of January 2026
This is an extraordinary opportunity for junior professionals eager to contribute to EU external relations. The EEAS and EC encourage all eligible candidates to apply during the submission window.
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