Weekly Opportunity Board
Welcome to the Weekly Opportunity Board, your central hub for the latest internships, fellowships, and full-time roles in international affairs and beyond. Each week, we curate and share relevant opportunities to support your academic, professional, and career development. Check back regularly to stay informed and make the most of what’s out there.
PhD Positions
No positions currently posted.
Entry-Level Positions
No positions currently posted.
Internships and Fellowships
Working Student – European Security Programme, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) – Deadline: Rolling
ECFR, is hiring a part-time Working Student in Berlin to support its European Security Programme with event management, logistics and research. Competitive monetary compensation in line with statutory minimum requirements with a Berlin office offering partly hybrid flexibility. Candidates must be currently enrolled (graduates not eligible) in Political Science, International Relations, Event Management or a related field at a German university, and must be eligible to work in Germany. Key responsibilities include organizing events, supporting research by tracking political/security developments, coordinating logistics with venues/hotels/caterers, managing the programme's inbox and contact database. Requirements: strong MS Office skills, excellent organizational and analytical abilities, fluent written/spoken English, and a proactive, flexible, multinational-team-oriented attitude. Learn more here.
Student Assistant – Political Economy and Integration (ZOiS) – Deadline: October 4
The Centre for East European and International Studies is seeking a Student Assistant (10 hours/week) to support its Political Economy and Integration research cluster in Berlin, with compensation of €15.08/hour and an initial 12-month contract. The role involves literature and background research, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, interview transcription, and support for research events, with a particular focus on the political economy of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including the roles of the EU, China, and Russia. Applicants must be enrolled at a German university, have completed at least two semesters in political science, social science, economics, or a related field, and possess very good English and Russian; quantitative methods skills are required, while Python/R and Central Asian language skills are considered assets. Learn more here.
Communications Intern – European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE) – Deadline: October 9
EFEE, a Brussels-based organization working at the intersection of education, social dialogue and EU policymaking, is seeking a Communications Intern starting 2 November 2026, for 3–6 months (full-time, 38h/week, hybrid with at least 3 days/week in office). Work-related travel and expenses are covered, but applicants must independently secure funding through a scheme such as Erasmus+, a Chamber of Commerce mobility grant, or Actiris International Erasmus Pro. Occasional travel within Europe is required. The intern will manage EFEE's social media, produce website and digital content, create visual/multimedia materials, maintain the CRM and support mass mailings, and assist with communications at events across Europe. Requirements: a bachelor's degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing, IR, political science or related field; English at C1+; strong organizational and creative skills; interest in social media/digital comms; multimedia content skills; familiarity with EU policy frameworks; and Microsoft 365/Teams. Learn more here.
Internship – European Security and Defence College (ESDC) – Deadline: October 14
ESDC, is accepting applications for two 2027 internship periods: 18 January – 14 May 2027 and 29 March – 30 July 2027. The internship is based in Brussels and pays a monthly allowance of EUR 1,500 (topped up to that amount if the intern also receives a grant, e.g. Erasmus+); occasional duty-trip expenses outside Brussels are reimbursed. Responsibilities include assisting with the preparation, delivery and follow-up of CSDP/CFSP courses, seminars and conferences; drafting course materials, background briefs, reports and social media posts; providing logistical/administrative support for ESDC meetings; supporting eLearning module revisions, the training catalogue, and internal knowledge-management processes. Eligibility requires EU nationality; current enrollment (bachelor's/master's) in a relevant field for the full internship duration; sickness/accident insurance for the internship period; and thorough knowledge of English or French (another language is an asset). Learn more here.
Internship – Sinolytics – Deadline: October 15
Sinolytics, a China-focused consulting firm with offices in Berlin and Beijing, offers a paid, full-time internship lasting 3–6 months, starting in December 2026, in Berlin, with a hybrid environment. The role involves conducting research and analysis on geopolitics, China's economic/industrial/tech policy, supply chains and cybersecurity; synthesizing data into client-ready presentations and reports; collaborating with consultants on strategic client recommendations; and participating in internal training and brainstorming. Intended applicants should be majoring in economics, political science, business, (Chinese) law, China studies, data science or related fields; relevant work experience or expertise in geopolitics, IR, IT/AI, supply chains, or US/China policy; strong analytical and presentation skills; a client-oriented mindset; and fluency in English (Chinese proficiency highly valued). Learn more here.
Seminar Assistant Internship – Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) EU Office – Deadline: October 15
FES, is offering a paid seminar assistant internship at its EU Office in Brussels (with a liaison office in Strasbourg), expected to run 1 February – 16 July 2027 (5–6 months). The role centers on organizing and running conferences/seminars on European integration, EU neighborhood policy, and global issues, plus contributing to substantive project work in one of these thematic areas. The internship is intended for students (a bachelor’s degree is required) preferably humanities/social sciences with very good German, and good-to-very-good English, French and/or Spanish; political engagement, solid PC skills, and team spirit/resilience are desirable given the demanding event-planning workload. Learn more here.
Planning Ahead: Security Internship & Fellowship Programs
This section highlights recurring internship and fellowship programmes with structured, once- or twice-yearly application cycles. These opportunities are offered regularly by leading institutions, allowing you to plan ahead and prepare strong applications. Use this overview as a reference point for longer-term career planning alongside the weekly postings.
© European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)
European Union Institute for Security Studies
The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) traineeship programme offers 10-month placements in Paris or Brussels for young graduates interested in EU foreign and security policy.
The programme provides hands-on experience in policy-oriented research, event organisation, and outreach, with trainees working closely under the supervision of EUISS analysts and contributing to specific regional or thematic portfolios (e.g., cyber, Russia, MENA, Indo-Pacific).
It is open to EU nationals with a Master’s degree in relevant fields (e.g., political science, international relations, economics), strong research and analytical skills, and proficiency in English plus another EU language.
Application deadline is typically in late April, but applicants should verify with the EUISS.
© The George C. Marshall Center
George C. Marshall European Center’s College for International Security Studies
The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies offers internships lasting 8–12 weeks (longer if required by a study program) for bachelor’s and master’s students.
Applicants must be 1) enrolled at a university for the entire internship; 2) not have previously completed an internship with a German federal agency; and 3) study a relevant field (e.g., political science, law, international relations, economics). The program is open to all nationalities, though non-EU applicants require a work permit under German regulations.
The program accepts applications twice a year, typically in May and October. Learn more here.
© Young Security Conference
Young Security Conference Fellowship
The Young Security Conference Fellowship brings together young professionals and academics to examine the future of European security in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
The fellowship is open to applicants under 35 with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in fields like international relations or security policy. It particularly encourages candidates from EU/NATO countries, neighboring regions, and underrepresented groups.
Application deadline is typically in late September, but applicants should visit the YSC website for updates on application deadlines and procedures.
© NATO
NATO Internship Program
The NATO Internship Programme offers six-month paid placements at NATO Headquarters in Brussels for students and recent graduates interested in international security and policy.
The programme provides hands-on experience across a wide range of fields—including political affairs, defence, innovation, and communications—while giving participants insight into the inner workings of NATO. Interns also receive a stipend, training, and networking opportunities.
It is open to nationals of NATO member states aged 21+ who have completed at least two years of university study (or recently graduated), with proficiency in English or French and an interest in security-related fields.
The program accepts applications twice a year, typically in April and October. Learn more here.
© The Hague Center for Strategic Studies
The Hague Center for Strategic Studies
The The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies internship programme offers hands-on experience in a policy-oriented research environment, with placements typically lasting 5–6 months. Interns contribute to projects in areas such as international security, defence, climate and energy, and data analysis, supporting research, reports, and events. Specialized tracks (e.g., data science, water security, communications) allow for tailored experience.
The programme is open to enrolled university students with relevant academic backgrounds, strong analytical skills, and an interest in security-related topics. Interns receive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a monthly stipend of €675.
Applications are accepted in two annual rounds: typically opening in December (for January/February start dates) and June (for July/August start dates). Learn more here.
© Federal Society for Security Policy
Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik (Federal Society for Security Policy)
The Federal Academy for Security Policy offers paid internships of 3–6 months in Berlin for enrolled university students interested in security policy.
Interns gain hands-on experience in either policy research and event management or press and communications, contributing to seminars, research, and outreach activities in an interdisciplinary environment.
The programme is open to EU students with at least two years of study, strong German and English skills, and a demonstrated interest in security policy. Internships are offered in two annual cycles: typically January–July and September–December. Learn more here.
© INTERPOL
INTERPOL
The INTERPOL internship programme offers students and recent graduates hands-on experience within a global law enforcement organization, with placements across both policing and support functions such as communications, HR, and strategy. Interns gain insight into international police cooperation and the operations of a multicultural organization, while contributing to real projects.
Programmes typically last 6–11 months and are mainly based in Lyon. Interns are provided a a €675 monthly stipend, €30 transportation subsidy, and €170 housing subsidy (if eligible). Applicants are required to be enrolled in or recently graduated from higher education and fluent in English. Learn more here.
© PRIF
Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF)
The internship programme at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt offers master’s students (particularly in peace and conflict studies or political science) the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academic research. Interns are integrated into ongoing projects across key research areas, work independently under academic supervision, and contribute to real research outputs.
Internship placements are typically at least six weeks in duration and are unpaid. due ot high demand, applicants are encouraged to contact PRIF several months in advance to express interest. Learn more here.
© ESI
European Stability Initiative Junior Fellowship
The Junior Fellowship at the European Stability Initiative (ESI) offers a unique opportunity to work with a small, impactful think tank focused on policy research and advocacy.
Fellows are based in Berlin (or other ESI locations, remotely) and immerse themselves in topics ranging from EU enlargement to human rights.
Minimum of 3 months, full-time (some fellows stay for up to 9 months or longer) with a modest stipend of a few hundred euros per month. No fixed deadline, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more here.
© Partnership for Global Security
Della Ratta Global Energy and Security Fellowship
The Partnership for Global Security invites early-career professionals (including grad students) to apply for the Della Ratta Global Energy and Security Fellowship. This fully remote, six-month fellowship focuses on the intersection of nuclear energy, climate change, global security, geopolitics, and international energy security, with an emphasis on crosscutting policy analysis across multiple disciplines.
Fellows receive a $15,000 stipend. Due to visa limitations, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Learn more here.
© ProFellow
Scoville Peace Fellowship
The Scoville JPeace Fellowship is a full-time, six-to-nine month fellowship in Washington, D.C. for recent college graduates and masters students interested in peace, arms control, and international security policy. Fellows are placed at leading nonprofit organizations and gain hands-on experience in policy research, advocacy, and public education while receiving a competitive salary, health insurance, and professional development support.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, and the program gives preference to individuals who have not already had substantial public-interest or government experience in the Washington, D.C. area. Learn more here.
© The Nation
European Stability Initiative
The European Stability Initiative (ESI) offers a Junior Fellowship for aspiring researchers and policy analysts interested in European affairs, democracy, migration, and international politics. Based in one of ESI’s offices (including Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul, or elsewhere depending on projects), fellows work closely with the think tank’s team on research, writing, advocacy, and policy analysis.
There are no formal academic requirements, but exceptional English writing skills, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to commit at least three months full-time are essential. Learn more here.