The Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) brings together diverse stakeholders from across different boundaries to catalyse cooperation, transform dialogue into action and reimagine the partnership between the societies of the neighbouring continents. The Foundation is comprised of some of the world’s most influential personalities and acts as a network of networks in strengthening the capacity of Africa and Europe to respond to a range of common challenges.  Investment in a generation is central to our mission through empowering youth voice and leadership across critical sectors of cooperation. 

AEF is recruiting a Programme Outreach Assistant for a paid six-month internship, to provide support principally in the day-to-day operations for a range of tasks, activities and events relating to its work, starting at the beginning of September 2025.

This is a great opportunity to develop an understanding of the management of an international organisation focused on Africa-Europe relations, developing your skills and enhancing your experience. You will gain an understanding of a wide range of the components needed to make our organisation run and have the opportunity for self-development and learning as well as the chance to attend events and gatherings to learn about more about the AEF environment in which it operates, in collaboration with the different teams.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TRAINEESHIP?

At AEF, we see traineeships as a way of combining initial full-time work experience with hands-on training. That’s why our traineeships are for people who have recently finished studying and are eager to acquire a first work experience.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

• Assisting in the coordination and development of AEF convenings including the plan, the implementation and the follow-up (including but not limited to drafting event proposals, invitations and programmes, contacting speakers, preparing moderator briefings and reading materials, registering and assisting participants, drafting and sending evaluation questionnaires, on-site support, etc.);
• Assisting in the development of the strategic communications plan and key milestones linked with the programming advocacy;
• Assisting in the development of up-to-date and compelling content created, including written articles, digital content and draft op-eds that ‘cut through the noise’;
• Assisting in the organisation and follow-up of meetings and conducting other administrative tasks relating to the activities of the organisation (e.g., managing correspondence, providing logistical arrangements, background documentation, report writing);
• Engaging in work across the organisation and supporting the team as required.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS DO I NEED TO HAVE?

Profile – behavioural competencies

• Highly organized and someone who pays attention to the detail
• Effective and flexible communicator
• Team player with collaborative spirit
• Professionalism, experience interacting with Executive and High-Level individuals desirable
• Willingness to learn and take on tasks

Education & Experience

• Relevant university degree (for example, Business, Economics, Law, International Relations, Development, or other related fields) or equivalent through self-study

Knowledge & skills

• Basic knowledge of AU-EU relations across international fora and frameworks
• An interest/ first experience in Communications/ Advocacy
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Proficient in software and digital tools: Microsoft Office, Zoom, database management such as Salesforce, content management system experience such as Sharepoint and website management systems are pluses.
• Excellent knowledge of English, French is a plus.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This position is open to nationals of EU/EEA member states or Switzerland, and to non-EU nationals in possession of a valid work permit in Belgium.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Africa-Europe Foundation is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, by providing equal treatment of all job applications received, regardless of applicants’ ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or health status. We especially encourage applications from those who have been historically excluded or not had fair and equal job opportunities.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

• To apply, please answer the relevant questions and upload your CV (pdf format, no longer than two pages) on our website which shows your motivation, skills, and experience.
• The closing date for applications is 20^th July 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
• Next steps include a one-hour online test followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.