About us
Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 best think tanks.
One of CEPS’ distinguishing features is its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants and service contracts, but also from membership and conference fees.
The CEPS Energy, Resources and Climate Change (ERCC) unit consists of a research team specialised in today’s energy, circular economy, climate change and geopolitical challenges. It provides a forum that stimulates discussions among both EU and non-EU stakeholders and decision-makers.
Main tasks
You will become a member of the Energy, Resources and Climate Change (ERCC) team and work under the supervision of a CEPS Researcher. In this role, you will contribute to the following activities of the ERCC Unit:
-
You will participate in various research projects on EU industrial decarbonisation, and/or clean transition pathways, including carbon markets and EU partnerships as well as related policies.
-
You will conduct desk research on relevant topics and assist in data collection and daily support.
-
You will assist in organising events and managing stakeholder networks.
-
Other related tasks as required.
Your background and qualifications
-
You are enrolled as a student for the full duration of the internship, and about to complete a Master in economics, international relations, political/social sciences, or equivalent. For recent graduates, the option of the CIP scheme can be considered.
-
You have a demonstrable interest in climate policies and have conducted research assignments in one or more of these areas, including (but not limited to) industrial decarbonisation, clean technologies, carbon pricing and/or markets, clean transition partnerships or the creation of lead markets for low carbon and circular products.
-
You have an excellent knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.
Your profile
-
You are able to work in a research team involving junior and senior colleagues and work under the supervision of a CEPS researcher.
-
You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback.
-
You can respect deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
-
You are kind with a deep respect for diversity, and a strong sense of empathy towards colleagues.
-
You are enthusiastic to contribute not only towards the success of the ERCC unit, but also to the whole of CEPS as an organisation.
What CEPS can offer
We offer a full-time internship for the period of six months, starting from early to mid-October 2025. The selected candidate will be eligible to receive expense reimbursement up to 750 EUR/month upon receipt of justifying documents during the internship. If the selected candidate is a recent graduate on the CIP scheme, they will receive the legal CIP reimbursement. The internship is based in Brussels and will take place in person, but some teleworking might be possible for a limited period.
More information
Further questions/enquiries regarding the position can be e-mailed to [email protected].
Application and deadline
Please send your application to [email protected] with “Intern ERCC 2025” in the subject line by 29 September 2025.
Interviews will be held online from 30 September to 3 October 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Early applications are encouraged.
Applications should include the following documents, all in English, compiled into a single PDF document:
-
a one-page letter of motivation (please confirm in your letter that you are available to start the full-time internship in early to mid-October 2025 and to relocate to Brussels for the majority of its duration)
-
your CV
-
two written examples of work in the fields relevant to this post (e.g., a journal publication, a project report, a university assignment etc). If the written example has more than one author, please specify in the letter of motivation which parts you have written.
CEPS strongly values and actively pursues diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications especially from female, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with diverse ethnic/national origins that are underrepresented at CEPS.
