**Deadline:** 27/2/2026
Are you an engaged and committed person eager to make a difference? Are you passionate about human rights and social justice? Would you like to contribute to SOLIDAR’s mission of advancing social rights and promoting a fair, inclusive and resilient Europe? If yes, then you might be the right person for SOLIDAR’s Traineeship program! This is a paid traineeship under the Belgian CIP scheme.
SOLIDAR is looking to strengthen its team with two candidates with a strong interest in how policy advocacy, research and communication can drive social transformation at European level. SOLIDAR is recruiting two fellows with a background in policy and research.
This Traineeship program is based in Brussels and will offer you the opportunity to contribute to and gain hands-on experience in advancing SOLIDAR’s work with a variety of decision-makers and stakeholders, including European Union institutions, SOLIDAR members, progressive communities across Europe and beyond. You will also strengthen your knowledge of EU policies related to social progress, popular education, just transitions, international development cooperation, external relations, and more. As a fellow you will also discover the working environment of a European member-based network while developing skills in policy analysis, advocacy strategy and event organisation.
## The main tasks of the Policy and Research Fellows will be to:
– Monitor EU policy developments in the fields of social rights, trade, just transition, education or else, draft analysis, statements and positions, and share relevant information with SOLIDAR colleagues, member organisations and partners.
– Draft briefing papers, position papers and other advocacy materials related to EU policies.
– Contributing to research and analysis activities, with a particular focus on one of the following areas:
– SOLIDAR’s flagship project, the Social Rights Monitor (SRM), which includes drafting national reports and uploading data onto the Interactive Web Map.
– Conducting research on affordability issues in relation to our work on Just Transitions.
– Collaborate with SOLIDAR members on advocacy initiatives and the development of policy recommendations.
– Assist with project deliverables and ensure timely delivery of narrative reports.
– Participate in meetings and events around EU institutions and reporting back to colleagues.
## Key skills and competences
– Relevant academic background or work experience in research, policy analysis, or advocacy, particularly in Political Sciences, European Affairs, Labour studies, Global Trade policy, Business and Human Rights, International Relations, Law, Economics or Social Studies.
– Strong knowledge of civil society organisations in Europe or internationally, familiarity with one or more of our member organisations is an advantage.
– Proficiency in English (written and spoken). Additional languages are a plus.
– Proven ability to plan tasks effectively and work collaboratively in teams.
– Familiarity with EU institutions’ functioning and policies related to social rights, education and lifelong learning, just transition and international development cooperation or trade.
### Desirable:
– Experience from activism, volunteering, or internships in progressive civil society organisations or political parties, experience from our member organisations is a plus.
– Experience with data collection, interviews, compiling and synthesising large amounts of information.
– Knowledge of another EU official language.
## Conditions:
– The traineeship program is under the form of “convention d’immersion professionnelle” – CIP registered under Belgium law. The position foresees an allowance of 1,056 Euro net as well as travel support and contribution to meal vouchers.
– The work is intended to be carried out in Brussels. Please note that you must have the right to work and live in Belgium by the start of employment to be considered for this position.
– SOLIDAR applies a hybrid work time and place policy.
## Tentative starting date, duration, and location:
– 1 April 2026 – December 20th, 2026.
– The position is full-time and based at SOLIDAR offices in Av. Des Arts 50 in Brussels.
## How to apply:
If you are interested, please send the following documents by 27 February, 2026
– Your CV (2 pages maximum);
– A cover letter (1 page maximum) which should clearly state: which of the positions you are particularly interested in and if you have a particular interest in one of our areas of work; why you think you are suited for this position in relations to the skills and competencies required. Please also indicate your objectives/learning outcomes expected from this experience and your motivation to work at SOLIDAR. Finally, also indicate when you would be available to start, confirming that you have the permit to work in Belgium.
Your application should be addressed to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
– NB! You are expected to only apply to one position, either Policy & Research fellow OR Project fellow (see the other call on
– Please use the subject line ‘Policy and Research Fellow application – Your Surname’.
– Please also note that due to the high number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding!
SOLIDAR is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, and we welcome applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team and perspectives. Recruitment decisions are made based on qualifications, motivation and organisational needs.
