**Application number:** OMB/T/2026/2
**Open for application:** Tuesday | 10 February 2026
**Deadline:** Friday | 13 March 2026 | 13:00 GMT+1
**Type of contract:** Traineeship
The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body that works to promote good administration at EU level. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies, and proactively looks into broader systemic issues.
The Office’s guiding principles are integrity, fairness, impartiality, independence and accountability.
**Equal opportunities**
The European Ombudsman is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from anybody who meets the eligibility criteria and required qualifications. We will try to accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities.
## **1. Traineeships**
We invite you to apply for a traineeship starting on **1 September 2026**. We offer paid traineeships of one year, subject to a positive assessment of the trainee’s performance.
For the case-handling profile, the Ombudsman is offering up to six traineeships.
## **2. Eligibility criteria and required qualifications**
Candidates should be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of an [accession/candidate country](https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-enlargement_en).
Candidates should not have benefitted, for more than eight consecutive weeks or two full months, from a previous paid traineeship or work contract in a European institution, body, agency, office, service, delegation, representation, including the office of a Member of the European Parliament or of a European political group.
They should have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and a very good knowledge of another. The main working language of the Ombudsman’s Office is English and therefore a very good knowledge of English is required.
Candidates applying for traineeships in our Directorate of Inquiries should have a degree or diploma of at least 3 years in either law, political science, European studies, or European public administration. Solid training on EU law (preferably demonstrated by the number of relevant university courses followed and their respective course descriptions) will be an asset.
## **3. Selection criteria**
We value highly motivated recent graduates or young professionals in the above-mentioned areas, who are curious and eager learners and wish to contribute to the Ombudsman’s mission. Collaborative work attitude and service-orientation are essential.
Candidates applying should have:
– very good understanding of the role of the European Ombudsman;
– very good understanding of the EU institutions and policies, as well as of EU administrative law;
– analytical and research skills;
– very good knowledge of English;
– knowledge of other official languages of the European Union (besides EN).
Although professional experience is not required, any relevant experience will be an asset.
## **4. Responsibilities and tasks**
As a trainee in case handling, you will:
– Provide support in the investigation of complaints against EU institutions and bodies concerning issues relevant to EU administration, including research and drafting of decisions and preparatory notes;
– Monitor EU policy developments and carry out research relevant to the Ombudsman’s activities;
– Reply to information requests from members of the public;
– Participate in meetings with EU institutions and bodies and draft minutes of meetings;
– Handle “out-of-mandate” complaints;
– Provide practical support in meetings and other events organised by the Office.
## **5. Selection procedure**
Applicants must submit their application in the [online application system of the website of the European Ombudsman](https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/office/careers).
Applications should include the following documents:
– a completed online application form;
– an English language version of the applicant’s curriculum vitae; and
– copies of the applicant’s diplomas, degrees, or certificates (copies do not need to be certified or translated at this stage of the procedure). Candidates must provide a list of courses they took, and the relevant grades obtained or, at the very least, the list of courses (preferably by attaching the respective diploma supplement).
**Candidates must reply in English to the three questions included in the on-line form aiming at evaluating candidates’ motivation and interest in the traineeship.**
The provision of information requested when applying online, and of the supporting documents, is obligatory. Incomplete applications will automatically be excluded from the registration system.
The initial phase of the selection process will involve assessing the qualifications, experience, and motivation of eligible applicants based on the information provided in their application, including their CV and their replies to the questions included in the on-line application form.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview to be conducted by a video-conference tool.
In case a person with a disability is selected, the selected applicant will be provided, if needed, with reasonable accommodation at work (office space and equipment) to be able to carry out their tasks.
The Ombudsman’s Office will inform applicants of their results at each step of the selection procedure. The selected candidates will be informed of the results during the first week of June 2026.
## **6. Use of AI**
We are committed to ensuring a fair and personal assessment of all candidate applications and do not use AI in our evaluation process. You can find more information on how we use AI[ here.](https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/artificial-intelligence/en)
AI can also be a helpful tool in preparing for a recruitment process and improving your overall candidate experience. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application and preparation, we suggest that you follow the guidelines outlined below:
– AI should not replace your own judgment, or ownership
– Ensure your CV and motivation reflect your own work and experiences;
– When preparing for your interview, rely on your own thinking and approach;
– Avoid using AI to fabricate roles, skills, or achievements, or to present motivations that are not genuinely your own. Any misrepresentation can be identified during the interview stage.
## **7. Place of work**
Brussels or Strasbourg
## **8. Deadline for applications**
You must submit your application through the online application system on the Ombudsman’s website by **13 March 2026 (13:00 Brussels time)** at the very latest.
Please, avoid waiting until the last minute to send your application. Carefully read the rules and prepare the required scanned documents in advance, before starting the registration process.
For general information on traineeships, their aim, duration and monthly grants see the Decision of the European Ombudsman concerning traineeships.
