EU Policy and Research Trainee

The Opportunity 

Gain hands-on experience with an international network at the intersection of arts, education, and European policy. ELIA represents the interests of the higher arts education community at the highest level of European and international policymaking. As EU Policy and Research Trainee at ELIA, you will support advocacy efforts, track cultural and policy developments, and contribute to shaping the future of arts education. 

Organisation Profile 

ELIA is Europe's leading multi-disciplinary network in higher education and research. Powered by almost 300 members, we are a globally connected knowledge community for peer-learning, international collaboration and advocacy. ELIA’s work includes the organisation of international events, the facilitation of cross-institutional working groups, participation in research and innovation projects, and the publication of influential policy papers.

Candidate Profile 

As the EU Policy and Research trainee at ELIA, you are passionate about developing and implementing concrete actions that align with ELIA’s advocacy mission and values. You contribute to campaigns aimed at creating better policy and funding conditions for higher arts education to thrive. You support ELIA’s advocacy operations with researching, lobbying, partner engagement and discourse development. You focus mostly on EU policies relating to the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries, education, and the research and innovation ecosystem. As a trainee, learning and developing yourself professionally is a key ambition. Eager to learn, you work independently, under the supervision of ELIA’s Advocacy Manager, while staying curious and open to new challenges. 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Hone skills in EU policy research and discourse analysis in select topics, and translate key findings into clear and concise reports and policy briefings. 

• Contribute to ELIA’s advocacy actions and campaigns under the supervision of the advocacy manager. Actions might include statements, position/white papers, consultations, and targeted dissemination campaigns.  

• Connect to ELIA’s members and project partners on advocacy topics through our community hub activities, events, and partner meetings. Take meeting notes and help with meeting preparation and events when appropriate.  

• Perform documentation and administrative support tasks for ELIA’s advocacy work.  

• Track and engage with key policy developments shaping culture, education, and research—especially at the EU level. 

Skills and Competencies 

• MA-level education and, preferably, experience in political sciences, international relations, humanities or a related specialism. Knowledge of participatory processes considered a plus. Strong research competencies (including knowledge of research methodologies, presenting evidence-based argumentations, finding relevant sources, setting up research plans with a critical approach). 

• Excellent writing skills (including rhetorics). 

• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to represent ELIA in meetings and contribute to discussions. 

• English work proficiency and preferably one other language.  

• Ability to distil, analyse and  interpret complex information and data on advocacy related topics. 

• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team. 

• Organisational skills, sufficient for self-organising your work and organising meetings with member and stakeholder groups.  

• Open, inquisitive approach, strongly motivated to develop their knowledge and competencies. 

What ELIA offers 

• An exciting opportunity for advancement in the cultural and creative sector. 

• A springboard to launch a meaningful and successful career. 

• Expert mentorship within the field of cultural advocacy, the development of European policy and arts education. 

• Access to a vast international network in the arts, culture, and education spheres. 

• Hands-on experience developing advocacy campaigns, lobbying and conducting policy research. 

• The opportunity to connect and cooperate with professionals across Europe. from ELIA's partner networks and member institutions. 

• A creative and inspiring workplace in Amsterdam (A-Lab). 

• Occasional travel to policy events (mostly in Brussels). 

• Some flexibility for remote working is available. 

Practical Details

• Position: EU Policy and Research Trainee 

• FTE: 1.0 FTE, 40 H/week, 5 days per week)    

• Salary Scale: i-0 with a salary of €2,259.53 monthly 

• Location: Amsterdam (office + remote)  

• Start Date: 1 JULY 2025  

• Duration: 12 months 

• Application Deadline: 1 June 2025 

Any questions can be addressed to Joana Alves, HR and Operations Manager, at joana.alves@elia-artschools.org, +31 (0) 20 330 1116 

ELIA strives to be an equal opportunities employer and to see that the make-up of its staff is diverse and representative of society. ELIA welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.