The Traineeship is seeking young curious, dynamic and proactive professionals seeking enriching experiences in international work environments and also looking to contribute to help protect human life and health, animal health and welfare and plant health and the environment.
The traineeship is a 12-month program at the European Food Safety Authority. The program offers professionals a unique opportunity to join a team of professionals from all over the world working together in an international and multicultural environment on Science, Safe Food and Sustainability projects at the heart of European Food Safety activities.
Trainees will be accompanied by advisors who will guide and coach them throughout the traineeship. There is also a thriving Trainee Community where trainees can exchange experiences with their peers and build longer-lasting social networks.
Trainees will have the opportunity to:
• Get first-hand experience of the work of a European Union (EU) Agency, developing new competencies and skills in line with your personal interests and career goals.
• Contribute to the unit agenda by supporting in drafting documents and reports, analyzing data, handling scientific and/or administrative tasks, and ensuring prompt communication of outcomes.
• Contribute to inspiring projects and specific activities with innovative ideas and solutions.
• Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the unit’s activities.
• Grow through on-the-job learning and participate in various development initiatives.
What the traineeship offers:
The program lasts for up to a year and offers:
• A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists and business professionals from all over the world, working together on inspiring projects and various tasks in an international, multicultural, and friendly environment.
• An opportunity to get a taste of what an EU career is all about, which can act as a springboard for a number of career paths;
• Exposure to different areas and networks in EFSA, allowing you to develop personal and professional competencies.
• A mentoring/advising relationship
• A modern working environment with flexible working arrangements to ensure work-life balance
• A monthly grant of €1,463.
Benefits
• Making a difference in the lives in the lives of 445 million EU citizens.
• Part of a great network of change makers
• Joining at an exciting time when the body is implementing EFSA Strategy 2027, a vision for improving the lives of members of the EU
• Live in Parrma(arma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Its centre is rich in art and architecture from different periods and plenty of parks. Parma is famous for its food, picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is conveniently located between major cities like Milan and Bologna and is within reachable distance of ski resorts, seaside and mountains).
Selection Criteria
• Open to all EU citizens with limited slots for non-EU members
• If selected, non-EU citizens will have to obtain a relevant visa prior to the start of the program
• Selection is based on the candidates’ competencies, relative to the eligibility criteria, also with due regard to a balance of nationality and gender
Steps:
• Candidates are to apply via online recruitment tool(select two areas of interest in order of preference, in which they wish to contribute; candidates can refer to the document(https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-02/areas-of-interest-traineeship-call.pdf) for an overview of the areas)
• Applications are screened against the eligibility criteria defined in the Traineeship Call.
• Eligible candidates will be screened by EFSA’s units, considering the candidates’ preferences indicated in the application and their competencies. EFSA may also use online tools to assess specific skills of the eligible candidates.
• Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo a further assessment (e.g. recorded video interview telephone/online interview, online written test) to evaluate their suitability for a role and discuss mutual expectations.
• As a result of the previous assessment, candidates can be selected, rejected, or placed in a reserve list for future positions.
• Successful candidates will receive a Traineeship offer, stating a starting date, a unit they will be placed in, the duration of the traineeship (up to 12 months) and the list of documents to be submitted before the starting date. Please note that trainees are only insured against the risk of accidents according to the EFSA insurance policy. EFSA does not provide health insurance for trainees, and, in the event of illness, trainees must provide evidence that they are covered by a national social security scheme or a private insurance policy, and that the said scheme or policy will cover medical expenses incurred in Italy.
• Successful candidates must ensure timely submission of all requested supporting documents as outlined in the traineeship placement offer. Failure to provide these documents by the specified deadline may result in the revocation of the offer
Selection Requirements:
Eligibility Criteria
a) Experience and Knowledge
Knowledge of/or experience in an area relating to the activities of EFSA.
b) Competencies
- Work with others: work confidently within a group and contribute to achieving common goals; understand your own role and how it supports the team and the organisation; be able to cooperate, listen actively, manage conflicts, and motivate colleagues.
- Plan and measure for results: set ambitious goals and create plans to achieve them.
- Manage projects: ability to manage time, resources, and information in an effective manner to meet expected project results.
- Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: ability to look beyond the current situation and visualise what the future can bring, able to think in a creative and innovative way.
- Communication in English: strong written and verbal communication