Call for applications: Trainee in Programme Management (Global & Eurostars)

Call for applications:

Trainee in Programme Management (Global & Eurostars)

Hybrid office/home - Brussels (Merode), Belgium

Have you recently graduated? In 2022, we launched the Eureka traineeship programme, offering graduates the opportunity to continue their learning journey, while working as part of a talented, 40-strong international team right next to the Parc du Cinquantenaire. You’d be putting into practice knowledge gained during your studies, while supporting us in our daily work to promote innovation beyond borders.

We are looking for trainees in our Programme Management team, to start in February 2027 and for a duration of five months. You do not necessarily need to have previous experience in project management or EU funding programmes, but you must demonstrate a high level of fluency in English, our language of communication, and experience and interest in furthering your skills in this field of analytical thinking, project management related to research and innovation projects.

What is Eureka?

Eureka is the world’s biggest network of ministries and innovation agencies, providing funding and support for international R&D. Since 1985, governments and public funding agencies in our network have supported the R&D behind 7,000 plus groundbreaking commercialised innovations that have positively impacted economic growth and competitiveness. With several programmes, our network, through national funding schemes, supports small, medium and large companies, universities and research organisations who collaborate in international R&D projects for civilian purpose.

The Secretariat is made up of 15 different nationalities, where English is the principal language. The team supports our network’s strategic objectives, manages programme operations, develops and maintains IT platforms, stores data and promotes Eureka to a wide range of stakeholders and beneficiaries. It is also responsible for the implementation of the Eurostars, Innowwide and investment readiness programmes, dedicated to highly innovative SMEs and co-funded by Eureka countries and the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe framework programme.

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Operations team

Our Operations team is responsible for different programmes that aim to support SMEs and other type of companies to innovate via collaborative projects.

Eurostars is the largest international funding programme for SMEs wishing to collaborate internationally on R&D projects that create innovative products, processes or services for commercialisation. The team running the programme counts nine staff members and they coordinate all stages of the programme. The trainees in this team will take part in the evaluation processes and the monitoring of a portfolio of R&D projects involving companies from across Europe and beyond.

The Global operational team behind the Network projects, Globalstars, Innowwide, Clusters and Investment Readiness programme is composed of five team members. Working in this team, the trainee will contribute to the development and implementation of these programmes. The role offers an introduction to public administration, research funding, corporate and private investment and international cooperation.

We are looking for candidates who fulfil the following requirements:

Qualifications and knowledge

• Qualification in business studies, economics, international relations, European studies, political science, or other relevant scientific fields, or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken, as the language of communication at Eureka. Other languages an advantage.

Skills

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and provide high-quality support to stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work independently when required.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with different kinds of data.
• Experience with SAP Business Objects and other statistical tools would be an advantage.

Personal attributes

• Reliable and professional approach to work.
• Cultural awareness, with the ability to build constructive relationships in an international environment.
• Diplomatic and effective communicator.

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Eligibility

Our traineeships are open to those legally entitled to work in Belgium with post-secondary education of at least three years, attested by a diploma.

Work conditions

• Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates will be employed via a professional immersion agreement (Bruxelles Formation[1]/VDAB)) and will receive an indemnity of 1.116,80 EUR gross/month (21 years and over – amount effective 1 July 2026).
• Those still enrolled in a master’s degree programme will receive an indemnity, the scale of which will depend on their university’s conditions for internships as part of their studies and which could be subject to the conclusion of an agreement between Eureka and the university.
• In addition to the above indemnity, a trainee receives:
• meal vouchers of 10 EUR per workday,
• a 157 EUR net monthly allowance for home-working costs,
• reimbursement of home-office public transport
• one day of leave per worked calendar month.
• Hybrid working with the freedom to work from home up to two days a week.
• Flexible working hours: 37.5 hours per week – 7.5 hours per day.
• Accident insurance.

Application and closing date

• Send a motivation letter accompanied by your CV, completing the application form via the online APPLY button.
• By applying, candidates give their consent to their diplomas and references being verified.
• Closing date: Sunday 11 October 2026, 23:59 (Brussels time).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted within one month of the application deadline. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

The Eureka traineeship programme has two annual rounds - in February and September, for a duration of five months.

Don't miss your chance to shape the future with Eureka!

[1] The file of the successful applicant will have to be submitted to Bruxelles Formation which will give its approval or not within a period of 10 days from the date of reception. The trainee may only start their traineeship after having received approval from Bruxelles Formation