Trainee

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position: Program and Research Trainee Strategic Democracy Initiatives (SDI) Ukraine Program

Starting Date: September 2026

Duration of Assignment: September 2026 January 2027 with a possibility of extension and/or promotion to a Program/Research Assistant role conditioned on availability of funding

Monthly compensation expectations:

EUR net per month depending on the candidates relevant experience and qualifications

Full-time arrangement: MondayFriday 9:00 AM5:00 PM CET with a possibility of remote work up to two days a week

Background

GMFs Strategic Democracy Initiatives (SDI) is seeking a full-time trainee to join GMFs office in Brussels to assist with various aspects of Ukraine programming and research on Ukraines EU accession efforts governance reforms and civic participation.

The trainee will support GMFs Brussels-based Senior Fellow with essential operational outreach administrative and research activities relating to Ukraine reform and accession programming including assistance with the logistics of in-person and virtual high-level events as well as partner coordination and coalition building. The trainee will benefit from exposure to GMFs experts and network and will be able to gain valuable research analytical and writing experience.

Objectives and Tasks

Monitor political developments civil society perspectives and relevant policy issues in Ukraine

Provide research writing and editing support on SDI publications and analytical outputs related to Ukrainian EU accession reform progress and civil societys access to policy-making

Contribute background research monitoring summaries and briefing materials that inform SDIs policy analysis coalition-building and thought-leadership as relates to advancement of Ukraines reform trajectory and European accession

Coordinate SDIs networks of civil society leaders and other partners in Ukraine and globally

Assist with the planning and logistics of expert convenings including coalition working group meetings private roundtables and public events in Brussels abroad or virtually

Other duties as assigned

Key Expertise and Experience Required

Bachelors degree in International Relations Political Science Public Policy Public Administration Law European Regional and Security Studies or a related field

Previous research experience or demonstrable interest in issues of transatlantic democracy Ukrainian democratic reform efforts and Eastern European or ex-Soviet civil society

Excellent analytical writing and editing skills; fluent written and spoken English is required as English is the main working language of the position

Working proficiency in Ukrainian is a strong asset; preference will be given to Ukrainian-speaking candidates given the programs close coordination with Ukrainian civil society and government partners

Previous experience in a think tank foundation NGO government agency media outlet or a similar organization preferred but not required

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Comfortable multi-tasking prioritizing and working independently