Traineeship – Compliance and Data Protection

Deadline for application: 21 April 2026. We are looking for a trainee to support the work of the Compliance and Data Protection Office (CDPO). You will report to the Team Lead, Compliance and Data Protection and work in the CDPO, contributing to a broad range of compliance and data protection activities across the institution.

PURPOSE OF THE TRAINEESHIP

• Support the day-to-day activities of the CDPO
• Assist in the preparation of documentation, templates, checklists and guidance material
• Contribute to research, benchmarking and policy development in areas such as data protection, ethics, AML/CFT, sanctions, bribery and corruption
• Support internal monitoring, testing and reporting activities
• Assist with awareness-raising activities, internal communications and training materials
• Support ongoing projects and initiatives related to compliance and data protection

KEY BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE

• A candidate for, or recent graduate (within one year of graduation) of, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, data protection, compliance, risk management, audit or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in ethics, compliance and personal data protection topics, preferably in an institutional, regulatory or financial context
• Basic understanding of data protection and compliance concepts (e.g. personal data protection, ethics and integrity, conflicts of interest, AML/CFT, sanctions), with a strong willingness to further develop practical expertise in the field
• Interest in risk identification, monitoring and mitigation, including exposure to policies, procedures and internal control frameworks
• Ability to support the drafting and review of documentation, guidance material and internal policies under supervision
• Good IT literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and interest in AI
• Fluency in English, both oral and written

APPLICATION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Deadline for application: 21 April 2026
• Expected start date: as soon as possible
• Expected duration: six months with a possible extension for another six months
• Competitive allowance granted

All of our current vacancies are available on our website Vacancies | European Stability Mechanism

The ESM aims to provide equal opportunity to all candidates irrespective of their gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage women to apply.