HR Trainee – DEI and Culture

Job description

Deadline for application: 2 February 2026. The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is seeking a motivated trainee to play an active role in shaping our organisational culture through embedding the new ESM values into our HR practices and advancing our agenda on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which is a key enabler of staff engagement within our institution. You will contribute directly to creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive workplace and help implement actions stemming from our staff engagement survey and follow-up action plans, while supporting other initiatives in the areas of learning and development, or health and wellbeing. You will report to the Head of HR & Organisation and work in close collaboration with the office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). 

Key Activities 

• Actively contribute to the development and implementation of D&I initiatives:  
  • Help organise internal meetings and events related to D&I and other HR initiatives. 
  • Support the drafting and review of internal policies and framework documents on D&I, and contribute to the development and implementation of governance materials.
  • Support the implementation and ongoing management of the D&I dashboard, ensuring accurate internal reporting on D&I data metrics.
  • Prepare and post news articles related to D&I initiatives.
• Play an active role in HR initiatives, including enhancing the ESM’s cultural transformation workstream by supporting initiatives that align organisational values, foster staff engagement, and promote a dynamic, inclusive workplace culture.

• Assist with the planning and administration of induction and training sessions as part of the HR team’s daily learning and development activities, including coordination with external training providers.

• Research HR, D&I, and learning development best practices and trends.  

   

  Key Background & Experience

• A candidate (or recent graduate within one year of graduation) for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of psychology, business administration, communications, HR, or another discipline related to the content of the traineeship 
• Prior experience in an international and multicultural environment would be an asset 
• Strong interest in D&I and HR practices  
• IT literate – proficient user of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with capabilities in using Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint Online beneficial 
• Excellent oral and written English skills 

Key Competencies 

• Creativity, intellectual curiosity, and eagerness to acquire new skills 
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within multicultural teams 
• ‘Can do’ attitude and service orientation 
• Proactive attitude and self-organised  
• Sense of confidentiality and discretion 

Application Process And Practical Information 

• Deadline for application: 2 February 2026
• Expected start date: March/April 2026  
• Duration: six months, renewable 

• Competitive traineeship allowance granted  

   

  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.

About us

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. It provides financial assistance to Members facing financing difficulties. To date, the ESM and its predecessor organisation, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), have launched six financial assistance programmes to five countries, provided financial support, monitored repayment capacity, and engaged with partner institutions for programme design in areas of financial interest.

The ESM is a unique place to work with around 230 individuals committed to making a difference to the future of the euro area. It recruits talented professionals of any nationality from both the private and public sectors. The ESM’s senior management is committed to preserving and enhancing a diverse, inclusive recruitment and work environment.