The yearly call for internships at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy is now open for in all units and departments.

Is this internship at EFSA for you?

Are you a dynamic and proactive young professional looking for an enriching experience in a truly international working environment? Are you curious to explore a career path within a European Agency? Would you like to contribute to protecting human life and health, animal health and welfare, and plant health and the environment? Then look no further and apply for a 12 month-internship at EFSA!
The EFSA Traineeship Programme offers 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.
The EFSA looks forward to welcoming motivated young talents from different backgrounds (scientists, communication and legal professionals, IT experts, etc.). Apply now and embark on a journey where your potential meets purpose.

Your key objectives

You will be accompanied by an advisor who will guide and coach you throughout your internship at EFSA. There is also a Trainee Community where you can exchange experiences with your peers and build social networks. Within your assigned unit, you will have the opportunity to:

• Get first-hand experience of the work of a EU Agency, developing new skills in line with your career goals;
• Contribute to the unit agenda by supporting in drafting documents, analysing data, handling scientific and 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 do they offer you?

The EFSA Internship programme lasts for up to 12 months and offers you:

• A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists 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 an EU career, which can act as a springboard for the future;
• Exposure to different areas and networks in EFSA, allowing you to develop personal and professional competencies;
• A mentoring relationship. As a trainee you will have an advisor who will be your main point of contact and responsible for the coordination of your traineeship;
• A modern working environment with flexible working arrangements to ensure work-life balance. Besides working in EFSA’s headquarters, located in Parma, you will also be able to telework for up to 60% of the working week.
• A monthly grant of €1,463.

Why EFSA?

You will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 445 million EU citizens. You will also be part of a great network. Every year, they select around 120 trainees to join EFSA. You will work with full-time EFSA staff, as well as independent scientific experts engaged in scientific committees, panels, and working groups. Ethics and integrity drive EFSA’s standards and values. All staff should act consistently with its principles of fairness, transparency and impartiality in work.

EFSA welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, disability, religion, or beliefs. You will be joining EFSA at an exciting time, as we are implementing the EFSA Strategy 2027, aligned with the Transparency Regulation, which increased EFSA’s responsibilities towards EU citizens.

The following are the objectives of the Strategy 2027:

1. Deliver trustworthy scientific advice and communication of risks from farm to fork.  
2. Ensure preparedness for future risk analysis needs.
3. Empower people and ensure organisational agility.

Life in Parma

Parma 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.  

As an EFSA trainee, you will be part of a lively and energetic team of young people organising many different social and cultural activities. 

Selection Procedure

The Traineeship call is open to all EU citizens, and a limited number of places are open to non-EU nationals. Should they be selected, non-EU candidates will have to obtain a relevant VISA prior to the start of their traineeship at EFSA. EFSA plans to welcome around 120 trainees from October to December 2025, according to availability and business needs.  The selection process is based on the candidates’ competencies, relative to the eligibility criteria, also with due regard to a balance of nationality and gender. 

Steps of the Selection Procedure

1. Candidates apply electronically via the online recruitment tool (selecting 2 areas of interest in which they wish to contribute). For an overview of the areas of interest, please refer to this document. The Candidates can update or withdraw their applications at any time until the closure of the Call.
2. Applications are screened against the eligibility criteria defined in the Traineeship Call. 
3. 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.
4. Shortlisted candidates then undergo the interview process to evaluate their suitability for a role and discuss mutual expectations. 
5. As a result of the previous assessment, candidates can be selected, rejected, or placed in a reserve list for future positions.
6. 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.
7. 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.

A Trainee position is offered based on EFSA’s business needs and budget availability. EFSA units can contact trainees placed in a reserve list at any time during the traineeship period. If you have any questions regarding this call, please contact them at  recruitment@efsa.europa.eu.

Equal Opportunities

At EFSA we believe in equality and diversity. EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Without distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief.

What are the Selection Requirements? 

You must satisfy the following requirements on the closing date for your application submission:
I.   Eligibility criteria

1. Have already obtained a university degree of at least 3 years (corresponding to a complete Bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent);
2. Have a very good knowledge of English (minimum level: B2 according to CEFR);
3. Have never been an EFSA trainee or employed by EFSA in any capacity, receiving any sort of remuneration.

II.    Selection criteria

Experience and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of/ or experience in an area relating to the activities of EFSA.

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

Please submit your application by 2 April 2025 at 23:59 (local Italian time) on the application portal.