Parliamentary Support and Capacity Building Unit

The Directorate-General for External Policies is made up of four directorates: Committees, Regions (covering interparliamentary delegations), Resources and Democracy Support. 

Staff of DG EXPO form a European team of advisers supporting the European Parliament's President and political bodies in their work on the EU's external policies. Colleagues in DG EXPO provide advice on matters of substance and procedure, liaise with other EU institutions and manage resources. The focus is on legislation, parliamentary oversight of the European Commission and EEAS, and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

The Parliamentary Support and Capacity Building Unit (PAC) within the European Parliament's Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) serves as the central hub for facilitating parliamentary support and capacity-building initiatives with non-EU countries' parliaments and multinational assemblies. The political directives established by our supervisory body, the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG), drive our work in PAC.

For the 2019-2024 legislative period, the DEG has identified the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Tunisia, and the Pan-African Parliament as priorities for democracy support and capacity building.

The support programmes offered by the European Parliament for partner parliaments are designed to bolster and refine their fundamental functions, including legislating, executive oversight, and representation. This is achieved through the enhancement of their political and administrative parliamentary capacities. Practically, our programmes consist of two main dimensions. Firstly, we engage with Members of partner parliaments to provide tailored support and guidance. Secondly, we collaborate with the General Secretariats of Parliaments, working closely with civil servants to strengthen institutional capabilities.

The work of PAC is predominantly project-based, focusing on devising and implementing activities such as seminars, study visits, and other joint initiatives aimed at fostering parliamentary development and cooperation.

The trainee joining our unit will actively contribute to the day-to-day operations of PAC. This entails assisting in the development and implementation of parliamentary support initiatives, alongside monitoring political developments in specific regions and conducting pertinent research. Additionally, the role will involve providing general administrative support as necessary. Moreover, the position offers the trainee ample opportunities to explore the variety of offerings within the European Parliament and to further develop their professional interests.

We look forward to working with a colleague who has a specific interest in the field of parliamentary democracy support and capacity building and who understands the pivotal role that parliaments play in a strong and vibrant democracy.

Fluency in a language of one of the priority countries is an asset, as is previous work experience with national EU and/or non-EU parliaments, including those of the candidate countries.