Parliamentary Support and Capacity Building Unit

The Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) 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 the European External Action Service (EEAS), and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

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

For the 2024-2029 legislative period, the DEG has identified specific priority regions for democracy support and capacity building: Ukraine, Moldova, Western Balkans (as a priority region), Armenia, the Pan-African Parliament (as a priority regional parliament).

By enhancing partner parliaments' political and administrative parliamentary capacities, the support programmes offered by the EP aim to bolster and enhance their fundamental functions, including legislating, executive oversight, and representation. In practice, our programmes consist of two main tracks. On one hand, we engage with Members of partner parliaments to provide tailored support and guidance. On the other hand, we collaborate with the General Secretariats of Parliaments, strengthening institutional capabilities by working closely with civil servants.

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. In our work, we closely co-operate with our sister units, including the Mediation and Dialogue Support Unit as well as the Human Rights Action Unit.

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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. The tasks include planning, liaison with internal and external partners, communication and drafting on a broad range of thematic areas, alongside providing general administrative and logistical 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 wants to strengthen 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 parliaments and visits, trainings and events planning.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.