Secretariat of the Special Commitee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

The Directorate-General for Cohesion, Agriculture and Social Policies (DG CASP) enables parliamentary committees to carry out their legislative, scrutiny and budgetary functions effectively. Trust, integrity and excellence are the driving values of DG CASP. We are an inclusive and agile team, able to respond to the challenges facing Parliament as one of the EU co-legislators.

The core responsibility of DG CASP is to support the committees dealing with regional development, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, transport, tourism, employment, social affairs and housing crisis in the EU. The targeted service we deliver allows committees to better respond to EU priorities and contribute to policies designed to empower EU citizens in an increasingly volatile world. DG CASP provides committees with secretariats and reliable research analysis. Secretariats offer policy expertise, procedural assistance and the necessary technical tools for all committee activities, including legislative and non-legislative work, meetings, public hearings, workshops and missions.

The Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS) was established by the European Parliament on 18 December 2024 to propose solutions for “decent, sustainable and affordable housing” across the Union. The Committee’s mandate, extended until 30 July 2026 includes:

• Mapping housing needs across territories and population groups, particularly low- and middle-income earners, and assessing impacts on inequalities, demographics, poverty, and social exclusion, including through gender-disaggregated data;
• Analysing Union, national, regional, and local housing policies—especially instruments promoting social, sustainable, and accessible housing in urban, island, coastal, and rural areas;
• Evaluating Union and national funding resources for housing, assessing their effectiveness, and issuing recommendations;
• Examining the impact of short-term rentals on affordable housing availability;
• Further responsibilities may include accessibility for people with disabilities, innovative renovation technologies, regulatory barriers.

The committee is instructed to present a final report and to contribute to the development and the future implementation of the European affordable housing plan and the European strategy for housing construction to be presented by the Commission.

The Secretariat supports the Chair and Members by offering administrative and policy assistance, coordinating inter-institutional links, managing workflows, planning hearings and workshops, drafting briefing and policy notes, and organising missions. The team supports the Rapporteur and Shadows in their work on the report by organising negotiations on compromises, preparing the voting list and organising the vote.  We work in close collaboration with political groups, external stakeholders, and other EU institutions.

As a trainee, you will join a motivated, dynamic and inclusive HOUS Secretariat team and contribute to the final stages of the Special Committee's work.

Under the guidance of a designated administrator, you will:

• Support mapping and data analysis efforts, synthesizing findings into clear, well-structured briefing documents;
• Assist in reviewing and comparing housing policies and instruments across governance levels;
• Help prepare and support hearings, workshops, and inter-institutional meetings—logistically and substantively;
• Draft policy notes, briefings, and recommendations for Members;
• Participate in inter-departmental coordination within the Parliament and collaboration with other EU institutions, NGOs, and housing stakeholders.

Visibility and networking are significant advantages of this traineeship, as you will regularly engage with Members, political groups, EU institutions, and civil society organisations.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual with strong analytic and communication skills and a genuine interest in European housing policy and its social, legal, economic, and environmental facets. A relevant academic or professional background—such as in EU policy, law, social sciences, urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, or housing studies—is a plus.

Excellent drafting skills in English are essential; French proficiency is an asset.

The candidate should demonstrate:

• Sharp analytical acumen with meticulous attention to detail to handle complex policy and legal material;
• Very good organisational skills, adaptability, and resilience under pressure in a variable workflow environment;
• Clear and convincing oral and written communication for effective internal and external engagement;
• Familiarity with EU legislative processes, institutions, and policy frameworks, particularly social and housing-related instruments;
• A keen interest in the multi-dimensional aspects of the housing crisis, including equality, accessibility, funding mechanisms, sustainability, and social inclusion.

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.