Subtitling and Voice-over Unit – Post B: Core Team Trainee

The Directorate-General for Translation (DG TRAD) provides the European Parliament with translation and other linguistic services for its communication in all official and working languages of the European Union.

Our mission is:

• To support the Members and administration of the European Parliament by making all content related to Parliament’s legislative, budgetary and scrutiny activities accessible in all official and working languages of the EU, ensuring transparency and legitimacy in these core functions;
• To uphold the European Parliament’s commitment to multilingualism, enabling equal treatment of all official and working languages and ensuring that all EU citizens can access and communicate with Parliament in these languages;
• To deliver high-quality multilingual communication services to the Members and administration of the European Parliament in text, audio and video formats, in a manner that is clear, inclusive and accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities;
• To ensure that all language services provided by DG TRAD are delivered efficiently and sustainably, integrating innovative technologies and professional standards to meet the evolving needs of the European Parliament.

As a trainee, you will play a key role in:

1. The technical side of subtitling projects: creating pivot templates, performing technical reviews and quality control of subtitled content in all the 24 EU official languages The Subtitling and Voice-Over (SVO) Unit works on localising videos, audiograms, feature films and other media. It subtitles content for hearing audiences and for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH subtitles). 

2. Multilingual voice-over projects. As a new translation trainee at the European Parliament, you will likely be involved in upcoming voice-over projects.

3.  Implementing quality assurance and control processes. You will contribute to ensuring that subtitle files conform to DG TRAD’s specifications and guidelines.

Depending on your talents, skills and experience, you will have the opportunity to focus on – and specialise in – one or more areas. 

A unique learning experience

Being a trainee in DG TRAD is a can’t-miss opportunity. You will be joining a major institutional language service provider, and work alongside language professionals who localise content into 24 official languages (and others). 

Joining the SVO Unit means adding new skills and gaining precious insights into subtitling, voice-over and clear language concepts. Your mentor will be on hand to catch you up on the key industry standards and practices, and help onboard you into our multilingual workflow. 

As a member of the SVO Unit’s Core Team, you will be in the thick of the action from day one, working on media that ranges from speeches and infographic videos to audiograms, archival footage and full-length feature films (e.g. LUX Audience Award). 

You will also be involved in major communication campaigns, which appear on the European Parliament's website, its social media channels and many other platforms.

Working for the SVO Unit is not just about learning or gaining experience: your Head of Unit will also be looking to leverage your existing skills so that you can be as impactful as possible.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Extensive studies – and preferably professional experience – in any of the following fields:
  • Multilingual audiovisual localisation projects;
  • Multilingual voice-over projects;
  • Media translation, script adaptation, revoicing;
  • Video editing and production and audio post-production.
• Good knowledge and understanding of subtitling formats and specifications;
• Prior knowledge and experience with localisation tools (e.g. Plint, EZTitles, Subtitle Edit, OOONA) and voice-over software (e.g. YellaUmbrella, Softel, Zoo dubbing);
• Knowledge or experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, Audacity, or other video and/or audio editing software;
• A strong command of English, all extra EU official languages are an asset.

Moreover, the ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about ensuring excellent customer service;
• Attentive to detail;
• A problem solver with a creative and innovative approach, as well as able to think outside the box;
• Positive, proactive, flexible and adaptable to a fluctuating workload;
• Able to prioritise and work as part of a dynamic, multicultural team.

If you are interested in this offer, please submit a motivation letter in English stating your reasons for applying for this traineeship. The motivation letter should not exceed 600 words. 

Please also submit the relevant supporting documents (university diplomas, transcript of records, etc.) and a copy of your CV in English. The motivation letter and the supporting documents are to be uploaded as a single PDF file.

Important information 

Please note that DG TRAD is undergoing structural changes, including updates to directorate and unit titles and configurations.

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.