Trainee on Foresight

The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation with 30 member countries and around 125 member organisations. EFI undertakes forest research and policy support at pan-European and global level, with headquarters located in Joensuu, Finland. EFI has its other main offices in Bonn, Barcelona and Rome. Further information about the organisation is available at www.efi.int.

We are offering one traineeship on the topic of Foresight, hosted by the Rome office. The Policy Support Facility works at the interface of science and policy-making by aiming to understand policymakers' questions and identifying and synthesizing scientific/expert knowledge to provide answers, foster dialogue and close knowledge gaps. In addition, we are preparing high-level policy-support events and communication activities.

Currently, we are doing a foresight analysis and for this, exploring plausible futures and the challenges of an uncertain future by systematically analyzing emerging trends, (weak and upcoming) signals, uncertainties, and opportunities that may shape forests and their societal context. In this context we aim to monitor systematically emerging societal, ecological, and market signals that may affect forests and forest-related topics.

We also offer the possibility to support activities related to awareness-raising and communication including the organisation of high-level events and writing content relevant for different target audiences (including younger citizens).

Your tasks will include:

• Support the implementation of the foresight study and do horizon screening (text analysis, documentation and write-up)

• Support the development of communications activities (e.g. design, videos, graphs etc.) and content on current policy support topics.

• Support the organisation of high-level policy support activities.

• Other activities as agreed during the traineeship period.

Traineeship conditions:

• Duty station: EFI Rome, Italy and in person only

• Paid monthly traineeship allowance

• Duration of both traineeship is for a period of 6 months

• Starting date: mid-May 2026 to mid-November 2026

Interested candidates are requested to send (in English) a CV with a motivation letter outlining how you fulfil the requirements for the position using our online application form. 

For more information about the post, please contact Helga Pülzl, helga.puelzl@efi.int.

Closing date for applications is 22 April 2026 23:59 CET.

• Studying for a higher education degree (MA or MSc). Academic background in political science, economics, sustainability studies or similar is encouraged, but not limited to.

• Knowledge in EU policies and institutions

• Excellent written and spoken English

• Ability to work with Microsoft Office and familiarity with AI tools

• Hands-on, proactive, independent

• Experience in graphic designing and video/ photo editing using Adobe Creative Suite is an asset