Trainee in the Legal Advisor and Data Protection Office

Trainee in the Legal Advisor and Data Protection Office

EUI - European University Institute

Florence, Italy

The European University Institute is looking for a highly motivated trainee to support the work of the Legal Advisor and Data Protection Office (LAO-DPO)

The LAO-DPO performs their activity under the guidance of the President, as well as the joint supervision of the Secretary General and the Chief Operating Officer.

The main tasks and functions of the LAO include:

• Providing legal advice in all fields of law, also highlighting concerns and providing advance warning of potential legal issues and risks that are brought to the attention of the Legal Advisor;
• Representing and defending the position of the EUI during meetings; the Legal Advisor may also assist the EUI in judicial and extrajudicial proceedings;
• The overall improvement and revision towards the consistency as well as quality of the EUI’s legal framework and its interpretation;
• Liaising with the Legal Advisors of other institutions and bodies of the European Union or other international organisations, to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

The main tasks and functions of the DPO include:

• Ensuring respect for data protection principles within the EUI;
• Advising the senior management of the EUI and the Data Controllers;
• Provision of information, raising awareness, monitoring compliance and assisting in the handling of complaints in the field of data protection;
• Acting as a permanent adviser to the EUI Ethics Committee. In this role, the DPO provides data protection assessments to the members of the EUI community on the processing of personal date for research purposes.

The selected candidate will work under the guidance of the LAO-DPO team, actively contributing to the Office’s daily operations while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic intergovernmental research university.

This traineeship offers a unique opportunity to deepen practical knowledge in legal research, document drafting, contract review—including public procurement—and data protection compliance. By supporting key activities, the trainee will not only enhance their understanding of institutional legal frameworks but also play a meaningful role in advancing the Office’s operations.

Conditions for Eligibility

Candidates must:

• Be nationals of the Member States of the European Union and of candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy. However, a limited number of nationals of non-Member States may be accepted on the basis of a specific agreement of the Secretary General and according to available resources. Under exceptional circumstances, specific traineeships can be made available solely to nationals of specific States, including EU and non-EU States; In accordance with President’s Decision no. 4/2025, Ukrainian nationals are also eligible to apply; AND
• Have completed the first cycle of university studies and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications. The minimum national qualifications required by the legislation in the country where the diploma was obtained are available here;
• Have obtained their last university diploma no longer than three years prior to the deadline for applications. The three years rule is not applicable for trainees enrolled in further university studies at the moment of their application for the traineeship at the EUI; AND
• Have a good knowledge of one of the EUI's official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another language, taking into account that English, French and Italian are the main working languages at the Institute.

Qualifications required:

• Are studying for a first (post-secondary education) degree in Law, or have already obtained a university degree in Law;
• A good knowledge of spoken and written English (CEFR level: B2 or above).

Advantageous:

• Demonstrated sense of accountability, integrity, accountability, and discretion in handling sensitive information, with attention to detail;
• Proven organisational skills, with strong focus on delivering results and being goal-oriented;
• Previous experience in a multicultural or international environment.