The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions is offering a limited number of graduate traineeships ('stages') during 2006.

Interested applicants should read carefully the rules governing in-service training periods [PDF, 213KB] with the European Commission, as adapted to the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and send us by email the completed application form, an up-to-date CV and all supporting documents (all documentation to be scanned) to traineeships@eurofound.eu.int before 31 January 2006.

Any email application that is not complete cannot be taken into consideration.

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Rules governing the official traineeships scheme of the Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

1. RATIONAL OF THE PROGRAMME
1.1. General
These rules govern the official traineeships scheme of the Foundationfor the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (herein after ‘theFoundation'). This scheme is addressed mainly to young universitygraduates, without excluding those who - in the framework of lifelonglearning - have recently obtained a university diploma and are at thebeginning of a new professional career.
1.1.1. Aims
The aims of the official in-service training with the Foundation are:
• To provide young university graduates with a unique and first handexperience of the workings of the Foundation within the wider Europeancontext.
• To enable such trainees to acquire practical experience and knowledgeof the day-to-day work of the Foundation units and sections.
• To provide the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural,multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic environment, contributing to thedevelopment of mutual understanding, trust and tolerance.
• To promote European integration within the spirit of new governanceand through active participation to create awareness of true Europeancitizenship.
• To provide the opportunity to young university graduates to put intopractice knowledge acquired during their studies, and in particular intheir specific areas of competence.
• To introduce these graduates to the professional world and the constraints, duties and opportunities therein.
The Foundation, through its official traineeships scheme:
• Benefits from the input of young enthusiastic graduates, who can givea fresh point of view and up-to-date academic knowledge, which willenhance the everyday work of the Foundation;
• Creates a pool of young people with first-hand experience of andtrained in Foundation procedures, who will be better prepared tocollaborate and co-operate with the Foundation in the future;
• Creates long-term "goodwill ambassadors" for European ideas and values both within the European Union and outside.

2. ELIGIBILITY
2.1. Nationality
Trainees are selected from nationals of the Member States of theEuropean Union and of candidate countries benefiting from apre-accession strategy. However, a limited number of nationals ofnon-Member States are also accepted according to available resources.
2.2. Qualifications
2.2.1. University Diploma
Candidates must have completed the first cycle of a higher educationcourse (university education) and obtained a full degree or itsequivalent by the closing date for applications. For minimum nationalqualifications required by the legislation in the country where thediploma was obtained, see Annex I. The Foundation maintains the rightto change these minimum qualifications used for the officialtraineeships programme in line with any possible future changes incivil servants recruitment policies. Any such changes will be publishedon the website of the Foundation, hereafter called "the Website".1
Candidates must provide copies of diplomas (or of relevant officialcertificates), of all university or post university studies declared intheir on-line application. It is obligatory that these copies accompanytheir posted application. For declared ongoing studies an officialdeclaration from the relevant university must be provided.
Applicants whose university or post-graduate diplomas are not issued inone of the official Community languages must provide a translation ofthese documents into English, which is the Foundation's workinglanguage. If recruited for a traineeship, certified copies of alldiplomas declared and, if applicable, official certified translationswill be required.
2.2.2. Languages
In order for the trainee to fully profit from the traineeship and to be able to follow meetings and perform adequately:
- Candidates from Member States must have very good knowledge of atleast two Community languages, of which one should be the workinglanguage of the Foundation (English).
- Candidates from non-Member States must have very good knowledge of English, the working language of the Foundation.
Knowledge of other languages declared on the application form, otherthan the mother tongue, should be supported by the appropriatejustification (i.e. diplomas, certificates, proof of having studied inthe language in question, etc.).
1 http://www.eurofound.eu.int/
2.3. Prior employment
The Foundation wishes to offer to as many people as possible theopportunity of in-service training. Therefore, applications will not beaccepted from candidates who: - for more than six weeks:
• have already benefited or benefit from any kind of in-servicetraining (formal or informal, paid or unpaid) within a Europeaninstitution or body, or
• who have had or have any kind of employment within a Europeaninstitution or body2, including anyone who is or has been an assistantto a Member of the European Parliament, an intra-muros consultant orresearcher, a temporary staff member, a contract staff member, anauxiliary staff member or an interim staff member of any EUinstitution, body, delegation or representative office.
Candidates should inform the Foundation's Human Resources Unit of anychange in their situation that might occur at any stage of theapplication process.

3. THE APPLICATION PROCESS
3.1. Submission
Applications should be made in accordance with the proceduresestablished by the Foundation's Human Resources Unit. All necessaryinstructions are published on the Website. Applications postmarkedafter the closing date will be rejected automatically. Applicants mustprovide all the justification documents required together with theirprinted application. No additional documents or justifications will beaccepted after reception of the application.
3.2. Eligibility check
Upon receipt by the Foundation's Human Resources Unit of the printedversion of the applications, previously electronically submitted, theireligibility will be examined on the basis of the criteria establishedby the Foundation's Human Resources Unit, which are published on theWebsite.
The Foundation's Human Resources Unit reserves the right to amend theeligibility criteria as and when necessary. Any such changes will bepublished on the Website before the opening of the application period.
3.3. Pre-selection procedure
3.3.1. Objective
The main objective of the pre-selection procedure is to provide allFoundation Units with the best possible choice of candidates with aswide a range of academic
2 See list in Annex 2
disciplines as possible from which the Units can make their finalselection. The pre-selection procedure also aims to keep, to the bestlevel possible, gender balance and equilibrium between candidates fromthe different Member States.
3.3.2. Pre-selection Committee
Pre-selection is carried out by the Foundation's Human Resources Unitand published on the Website. It's decisions are final and binding.There is no appeal procedure.
The Human Resources Unit reserves the right to amend the pre-selection criteria and procedure as and when necessary.
3.3.3. Pre-selection results
Pre-selected candidates appear in a database that is available to allFoundation Units for the final selection process, hereafter called "theDatabase". The Database contains at least three times as manyapplicants as there are training places available.
3.4. Final selection procedure
Taking into consideration the existing conditions (size, absorptioncapacity, results of the evaluations carried out, etc.) and the budgetavailability, the Foundation's Human Resources Unit determines thenumber of trainees to be attributed to each Unit for each period.
The Foundation Services, following a search in the Database accordingto specific criteria and an established "profile", select theirtrainees from the list of suitable candidates meeting these criteria. Ajob description for each trainee selected is prepared by the relevantUnit.
3.5. Rejection of application
If an application is unsuccessful at any stage of the applicationprocess, depending on the reason for rejection, a candidate mayre-apply for a subsequent training period. It is, however, necessary tosubmit a fresh application, together with all supporting documents.
3.6. Withdrawal
At any stage of the application process, applicants may withdraw theirapplication by informing the Foundation's Human Resources Unit inwriting. In such case, they are excluded from any further stage of theprocess. They may re-apply for a subsequent training period. It is,however, necessary to submit a fresh application, together with allsupporting documents.
3.7. Keeping of Files
The keeping of files by the Foundation's Human Resources Unit respectsRegulation (EC) n°45/2001 of 18 December 2000 regarding personal data,whether the applications gave rise to recruitment or were rejected orwithdrawn.
The Foundation's Human Resources Unit does not keep applicants' files from one session to another.

4. RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
Trainees may not be recruited to any sector where a conflict ofinterest might occur, irrespective of the candidate's priorprofessional experience or nationality. Relevant information, asprovided by the Services, is published on the Website.
Applicants can only be offered a single contract for a given training period.
Applicants who decline a contract offer will be excluded from theon-going procedure. They may re-apply for a subsequent training periodby submitting a fresh application, together with all supportingdocuments.
Recruited trainees are obliged to provide any forms and certificatesrequired by the Foundation's Human Resources Unit at the time of theirrecruitment. They are responsible for making sure that they have thecorrect visa, where applicable, and that they obtain all thedocumentation required by the authorities of the country in which theyare employed.

5. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF TRAINEES
5.1. Duration of Traineeship
5.1.1. Duration
The traineeship may last a minimum of three and a maximum of five months.
5.1.2. The Traineeship itself
Trainees are placed under the responsibility of a supervisor. Thesupervisor must guide and closely follow the trainee during his/hertraineeship, acting as his/her mentor. The supervisor must notifyimmediately the Human Resources Unit of any significant incidentsoccurring during the traineeship (in particular professionalincompetence, absences, sicknesses, accidents, bad behaviour, orinterruption of the traineeship) which come to his/her attention or ofwhich the trainee has informed him/her.
Trainees shall be required to comply with the instructions given bytheir supervisor and with the instructions issued by the Foundation'sHuman Resources Unit. They must also comply with the rules governingthe in-service training programme and the internal rules governing thefunctioning of the Foundation, in particular the rules concerningsecurity and confidentiality.
Trainees are allowed to attend meetings on subjects of interest totheir work (unless these meetings are restricted or confidential),receive documentation and participate in the work of the department towhich they are attached at a level corresponding to their educationaland working background. Subject to the approval of their supervisor andproviding it does not conflict with the accomplishment of the tasksassigned to them, they are entitled to attend meetings in a departmentother than the one to which they are attached or in another institution(provided they are allowed access by that institution), unless thesemeetings are restricted or confidential, with the aim to get anunderstanding of the objectives and goals of the EU policies.
Visits and trips of relevant interest may be organised for trainees bythe Foundation subject to budget availability. Trainees mayparticipate, subject to the conditions of organisation.
5.1.3. Interruption
Under exceptional circumstances, at the written request of the traineestating the relevant reasons and with proper justification, the Head ofthe Foundation's Human Resources Unit may, after consultation with thesupervisor and the Head of the Unit to which the trainee is assigned,authorise an interruption of training for a given period.
The grant is then suspended and the trainee is not entitled to reimbursement of any travel expenses incurred during that period.
The trainee may return to complete the unfinished part of the training,but only up to the end of the same training period. No extension ispossible.
5.1.5. Early Termination of contract
If a trainee wishes to terminate his/her traineeship earlier than thedate specified in the contract, a written request must be submitted bythe trainee to the Human Resources Unit for approval. This request,stating the relevant reasons, must be submitted at least three weeks inadvance of the new termination date foreseen, via his/her supervisorand the Head of the Unit to which the trainee is assigned. Whereappropriate, the equivalent part of the grant must be reimbursed to theFoundation.
5.1.6. Future Employment
Admission to a traineeship does not confer on trainees the status ofofficials or that of other servants of the European Union, nor does itentail any right or priority with regard to an appointment in theservices of the Foundation.
Trainees can be recruited after completing their in-service training,as long as the conditions and rules established for employment in thecategory of staff in which he/she will be recruited have been fullyrespected and applied. The same applies for ex-trainees who areselected through a call for tender procedure or through a call forexpression of interest organised by the Foundation, whether as anindividual or as an employee of a selected company.
A person can only benefit from one stage experience in the Foundation.
5.2. Absences
5.2.1. Holidays
Trainees should keep the same hours of work and have the same officialpublic holidays, if they fall during their traineeship, as Foundationstaff.
Trainees are entitled to 2 days leave per month. This entitlement isacquired pro rata to the months worked counted from the first day ofthe month. Days of leave not taken are not paid in lieu. Days for tripsand visits organised either by the Foundation, days taken forparticipation to any competition, exam or university work, etc. are tobe deducted from this entitlement.
The Foundation's HR Unit oversees that the above rules are respected.Leave requests should respect the needs of the Unit to which thetrainee is assigned. They must first be approved by the supervisor/Headof Unit and then checked and approved by the Human Resources Unit.
5.2.2. Absence in case of sickness
In case of sickness, trainees must notify their supervisor immediately,and if absent for longer than two days, must produce a medicalcertificate, indicating the probable length of absence, which must beforwarded to Foundation's Human Resources Unit. A trainee who is absentbecause of illness may be subject to medical checks in the interest ofthe Foundation.
5.2.3. Absence without Leave
When trainees are absent without justification or without notifyingtheir supervisor/Head of Unit , the Foundation's Human Resources Unitshall instruct the trainee in writing to report to the Unit in whichthe traineeship is taking place within a week of the reception of thewritten notification. The trainee should also provide properjustification for his/her unauthorised absence. These days of absenceare automatically deducted from the trainee's leave entitlement. TheHuman Resources Unit may decide, following examination of thejustification given, or if no justification is received after thisdeadline, to immediately terminate the traineeship without furthernotice. Any overpayment of the grant is to be reimbursed to theFoundation. The trainee will also not be entitled to receive the travelallowance.
5.3. Confidentiality
5.3.1. General
Trainees must exercise the greatest discretion regarding facts andinformation that come to their knowledge during the course of theirtraining. They must not, in any manner whatsoever, disclose to anyunauthorised person any document or information not already madepublic. They will continue to be bound by this obligation after the endof their
training. The Foundation reserves its legal right to terminate thetraineeship and to pursue any person who does not respect thisobligation.
Trainees must not have any professional connections with third partieswhich might be incompatible with their traineeship (i.e. must not workfor lobbyists, legal attachés, etc.), and they are not permitted toexercise any other gainful employment during the period of thetraineeship which may adversely affect the work assigned during thetraineeship. If a conflict of interest should arise during theirassignment, trainees should immediately report this to their supervisorand to the Foundation's Human Resources Unit in writing.
5.3.2. Contacts with the Press
Trainees must respect the same rules for contacts with the Press asother Foundation staff and follow the instructions provided. TheFoundation reserves the right to terminate the traineeship and topursue any person who does not respect this obligation.
5.3.3. Publications
Trainees must not, either alone or with others, publish or cause to bepublished any matter dealing with the work of the Foundation withoutthe written permission of the relevant Unit (the Foundation's HumanResources Unit will provide specific instructions on how to obtain suchpermission and should receive a copy of those permissions together witha copy of any publication or article published). Such permission issubject to the conditions in force for all Foundation staff. Allrights, for any articles or other work done for the Foundation, are theproperty of the Foundation.
5.4. Sanctions and disciplinary measures
5.4.1. Social behaviour and conduct
Trainees must exercise their duties and behave with integrity, courtesyand consideration. If the conduct of the trainee does not provesatisfactory, the Head of the Foundation's Human Resources Unit, inresponse to a reasonable request by the supervisor and after hearingthe trainee, may at any moment decide to terminate the traineeship.
Trainees who take part in official activities organised for them by theFoundation must respect the timetables and programmes laid down. TheFoundation may demand the reimbursement of costs incurred for theorganisation of such activities from trainees who absent themselveswithout due and proper justification.
During their training, trainees must consult their supervisor or, ifunavailable, the Head of the Unit to which they have been assigned, onany action they propose to take on their own initiative relating to theactivities of the Foundation.
5.4.2. Incapacity of Performance
The Head of the Human Resources Unit, following a justified request bythe supervisor, reserves the right to terminate the traineeship if thelevel of the trainee's professional performance or knowledge of theworking language is insufficient for the proper execution of his/herduties.
5.4.3. Wrongful declaration of facts
The Head of the Human Resources Unit reserves the right to terminatethe traineeship if at any moment it becomes apparent that the traineeknowingly made wrongful declarations, or provided false statements orpapers at the moment of application or during the traineeship period.

6. FINANCIAL MATTERS
6.1. Basic Grant
6.1.1. Basic amount
Trainees will be awarded a monthly grant. The amount of the grant isdecided by the Foundation's Human Resources Unit on a yearly basis andis dependent on budgetary constraints. The amount of the basic grantfor year 2006 will be €900 per month, or of corresponding proportion ifworked for less than a full month (e.g. in case of abrogation of thetraineeship).
6.1.2. Early Termination of Contract
If the trainee terminates his/her contract early, he/she will berequired to reimburse that part of the grant, which he/she may havereceived, relating to the period after the termination date.
6.2. Insurance
6.2.1. Sickness Insurance
Sickness insurance is compulsory. Trainees are expected to arrangetheir own sickness insurance, or to be holders of a valid EuropeanHealth Card.
Proof of this insurance must be presented to the Foundation within one week of the start of the stage period.
6.3. Disability Allowance
Upon presentation of the proper justification, disabled trainees mayreceive a supplement to their grant equal to a maximum of 50% of theamount of the grant. The Head of the Human Resources Unit may consultthe medical service of the Foundation if necessary.
6.4. Travel Allowances
6.4.1. The Travel Allowance
The transfer from your place of origin to Dublin and return ticket willbe reimbursed by the Foundation on production of tickets, provided thatyou have purchased the cheapest airfare possible (usually an APEXticket).
6.4.2. Minimum qualifying period - distance
The trainee must complete a minimum of 3 months of the training periodto qualify for the travel allowance. Trainees whose place ofrecruitment is less than 50 km from the place of employment are notentitled to a travel allowance.
6.4.4. Individual missions
In exceptional cases only, the Head of the Unit in which a trainee hasbeen placed may grant authorisation for a trainee to be sent onmission, on the condition that the mission is of a technical nature andnot of a representative one.
For the reimbursement of these mission expenses, the general procedureof reimbursement provided in the Staff Regulations for officials of theEuropean Communities will apply. The expenses will be taken on by theUnit which requests the mission.
The Foundation's Human Resources Unit should always receive a copy of the signed mission order.
6.5. Fiscal Arrangements
Grants awarded to trainees are not subject to the special taxregulations applying to officials and other servants of the EuropeanCommunities. Trainees are solely responsible for the payment of anytaxes due on Foundation grants by virtue of the laws in force in theState concerned. The Foundation's Human Resources Unit can provide acertificate for tax purposes at the end of the traineeship period. Thiscertificate should state the amount of grant received and confirm thattax and social security payments have not been made.

7. CERTIFICATES
7.1. Certificates
Trainees who have completed the minimum required traineeship period canreceive, on request after their training period, a certificatespecifying the dates of their training period and the department inwhich they were employed.

8. FINAL PROVISIONS
The Head of the Human Resources Unit is allocated, is responsible for the implementation of these rules

Reference:
http://www.eurofound.eu.int/about/vacancies/traineeships.htm