• Offer policy advice and mediate in certain issues that need third parties.
• Provide funds and execute programs and projects that require specific expertise.
• Research about underlying issues and policies affecting sectors or regions.

• Extensive previous internship experience is required.
• Competition is extremely high.
• The only way to get in is through internships.
• Applications are usually online and long. Recruiting processes take a long time.
• They usually ask for a Cover Letter and References.

• Usually open to penultimate and last-year students.
• Cannot extend longer than 6 months and usually unpaid.
• Offer Young/Junior Professional Programs.

• For valuable insights on How to Get a Job in IGOs, take a look at this presentation or watch this Masterclass (password: ^y6e!8lB)
• Find opportunities at the European Union Institutions click here
• Here is the link to the schedule for all Internship Programs related to Intergovernmental Organizations
• Check out these useful Webinars: EUIPO & WIPO Session (passcode a$6SVy9q) & UNSSC Online Q&A (passcode 5W%9Gnzn)
• Check out the Global Impact Tuesday Online Career Webinars from 24/25:
  • UNSSC
  • UNHR
  • UNDP

• They could be national, regional, local or international. Funded by public money (governments).
• They could offer executive programs and projects with great coverage following a policy line directed by funding source.
• Recruiting processes must be transparent and require very schematic procedures.

• For current students and recent graduates, they usually offer internships and fellowships.
• Competition is high and will depend on the country being represented.
• Applications are usually cumbersome and must be done through public platforms.
• They send Calls for Applications throughout the year.

• Usually open to penultimate and last-year students.
• Calls for applications are done through university internships and they are usually unpaid.
• Example: MAEC Calls for Applications.

Applications to Public Sector within the European Union:

YEPSO (It is a company that helps you prepare for Applications)

• How to prepare for the EUCompetitions and become a civil servant of the European Institutions
• Youtube Channel
• Website yepso.eu

Ministerio Relaciones Exteriores: Boletín de Gobierno de España. Registro:

• Guide released by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Spanish). Access it here.

• They could be local or international, big or small. Funded with private money (donors).
• There are thousands of NGOs. They usually focus on a specific topic or a targeted population.
• Recruiting processes are cumbersome or straightforward depending on the NGO's size.
• NGOs tend to be implementing partners for Multilateral Organizations of the field.

• Internships are easier to land within this sector while studying.
• Entry-Level positions are perfectly possible for recent graduates.
• Competition may be high depending on the type of NGO and the position to which you're applying.
• Recruiting is more straightforward – they usually require a CV and Cover Letter to be sent to a specific person.

• Internships and Volunteering (usually unpaid).
• They open vacancies upon need and budget.
• Positions are usually published in IR-specific job search engines.

Have a look at our webinar recordings for the following Recruitment Processes in NGOs

Have a look at our webinar recordings for the following Recruitment Processes in Foundations

• Represent interests before public institutions: They act as intermediaries between companies, NGOs, trade associations, or governments and EU, national, or regional policymakers.
• Design and implement influence strategies: They create and execute lobbying campaigns aimed at shaping public policy, regulation, or legislative decisions. Monitor political and regulatory developments: They track EU legislation, political shifts, and regulatory risks and opportunities relevant to their clients’ interests.
• Monitor political and regulatory developments: They track EU legislation, political shifts, and regulatory risks and opportunities relevant to their clients’ interests.
• Advise on institutional relations and reputation: They help build strategic relationships with key stakeholders and improve public positioning and credibility.
• Draft position papers and coordinate advocacy events: They prepare technical documents, propose amendments, and organize events (e.g., roundtables, conferences) to bring client perspectives directly to decision-makers.

• Highly dependent on political cycles and regulatory shifts: Demand rises around elections, major legislation, or policy reforms—making timing and anticipation essential.
• Multilevel and multifaceted: Work may involve navigating city halls, national parliaments, international institutions, or cross-border regulatory frameworks.
• Blend of policy expertise and communications skill: Firms must combine technical understanding of policy with narrative crafting and public positioning.
• Strong emphasis on credibility and transparency: Many countries require registration of lobbying activities and ethical codes of conduct, with increasing scrutiny on influence practices.
• Diverse client base: From multinationals and startups to nonprofits and government agencies—each with unique goals, risk profiles, and political sensitivities.

• Internships and Junior roles in Public Affairs consultancies: Positions such as Internships, Junior Consultant or Policy Analyst in lobbying firms or communications agencies are common starting roles.
• Think tanks and NGOs with EU focus: Many offer entry-level roles involving policy research, advocacy, and event organization—ideal for those passionate about specific causes.
• Permanent representations and trade associations: National/regional delegations, chambers of commerce, or EU-level sector associations often recruit junior policy officers or advisors.
• Corporate public affairs or government relations teams: Large companies often have in-house teams that hire for support roles on regulatory intelligence and engagement strategies.

• Research on foreign policy and international issues. Get hired by government, foundations and private businesses.
• Usually employ interdisciplinary approaches to finding long-term solutions to policy- related issues.
• Produce major publications, submit articles to major newspapers, organize professional conferences, lectures, and policy forums.

• Available positions vary and they're very much dependent upon one’s level of education.
• Research-related positions usually require a MA or PhD and specialized expertise.
• Individuals with BA degrees go to assisting positions.
• Recruiting processes are straightforward and project-based.

• Internships and Entry-Level positions are available.
• Positions often include Program Manager/ Assistant, Research Assistant, or Research Associate.

• Find out more about Think Tanks around the world here.
• 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report (2020)

*This list was made by IE Alumni Elena Ballesteros based on her personal research.

Here are some examples of impact consulting companies in Madrid:

Here are some examples of impact consulting companies in Switzerland:

Here are some examples of impact consulting companies in Munich:

Here is the Workmaze Guide to the Top 100 International Sustainability Recruiting Companies

• Sustainability-linked bonds or Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) linked bonds.
• Build long-term relationships with clients that consider environmental issues.
• Focus on "hard debate sectors" whose emissions are very difficult to reduce, on agriculture and on electric vehicles.

• ESG is becoming the future of financial jobs as sustainable debt proliferates.
• Europe is the cradle of these jobs.

• The issuance of green bonds/loans which are used to fund climate and environmental projects.
• The issuance of sustainability bonds, which are applied to environmentally sustainable outcomes.
• The issuance of transition bonds, which are used by carbon-intensive organizations with the intention to decarbonize.
• The issuance of social bonds, which are applied to projects promoting social welfare and creating a positive communal impact.
• Sustainability-linked bonds/loans which are linked to sustainability performance targets.
• Clean energy project finance that supports clean energy projects and low emission technologies.

*Source: McKinsey & Co. has seen the future of banking jobs: It's ESG