PanEuropeanSeal YP in International Relations & Communication

The following units are offering positions within the Young Professionals Programme 2026–2027. Explore the opportunities and select your preferred units during the application process: 

Academic Programmes
Mission & Impact
The Academic Programmes team is responsible for training programs addressed to university students and research centres (among them, the MIPEF – Modular Intellectual Property Educational Framework), and the new initiative on Children and Youth to raise awareness on IP among younger generations. More specifically, the Children and Youth courses drafted in cooperation with educational experts have the potential to teach innovation and spur in the interest in STEM of millions of children across Europe.
What will the Young Professional do?
You will support the planning and monitoring of training activities and ensure the quality of training resources and presentations for MIPEF and university focused trainings, as well as contribute to the creation, review and implementation of the Children and Youth courses. Specifically:
•    Supporting the organisation of training activities
•    Engaging with universities and schools to identify topical issues, build partnerships and organise trainings
•    Contributing to projects that develop high quality and innovative content, including new delivery approaches (e learning, virtual reality, gamification)
•    Processing requests from external stakeholders and internal departments using ISO certified processes and tools
•    Supporting project management and coordination with educational experts to create learning materials (scripts, texts, quizzes, online activities), reviewing them, suggesting improvements and following up
•    Managing the approval process for external lecture requests
Preparing and updating country reports on Academy activities for Contracting States, Validation Countries and Reinforced Partnerships
Acting as invigilator for EQE exams
Ideal educational background
Law, business administration, international relations & communications, interdisciplinary profiles welcome.
Must-have skills and requirements
Good knowledge of IP regimes, experience in project management and timeline monitoring, experience organising and moderating meetings with project partners, experience creating or editing educational or learning materials ideally for children and youth, strong English writing and communication skills, quick understanding and willingness to learn in a fast moving environment, ability to perform detailed quality checks and structure learning materials clearly, ability to self manage and propose workable solutions, excellent organisational skills with flexibility for urgent requests, strong commitment to team goals and a positive, collaborative attitude.
Nice-to-have requirements
An interest for educational projects and initiatives, knowledge of French or 

Brussels Office
Mission & Impact
The mission of the Brussels Office is to represent the EPO with the EU Institutions and relevant stakeholders in Brussels. We serve EPO interests by positioning EPO leadership and expertise on patents and innovation, and by informing and advising EPO colleagues on relevant EU policy and political issues.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Involvement in the drafting and coordination of co-operation agreement and Work Plan with EU Institutions and other international bodies, drafting of concept papers and reports on EU policies and latest development
•    Reporting on EU institution activities linked to innovation policies
•    Support to the EPO Observatory outreach activities towards the EU innovation stakeholders
Ideal educational background
Legal affairs and international relations
Must-have skills and requirements
Very good communication skills with the ability to distil the essential from complex issues and to convert in simple narrative to deliver quality documents as well as presentations, comfortable in collaborating across departments and with stakeholders, familiar with the functioning of the European institutions, ability to work independently with partial supervision of the tutor, fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Nice-to-have requirements
Knowledge of French would be an added value


Channel Management 
Mission & Impact
The Channel Management Directorate shapes, manages and enhances all EPO communication channels, covering the full range of internal and external platforms such as epo.org, the intranet, social media, press and media relations, corporate publications, newsletters and corporate events.
It also plans and delivers flagship campaigns like the European Inventor Award and the Young Inventors Prize, showcasing innovation and excellence across Europe and beyond.
Working closely with the Content Directorate, it ensures EPO messages are aligned across channels with the Strategic Plan 2028. Through an integrated, strategic and inclusive communication approach, it supports the plan’s implementation and strengthens engagement with stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Contribute fresh creative ideas and perspectives that reflect current trends in digital communication and audience engagement
•    Help strengthen youth engagement across EPO communication channels by adapting messaging, formats, and content to resonate with digital-native audiences
•    Support the planning and execution of high-quality, multichannel communication campaigns spanning social media, web storytelling, press, events, and targeted outreach initiatives
•    Learn about and actively contribute to all EPO communication channels, from the website and intranet to press activities, social media, and events, as part of a comprehensive learning process
Ideal educational background
Public policy, communications, international relations, European studies, interdisciplinary profiles are welcomed.
Must-have skills and requirements
Proactive self-starter with strong organisational and communication skills, a high proficiency in English (C2 level), and a genuine enthusiasm for innovation and digital communication. Desirable attributes include; creative mindset with an ability to generate fresh concepts, social media fluency and interest in project management, analytical ability and attention to detail, technological adaptability and team spirit.
Nice-to-have requirements
Enthusiasm for or experience in communications


Communication
Mission & Impact
PD Communication is responsible for all corporate communication of the EPO, including all corporate events, for the development and protection of the EPO's corporate culture, its corporate reputation, and for an inspiring corporate brand.  
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Support the development and implementation of the communication campaign around Campus Days
•    Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of communication activities for the recruitment of examiners, with a particular focus on increasing diversity
•    Help enhance communication targeted at managers, including keeping the relevant intranet sections regularly updated with information on trainings, information sessions, and management briefings
•    Support the coordination of the Annual Review campaign, including the preparation of a video summarising the Offices’ key achievements
•    Contribute to the planning and preparation of communication activities to celebrate the 50 Years of the Office in 2027
Ideal educational background
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communication Sciences, corporate or internal communication, media and communication, journalism, public relations, marketing or political science. Interdisciplinary profiles welcome.
Must-have skills and requirements
Strong organisational skills and proactive planning to ensure timely delivery of communication products, clear, structured communication and reporting in meetings, very good analytical skills and a structured approach to content development, high level of adaptability and readiness to join new projects, work on new topics, and take on new tasks
Nice-to-have requirements
Previous experience in coordinating and implementing communication or marketing activities for an association, a company or at the university.

Council secretariat
Mission & Impact
The Council Secretariat is the official secretariat of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (https://www.epo.org/about-us/governance/administrative-council.html). Placed at the disposal of the Administrative Council, it enables it to carry out its duties: this includes organising all meetings of the Council and its bodies, distributing documents and assisting the Chairpersons, drawing up agendas and minutes.  
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Support the organisation and running of hybrid meetings of the Administrative Council and its bodies
•    Assist with document production, including agendas, minutes and preparatory material
•    Execute self-contained tasks, projects and studies related to the Secretariat’s mission
•    Contribute to the Secretariat’s digitalisation initiatives with a fresh perspective
Ideal educational background
International Relations, communication, European Studies, political science, interdisciplinary profiles are welcome
Must-have skills and requirements
Discretion and reliability, strong organisational and coordination skills, accuracy and attention to detail, service-minded attitude, familiarity with IT solutions for organising hybrid meetings, excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Nice-to-have requirements
Experience in digital workflow tools and in meeting/event organisation, understanding of business administration, legal and data protection requirements, knowledge of French or German.

International Co-operation 
Mission & Impact
The International Co-operation team serves as a one-stop shop for interactions with national and regional IP Offices outside Europe. Our team plays a vital role in managing the relations with all international IP offices, including the IP5, and in implementing the EPO’s international co-operation strategy, particularly in expanding the Office’s coverage by negotiating Validation and Reinforced Partnership agreements.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Support the country co-ordinators in preparation of missions, meetings and visits
•    Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and follow‑up documentation
•    Contribute to cooperation files
•    Research IP related information and convert it into intelligence supporting international co-operation activities
•    Use the Offices digital tools to work efficiently and independently
•    Collaborate across teams and engage with global stakeholders
Ideal educational background
Completed studies in business administration, political science and international relations.
Must-have skills and requirements
Very good communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, strong organisational and time management skills, proactive mindset, the ability to prioritise tasks, the capability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic atmosphere, high level of motivation and flexibility, English language proficiency, including writing skills
Nice-to-have requirements
Previous or relevant work experience, knowledge of French, Spanish or Portuguese

Member states and neighbouring countries
Mission & Impact
Regional Desk "Member States and Neighbouring Countries" is responsible for managing relations with the EPO's member and extension states, and other states bordering on Europe, as well as being the driving force behind the European Patent Network (EPN). 
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Support the country co-ordinators in preparation of missions, meetings and visits
•    Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and follow‑up documentation
•    Contribute to cooperation files
•    Research IP related information and convert it into intelligence supporting international co-operation activities
•    Use the Offices digital tools to work efficiently and independently
•    Collaborate across teams and engage with global stakeholders
Ideal educational background
Completed studies in Business Administration, political Science and International Relations.
Must-have skills and requirements
Very good communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, strong organisational and time management skills, proactive mindset, the ability to prioritise tasks, the capability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic atmosphere, high level of motivation and flexibility, English language proficiency, including writing skills
Nice-to-have requirements
Previous or relevant work experience, knowledge of French or German


PATLIB 
Mission & Impact
The PATLIB team fosters the transfer and commercialisation of new technologies by promoting intellectual property (IP) as a fundamental asset for innovation. It also supports the transfer of IP knowledge from Europe to other geographic regions, including the African continent. The department coordinates the PATLIB network, comprising 336 innovation support centres distributed across EPC member states which offer a broad range of IP-related advice and services to local industries, SMEs, universities, researchers and individuals.  
What will the Young Professional do?
Assist in providing administrative and training support for the PATLIB network and for IP
related business and technology transfer activities. Specifially:
•    Provide support for the four IP-related training areas of the department: PATLIB, KT2A, technology transfer, and business & entrepreneurs
•    Contribute to the initiatives and activities in the areas of technology transfer (TT) and cooperation with other international and national organisations active in the TT field
•    Assist in optimising the departments workflows and processes by increasing the level of automation, procedural clarity and customer orientation
•    Contribute to reports and business analytics
•    Invigilator for EQE exams
Ideal educational background
Background in innovation management, technology commercialisation or intellectual property rights. Economics, engineering, science, finance, law or business administration studies are also suitable, interdisciplinary profiles welcome.
Must-have skills and requirements
Ability to communicate with academic researchers, tech transfer and IP valorisation specialists and entrepreneurs; knowledge of operations research and reengineering business processes for high automation; ability to draft management reports and business intelligence products using modern visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI); strong English writing and communication skills; quick understanding and willingness to learn in a fast moving environment; ability to self manage and propose practical improvements; excellent organisational skills with flexibility for urgent tasks; strong commitment to team goals; positive attitude and ability to work well with diverse teams.
Nice-to-have requirements
Experience in project management, including monitoring and managing project timelines, supporting procurement activities, and invoicing project deliverables, also experienced in arranging and moderating meetings.

President's Office
Mission & Impact
The President’s Office supports the leadership of one of Europe’s largest intergovernmental organisations. It enables strategic decision-making at the highest level of the EPO by coordinating key initiatives, preparing high-level communications and ensuring effective collaboration across the Office and with external stakeholders.
What will the Young Professional do?
As a Young Professional in the President’s Office, you will work at the heart of the
organisation by:
•    Supporting the review of strategy-related dossiers throughout the decision-making process, in close collaboration with multiple business areas
•    Assisting in the preparation of briefings, presentations, reports and dashboards for senior management
•    Contributing to institutional affairs and supporting a constructive and transparent social dialogue
•    Helping organise and follow up on high-level meetings, events and official visits
•    Liaising with Vice-Presidents’ offices, legal advisors, business units and external partners
•    Gaining first-hand insight into top-management dynamics within an international organisation
Ideal educational background
Law, political science, European studies or international relations, social sciences, public administration or business administration, economics or (IT) engineering with strong interest in governance and strategy, interdisciplinary profiles with strong analytical and communication skills are welcome
Must-have skills and requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, ability to analyse, synthesise and clearly present complex information, high level of discretion, integrity and political awareness when handling sensitive matters, strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities calmly, interest in European and international institutions, governance and social dialogue, collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments and hierarchies, resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, advanced working knowledge of the MS Office suite
Nice-to-have requirements
Knowledge of French and/or German, experience drafting briefings, reports or structured presentations, exposure to public-sector, international or policy-driven environments, familiarity with dashboards, reporting tools or structured data presentation

Quality Management
Mission & Impact
The department is responsible for the maintenance and continual improvement of the Quality Management System of the Patent Grant Process, organizing and contributing to IP events, collecting feedback from users, carrying out analysis, issuing reports, developing the Quality Action Plan and supporting the COO in improving quality.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Learn about quality management and quality standards in intellectual property, contributing to the EPO’s quality strategy
•    Assist in drafting reports, presentations and news items related to operational quality, strengthening communication and visualisation skills
•    Support the dialogue with EPO users and gain first-hand insight into user feedback on the quality of EPO’s products and services
•    Contribute to the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
•    Collaborate with colleagues to analyse quality-related data, prepare management reports and support informed decision-making at management level
Ideal educational background
Communication studies, media and communication, corporate or institutional communication, international relations, international affairs, European studies, political science, public policy, business administration, international/European management
Must-have skills and requirements
Excellent language skills (English), very strong written communication skills, interest in international/European organisations or public institutions, effective collaboration and interpersonal skills
Nice-to-have requirements
Analytical and structured thinking skills, ability to foster positive relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, good organisation skills, ability to deliver results in timely manner, practical and solution-oriented mindset

User Engagement and SMEs
Mission & Impact
Engage with large to micro entity filers, including universities and public research organisations. Focus on improving incoming quality of applications and project the EPO as a reliable partner.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Plan, organise and coordinate meetings with users, ensuring all logistical steps are handled smoothly and that follow up actions are completed in a timely and thorough manner. 
•    Prepare in depth background information on companies ahead of user meetings to support informed discussions and help tailor the interaction to the user’s profile. 
•    Develop and refine the Quality at Source presentation, ensuring it clearly explains key concepts and effectively supports the department’s goal of improving the incoming quality of applications.
Ideal educational background
Statistics, data science and public policy are all solid elements which would be beneficial, primary is however ease to learn new things and work with a high quality.
Must-have skills and requirements
PPT preparation skills, strong English skills, strong interest in analytics.
Nice-to-have requirements
Data visualisation, fluency in German and French.
 

VP 1 Office
Mission & Impact
The Office of the Vice President 1 (VP1) ensures the effective and seamless functioning of DG1, the Directorate-General responsible for the patent granting process. It oversees all matters related to diversity and inclusion, facilities management (with VP1 serving as site manager for TH), finance, HR, and the planning and execution of VP1 missions. The Office also manages and processes the VP1 common logs, ensuring consistent, coordinated and high quality operational support.
What will the Young Professional do?
•    Support the production of clear, concise, well researched mission files for VP1
•    Support the production of appropriate, data driven speeches for VP1
•    Process common logs in a timely and thoughtful way for VP1, aligned with other VP offices and in alignment with SP2028
•    Conduct basic organisational tasks for VP1 office
•    Organise and execute site visits from externals, doing all planning, external comms and event management
•    Prepare briefings for VP1 on a range of topics
Ideal educational background
Law, public policy, international relations, science and technology, strong analytical background, interdisciplinary profiles welcome.
Must-have skills and requirements
Strong command of English (C2), with clear skills in storytelling, drafting, researching and writing briefs. Interest or experience in European institutions and international matters is a strong asset, along with a strong interest in research and innovation. 
Nice-to-have requirements
Patent or innovation related studies, knowledge of French and German.