European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen)
The European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) is the EU's dedicated geospatial intelligence agency, operating under the supervision of the Political and Security Committee and the operational direction of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. SatCen provides satellite imagery analysis and related services in support of EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations, crisis management, and strategic decision-making — making it one of the most operationally significant space and security institutions in the European institutional landscape. This Legal Trainee position is based in SatCen's Legal Office and offers a substantive introduction to legal practice within a security-focused EU agency. The trainee will work directly alongside Legal Office staff on a range of assignments including legal research and analysis, comparative legal studies, contract handling, and regulatory compliance. The role is particularly valuable for law graduates with interests in EU institutional law, international security law, space law, and the legal frameworks governing classified information and EU intelligence activities. The traineeship runs for six months, renewable once, and requires EU SECRET or equivalent security clearance — reflecting the classified operational environment in which SatCen functions. SatCen is located on an air force base outside Madrid; a driving licence is highly desirable.
Recent university diploma in Law or currently in the final year of a law degree Nationality of an EU Member State with full rights as citizen Sound knowledge of EU law English at minimum B2 level (working language of SatCen); satisfactory knowledge of a second EU official language Excellent research, analysis, drafting, and summarising skills Ability to hold or obtain EU SECRET or equivalent national security clearance High level of discretion and confidentiality Driving licence highly desirable (SatCen is on an air force base with limited public transport)