General Information

Type of contract: Traineeship

Who can apply?: EU nationals eligible for our traineeship programme

Grant: The trainee grant is €1,170 per month plus an accommodation allowance (see further information section)

Working time: Full time 

Place of work: Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Closing date: 23.01.2024

Your team

You will be part of the Design and Digital Division in the Directorate General Communications at the European Central Bank (ECB). We play a vital role in the ECB’s digital communications, including web development, digital content creation and management of social media channels. We work on a wide range of visual communications products involving photography, videography, graphic design, branding and digital impact analysis.

In your role as a trainee, you will mainly be responsible for producing graphic design solutions for several communications platforms (including for our websites and social media channels), while working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.

The ECB is an inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We encourage you to apply irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other characteristics.

Your role

Your tasks as a trainee in the Design team will include:

• supporting the team in its daily tasks by preparing appealing visuals for all ECB social media channels and websites;
• developing branding solutions for various ECB initiatives by exploring and implementing the latest trends in graphic and motion graphic design;
• providing innovative and creative proposals that will improve the ECB’s visual communications;
• helping to improve and maintain the ECB’s video branding by delivering visually engaging motion graphics solutions;
• establishing and maintaining the ECB’s visual identity across all communications products;
• engaging in cross-functional collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, and contributing your creative insights to projects that span the institution's diverse initiatives.

The position offers you excellent opportunities to work in a fast-paced environment and gain experience across a broad range of communications topics while working with experts from all over Europe. You will be part of a multicultural team that strives for continuous innovation to make a positive impact on the lives of European citizens. 

Qualifications, experience and skills

Essential:

• a bachelor’s degree or higher in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field (other fields will also be considered if combined with strong relevant qualifications);
• proficiency in graphic design software, including, but not limited to, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects);
• a sound understanding of design principles, layout, colour theory, typography and basics of motion graphics, demonstrated by a strong portfolio showcasing relevant design projects;
• ability to conceptualise and execute creative ideas effectively, translating complex information into clear and intuitive visuals with a keen eye for aesthetics and consistency;
• familiarity with the design process from concept to final delivery;
• a good knowledge of the Microsoft Office package;
• an advanced (C1) command of English and an intermediate (B1) command of at least one other official language of the EU, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Desired:

• familiarity with user interface and user experience design principles;
• familiarity with 3D visual conceptualisation and knowledge of related software (e.g. Blender).

You are curious and eager to learn, and want to further develop your ability to analyse complex information. You are keen to collaborate with others, pursue team goals and learn from other people’s diverse perspectives. You strive to know and anticipate stakeholder needs, and will signal any need for change and propose alternative solutions.

You are motivated to contribute to the ECB’s mission, to serve the citizens of the EU as a member of a public institution and to work with colleagues from all over Europe. You are keen to be part of our team and to use your skills and competencies to achieve the aims of this position.

Further information

Initial traineeship of six months with a possible extension up to 12 months in total.

Other details on the conditions applicable to traineeships at the ECB can be found on our website.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process for this position will include an online interview.

Further information on how to apply is available on our website.

If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list for 12 months from the closing date for applications, from which you might be considered for other traineeship positions within the ECB.