European Central Bank Traineeship in the Design Team

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 06.01.2026

Your team
You will be part of the Design and Digital Division in the Directorate General Communications. Our Directorate General has around 250 staff responsible for engaging with the public and media and informing them about the ECB’s tasks and mission. We also support members of the Executive Board in their communication activities. 

In your role as a trainee, you will be part of a team of four responsible for ECB visual communications products involving graphic design and branding. You will help produce graphic design solutions for a wide array of communications products (such as static visuals, illustrations, explainer videos and infographics) on multiple platforms (including the ECB’s websites and social media channels). You will also work closely with other teams within the Directorate General Communications and across the institution, as well as with external providers.

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
As a trainee in the Design team you will:

• support the team in its daily tasks by preparing appealing visuals for ECB social media channels (Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) and websites, and for high-level events;
• develop branding solutions for different ECB initiatives by exploring and implementing the latest trends in graphic and motion graphic design, and ensuring alignment with strategic communication goals;
• come up with innovative and creative proposals for ways to improve the ECB’s visual communications;
• help to establish and maintain the ECB’s visual identity across all communications products;
• support the improvement of workflows and processes to help the team work more efficiently and deliver high-quality visual communications, including by exploring and utilising emerging technologies;
• work with colleagues across the Directorate General on strategic projects and day-to-day tasks, contributing creative ideas to a wide range of activities.

The traineeship offers you excellent opportunities to work with experts from all over Europe and gain experience in a fast-paced environment across a broad range of communications topics. 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 Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects);
• a sound understanding of design principles, layout, colour theory, typography and the basics of motion graphics, demonstrated by a strong portfolio showcasing relevant design projects;
• the ability to conceptualise and execute creative ideas effectively, translating complex information into clear and intuitive visuals, and a keen eye for aesthetics and consistency;
• familiarity with the design process from concept to final delivery;
• a good knowledge of the MS 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 AI-powered creative tools and their application in creative workflows.

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 to 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.