Skip to content

News

CEP is looking for a trainee Policy Officer!

Please note that this position is only open to someone working for a CEP member organisation. During the time of the traineeship, you will be seconded from the organisation you currently work at.

To work as a trainee Policy Officer (PO) for CEP is a unique opportunity to see and get to know probation in Europe. The PO is involved in many different activities and events and builds up a network of probation professionals all over Europe.

The PO trainee has:

  • Education: Graduated from an accredited University with an academic degree in Law, Social Work, Criminology, Social Pedagogy, Public Administration, Psychology or Sociology, or other relevant qualifications.
  • Experience: Proven (minimum 3 years) experience in the probation field casework or similar work in a related correctional field, or in organizations/institutions related to the correctional sector. Experience in planning and organising activities. Experience in working with strategic documents and long term planning. Candidates for trainee Policy Officer may have experience as Probation Officer or first line manager/policy officer or have another relevant position in their parent organization (a CEP member organisation).
  • Skills: Good knowledge of the English language (both written and spoken), good communication skills, the capacity to represent CEP in international events – including giving presentations. Good social skills and capacity to build and maintain a network.

The tasks for the Policy Officer trainee are:

  • Taking the lead in several expert groups of CEP (for example on Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Violent Extremism)
  • Taking the lead in all aspects of work regarding the European Framework Decisions
  • Cooperating in the yearly application for the EU Operating Grant
  • Representing CEP at international meetings and events

Former seconded Policy Officer Maria Lindström did an interview about her two years at CEP, click on the link to read it.

Length of traineeship

In order to really understand and come up to full speed, a period of two years is needed for the trainee. It is also important for the work environment at the CEP secretariat to have enough time for new colleagues. It is important that the trainee understands that he/she needs to work very independently and that the tasks vary a lot.

The CEP office is based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, so it is important that the trainee, if she/he is from another country, has access to a good working space with colleagues, the right equipment such as a computer, smartphone, internet access, skype etc. to enable good communcation lines with the CEP office.

Applicants should have the support and endorsement of their employing organisation and CEP will engage with the employer on terms and conditions. All costs for travels made on behalf of CEP will be covered by CEP.

Application

Do you see yourself in this position and do you want to apply? Please send your motivation letter and cv to secr@cep-probaiton.org. Note that you have to have permission from your employer to apply for this position. The deadline for submitting your application is the 1st of November 2019.

Related News

Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.

New

Technology

Communication on DigitalJustice@2030

13/01/2026

The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of all sectors, which will drive investment. Digitalisation and the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) will be essential to the ability of public authorities to deliver high-quality public services, notably also in the field of justice. Europe’s Digital Decade is underway with the ambition that by 2030 the EU has all key public services available online. The ultimate aim will be to increase the efficiency of public services by making them digital by default, stimulating productivity.

New

Alternatives to pre-trial detention, CEP Events

Webinar on Alternatives to Detention – CEP Webinar Series 2026

13/01/2026

CEP is pleased to invite you to the first webinar in the CEP Webinar Series 2026, taking place on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at 14:00 CET. This webinar will introduce a unique programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service, which was awarded the CEP Award 2025 in the category of Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion (The Sue Hall Award).

New

Alternatives to pre-trial detention, CEP Events

CEP Webinar Series 2026

12/01/2026

In 2026 CEP launches a series of short webinars that will take place every third Thursday of January, March, May and November.

We sincerely invite all probation practitioners, social workers, managers, policy makers, researchers, students as well as colleagues from partners organisations to join and share your knowledge with us.

New

Uncategorized

Help Us Improve the CEP Website

07/01/2026

At Confederation of European Probation (CEP), we want to make sure our website continues to support our mission and the work of our community in the best possible way.

We are inviting you to take part in a short survey that takes around six minutes. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where the website can be improved.

New

Prison

From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding

06/01/2026

EuroPris has published a new report titled From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding. The report provides an overview of how prison administrations across Europe are addressing prison overcrowding and their responses to it.

The mapping exercise was conducted between April and September 2025. It is based on structured survey responses from 33 national and regional prison administrations, representing approximately 80% of EuroPris members. The findings are complemented by expert interviews and institutional input.

New

Probation in Europe

New calls for proposals under the CERV and Justice programmes!

05/01/2026

Discover the first 2026 calls and do not miss the opportunity to apply.

>> Click here to view the calls.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!