NATO M&S COE Internship Programme

Programme Objectives

To provide the Organization with access to the latest theoretical and technical knowledge that the intern can apply through practical work assignments, as well as with additional staff resources. To provide interns with an opportunity to learn from the NATO M&S COE community and get a better understanding and a more balanced view of the Organization while adding valuable experience to their curriculum vitae.

Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Internship

  • All internships will occur in Rome, Italy.
  • Internships typically start in March and October and last no less than four (4) weeks.
  • Nationality: Applications are limited to nationals of NATO member states.
  • Partners and others will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply for the programme.
  • Qualifications: A clearance is not required to apply for an internship, but a NATO security clearance is necessary to work on projects with classified data.
  • Language: The official language of the M&S COE is English. Proficiency in English (NATO STANAG 2222 or equivalent) is required, and a basic knowledge of Italian is desirable.
  • Internship Provisions. Interns are personally responsible for costs and arrangements for travel, visas, their residence permit if applicable (Permesso di Soggiorno), accommodation and living expenses. The intern must be covered (e.g. for tax and social security aspects) during the duration of the internship under an existing service or educational relationship with an eligible employer (or as a self-employed individual) or educational institution.
  • Intern Status. Interns cannot be considered as NATO employees, and are thus not covered by the provisions of the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. On their first working day, the interns are required to sign a disclaimer .
  • Administrative formalities for Italian Authorities. The Personnel and Administration Support Section will assist the interns prior to their arrival by providing specific Admin Instructions, including a letter stating their status for those who need to apply for Italian visas.
  • Insurance. Interns are responsible for their own health and accident insurance/medical care. Interns will be required, before the arrival to provide evidence that they have adequate and sufficient insurance coverage/medical care.
  • Security requirements. A security clearance is desired, but not required for interns. Interns with a Security Clearance from their national authorities must provide that to the NATO M&S COE prior to arrival in order to work on projects involving classified information. A request for visit is required for all candidates regardless of if an intern has a security clearance. Interns must exercise the greatest discretion regarding facts and information that come to their knowledge during the course of their internship. They will continue to be bound by this obligation after the end of their internship. The Centre reserves its legal right to terminate an internship and to take action against any person who does not respect this obligation. A security briefing by the NATO M&S COE Security Officer will be conducted during the first week of the internship.

Internship Application Process

  • Candidates for Internship will send a ‘Request for Information’, specifying in the subject line: Internship Application. 
  • NATO M&S Personnel and Administration Section will contact the candidate by e-mail providing all the necessary information for the official application.
  • Once the call for applications has been closed, the Selection Board will shortlist the best suitable candidates for each position. Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed by phone. The Board will provide their recommendation to the Director for final approval. After the final decisions are made the selected candidates will receive an offer of an internship.
  • Applicants who are closely related in the first or second degree to a member of a NATO body, in particular, on the NATO M&S COE staff, are also required to include a statement to the effect, identifying their relative by name and position.
  • Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered further; and, due to the high number of applications, no follow-up correspondence will occur if the applicant fails to submit all of the required application papers (as described above).