Government Affairs: Security and Defense coordinator intern

Microsoft is looking for a Policy Coordinator to support their Brussels-based European Government Affairs team, with a focus on issues related to defense and security policy. We are looking for a high-energy candidate with strong analytical and communications skills, along with an open, collaborative, creative and results-oriented mindset, as well as a passion for policy, politics and technology and the role of business in society. The position is offered as a 12-month internship contract in 2025. 

The purpose of the Microsoft European Government Affairs organization is to build relationships and strengthen our dialogue with European stakeholders, in support of the European digital and broader policy agenda. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in law, political science, international relations, philosophy, applied sciences or a related social science. 
• Knowledge of European and transatlantic institutions, governance, legislative processes, and networks. 
• Some professional exposure through previous internships in fast-paced environments; experience in public affairs consultancies, think tanks, NATO or EU institutions will be preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in any European language is a plus
• Keen interest in European and international politics, security, and technology. 
• Project management skills. Excellent planning, organizational, networking and communications skills and strong attention to details. 
• Ability to work well in a changing environment, and to prioritize competing demands on time, while ensuring deadlines are met. Adaptable team-player with a positive and friendly mindset.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

Responsibilities

• Political, policy and regulatory analysis: monitor, analyze and report on emerging public policy issues in the area of digital aspects of security and defense policy in Europe and public-private cooperation in that space.
• Strategic planning: Stakeholder mapping to build relationships with present and incoming stakeholders in NATO and the EU institutions in identified key areas of policy cooperation and provision of continuous support to the team in building internal strategy and planning to address and leverage engagement opportunities at the national and EU level. Supporting coordination of high-level political engagements and Microsoft executive level visits.
• Project management: support in developing projects in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including NATO, EU institutions, think tanks, academics and/or trade associations. 
• Attend relevant external events and provide summaries/analyses. 
• Research and writing: support campaigning and senior staff with relevant research, by editing documents or developing support materials (e.g., briefing documents, conference support, decks, talking points). 
• Support in organization of meetings and events – including working with the EGA Events team and/or external partners.