GLOBAL HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT POLICY ACCELERATOR

Your Fast-Track to
Shaping EU Global Health Policy

Shape health outcomes for billions through strategic policy influence.

Join a selective, fully-funded accelerator in Brussels that prepares mission-driven professionals to influence global health governance and development aid through European policy.

1 week in Brussels

20 Selective Peers

Expert-led by EU insiders

All Costs Covered

September 27 – October 3, 2026 | Applications open until 3 May

Apply now

YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL IMPACT

Shape Health Outcomes for Billions

The EU is the world's largest development donor, deploying €80 billion+ annually. Working in EU institutions means shaping policies and funding streams that directly affect the health and well-being of billions worldwide.

The leverage is unprecedented. Through partnerships with Gavi, the Global Fund, and WHO, European decisions on pandemic preparedness, health systems, and aid allocation have a massive global impact. The EU's convening power on challenges like antimicrobial resistance and neglected diseases sets international priorities.

Your work in EU policy can translate global health priorities into European policy action:

  • Influence billions of euros in development assistance and global health funding

  • Shape pandemic preparedness and health security frameworks

  • Guide EU engagement with WHO, Gavi, and the Global Fund

  • Apply evidence-based approaches to policy implementation

  • Direct resources toward high-impact, neglected health challenges

Yet few professionals combine global health expertise with EU policy skills. While these institutions control resources that could save millions of lives through proven interventions, there's a critical shortage of professionals committed to maximising health impact.

This program prepares you to fill that gap—positioning you to influence how Europe's resources address global health challenges and create lasting impact through the most effective approaches.

Here's what you'll experience:

  • EU career coaching: Tailored guidance on building careers in the European Commission, from application strategies to long-term progression

  • Brussels networking: Access to current Commission trainees and officials, plus events designed to help newcomers break into EU policy circles

  • EU recruitment preparation: Targeted training for European institutions' entry competitions, plus practical workshops on succeeding in the recruitment process

  • EU global health policy: Deep dives into the EU's role in global health and development, including current policy and emerging debates in the field

  • Practitioner insights: Workshops with global health experts from NGOs and organisations working directly with EU institutions

  • Institution visits: Behind-the-scenes access to European institutions, including meetings with policymakers and officials

What the Programme Covers

Skills you’ll develop:

  • Understanding EU decision-making processes and how to influence them

  • Navigating Commission institutional culture and working methods

  • Building relationships across DGs, member states, and external stakeholders

  • Translating evidence-based research into policy recommendations

  • Strategic career planning within EU institutional constraints

Apply (takes 10 minutes)

What you’ll learn:

EU Global Health & Development:

  • EU Global Health Strategy and its implementation

  • Health security and pandemic preparedness

  • EU development cooperation and humanitarian aid mechanisms

  • Global health financing: EU contributions to multilateral funds and partnerships

  • EU external action on antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases

  • EU-Africa health partnerships and the Team Europe approach

Who should apply?

We select exceptional candidates ready to pursue EU policy careers that advance global health. Your background brings a valuable perspective to EU policy-making.

If you're committed to creating meaningful change through pragmatic, strategic policy work, this programme is for you.

Essential Criteria

✓ Bachelor's degree or higher

✓ EU citizenship

✓ Excellent academic records

✓ C1 level in English, French, or German plus B2 level in another European language (all participants need minimum B2 English)

✓ No prior work experience exceeding six weeks in any EU institution

✓ Ready to pursue EU roles within 6-8 months of completion

What Makes You Stand Out

Academic Excellence: Master's or PhD in any field (we value degrees in rare or STEM fields); Strong academic record (scholarships, distinctions, prizes)

Professional Experience: 3-11 years of work experience
Background in global health, international development, economics, public policy, finance, or related fields

International Experience: Study, work, or volunteering experience abroad
Additional language certifications (B2 level or higher)

Mission Alignment:
Commitment to effective altruism principles and evidence-based approaches to improving global health outcomes

Practical Details

All costs covered:

• Flights from anywhere in Europe
• Brussels accommodation  
• All meals and materials
• Pre-program preparation
• Post-program support

Your commitment:

• Full attendance Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00
• 2-3 evening networking events
• 5-10 hours pre-reading
• Genuine intent to pursue EU policy careers

Join us in Brussels

Join a community committed to cost-effective global health interventions

  • “It was one of the best weeks of my life”

    “After the programme, I now have a much better understanding of the next steps in my career path towards my goal.”

  • “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    It was amazing learning firsthand from so many impactful experts, and I am walking away with a renewed passion […] and much clearer career plans. I also learnt so much about myself and have a clearer idea of what is truly important to me in my work.”

  • “It’s a unique opportunity to be in a group of like-minded experts from so various fields, but have the same goal. The opportunity to get insights from people who made it inside the institutions is very valuable.”

  • “This week is really a turning point in my life:

    I learnt so much by meeting experts I would never have met otherwise, and by sharing important exchanges with a group of mission-aligned peers who allowed me to think seriously about issues I had never really addressed before.”

Brussels week

Ongoing support

Selection process

Programme preparation

Application & Programme Timeline

September 27 – October 3, 2027

Post-programme

Applications open

March - May 3rd

May - June

A week of intensive training, networking, and skill development at the heart of European policy-making

Additional online sessions and career guidance tailored to your needs

Whether you're selected or not, we value your time and commitment. All applicants receive specially curated career resources to support their professional development.

Submit your application and join ambitious professionals ready to create change through policy

August

Three stages: 1. Online application | 2. Assessment task | 3. Interview

Selected participants receive pre-reading materials and join online orientation sessions

Your global health impact starts here

In EU policy, the right person in the right role can redirect millions toward evidence-based interventions that save lives at scale. Join 20 exceptional peers this September in Brussels.

Applications close 3 May 2026.

Start your application