Smart Cities Project and Research Intern

About the role 

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support our project delivery work at BABLE Smart Cities. 

This role sits at the intersection of research excellence and real-world execution. You will work closely with consultants delivering structured products such as funding roadmaps, bid and tender applications, and market research for cities, regions, and solution providers across Europe and beyond. 

If you enjoy turning complex information into clear, usable outputs and care about quality, structure, and impact, this role is for you. With a salary of 650 euro P/M.

What you will work on 

As a Project & Research Intern, you will support delivery teams across multiple workstreams, including: 

Project delivery & execution 

• Supporting the preparation of funding roadmaps for municipalities and regions, mapping projects to national and EU funding instruments 

• Assisting with bid and tender writing for public-sector and EU-funded programmes, including research, structuring inputs, and quality checks 

• Contributing to the development of standardised delivery templates, internal tools, and repeatable processes 

Applied research 

• Conducting targeted desk research on funding programmes, policy frameworks, and market developments in climate action, energy, mobility, and smart cities 

• Supporting market scoping and opportunity analysis for public- and private-sector clients 

• Synthesising research into concise, decision-ready formats for internal teams and clients 

Quality and coordination 

• Supporting internal quality assurance processes for reports, funding applications, and client deliverables 

• Helping maintain internal knowledge bases and structured datasets that underpin our delivery work 

• Collaborating with colleagues across consulting, platform, and customer teams in an international environment 

Tasks will be adapted to your skills and interests, with a strong emphasis on learning by doing. 

What we are looking for 

You do not need to know everything on day one. We care most about curiosity, structure, and reliability. 

Required 

• Strong analytical and research skills, with attention to detail 

• Ability to work independently and manage tasks responsibly 

• Very good written and spoken English, German is a plus. 

• Confidence working with structured documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

Nice to have 

• Background or studies in smart cities, sustainability, energy, mobility, urban planning, public policy, engineering, or related fields 

• First exposure to EU funding, public procurement, or consultancy-style work 

• A mandatory internship requirement as part of your studies 

• Proficiency in additional EU language, particularly German highly desirable. 

Your profile 

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a master’s programme in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-based environment 

• Interested in how ideas become funded, implemented projects 

About BABLE: 

BABLE Smart Cities is the Facilitator for Smart Cities in Europe, born as a spin-off from Fraunhofer Research Society. With a decade of experience in the field, we offer practical insights gained by practitioners, for practitioners.

Our mission is to accelerate change in the public and private sectors by providing market access and knowledge. We have already facilitated €2Billion in Smart City projects with cities, towns, and regions. Our free knowledge hub connects innovators and the public sector, providing access to the most comprehensive Smart City datasets and insights in Europe.

With a growing presence across Europe, we combine local knowledge with global best practices to implement more projects faster. Join us on the journey to a better urban life!

Why join us? We don't just offer internships; we provide opportunities for transformation. At BABLE, you'll find:

• Global Collaboration: Be part of an international team with over 50 colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all united by English as our working language.

• Growth Galore: Grow personally and professionally with training, coaching, and on-the-job support.

• Innovation at Your Fingertips: Contribute to a movement that turns visionary ideas into reality.

• Hybrid working opportunity: Enjoy flexible working hours, including remote work options.

• Time to Recharge: Relish 20 days per year of annual leave on a full-time contract.

• Tools of the Trade: Receive student-level pay, complete with a laptop and tech equipment.

• Seamless Onboarding: Experience a smooth transition into our team with buddy support.

• Empowered Autonomy: Embrace a flat company structure that grants you the autonomy to make an impact.

How to Apply: We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Apply by sending your CV, a concise motivation letter, and a sample of your work to join@bable-smartcities.eu. Tell us your story, your aspirations, and your vision. If you're unsure whether your profile aligns with our expectations, reach out to us.

Join Our Inclusive Movement: BABLE Smart Cities proudly champions equal opportunities. We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity. Your unique perspective is valued here.