Athlete Trainee Programme

Posting Start Date:  29/05/2026 Entity:  International Olympic Committee

Posting End Date: 18 June 2026 
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland 
Contract Type: Trainee 

Activity Level: 100%  

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement. A truly global organisation, it acts as a catalyst for collaboration between all Olympic stakeholders, including the athletes, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the International Sports Federations (IFs), Organising Committees for the Olympic Games, the Worldwide Olympic Partners and Media Rights-Holders. It also works with public and private authorities, including the United Nations and other international organisations.    

The IOC is launching a new Athlete Trainee Programme, catering exclusively to Olympians and elite athletes, offering a unique opportunity to transition from sports to professional career. This is not a standard traineeship. It is a structured pathway to support athletes transition from high-performance sport into a professional career, combining real work experience with tailored development. 

If you are an active (or recently retired) Olympian or Elite Athlete, and you are looking to gain your first professional experience, this is your opportunity to start at the heart of the Olympic Movement and prepare for a successful career beyond sport. 

What the program offers?

• 18-month paid, office-based traineeship at Olympic House (Lausanne, Switzerland) 

• Rotations across three departments (including Athletes & HR, plus one aligned with your development goals) 

• Tailored learning & development programme 

• Individual final project 

• Structured support from managers and teams throughout the journey 

Who can apply?

To apply for the IOC Athlete Trainee Programme, you must be: 

• An Olympian or elite athlete, either active or retired – priority will be given to those still competing or recently retired 

• Fluent in English at C1 or equivalent level (French is helpful but not essential) 

• Available to relocate and work full-time for 18 months in Lausanne, Switzerland 

What is the programme about?

The programme combines practical experience, structured development, and clear objectives set with your managers. You will gain hands-on experience by working across three IOC departments, developing both business and professional skills. To complement your experience, you will take part in a tailored learning and development programme and an individual final project. Throughout this journey, you will be supported by managers and teams who will set clear objectives and provide ongoing feedback and coaching during your traineeship. 

Application and selection process:

• Step 1: Complete application form in this page 

• Step 2: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to complete a short self-recorded digital interview. 

• Step 3: Face to face Teams interviews taking place in the month of July. 

• Step 4: Additional interviews for final shortlisted candidates. 

• Start date: September 2026 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Apply before 18 June 2026 to be selected to the first IOC Athlete Programme cohort.

Come and join an organisation where the spirit of inclusion, gender equality and diversity is embedded in its DNA and which focuses on what unites us – a passion for sport and its values. Work in a flexible and rewarding environment which offers competitive employee benefits and numerous incentives to live a sustainable, healthy and active life. By joining us, you become part of the Olympic Movement and help to build a better world through sport. You will have the opportunity to work with people of more than 70 nationalities.