Policy Intern OSF - The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society European Policy Institute (OSEPI) is the EU policy arm of the Open Society Foundations. We work to foster open societies inside and outside Europe by leveraging the EU’s policies, legislation, funding, and political influence.

The institute brings into EU policy debates evidence, argument, and recommendations drawn from the work of the Open Society Foundations in more than 100 countries. The Foundations’ priorities include human rights, justice, and accountability pursued through a wide range of policy areas including health, media, information, youth, and education.

Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.

We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.

The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations. 

Job Profile

OSEPI is currently looking for an intern to start in March 2015. The internship is for six months and interns receive monthly remuneration if not already enrolled in a scholarship program or receiving a grant.

The intern’s main tasks will be related to providing support to the work of OSEPI on EU’s policy related to equality and migration, although s/he will be asked to complete tasks in other areas as required. The successful candidate will work at OSEPI’s office in Brussels under the supervision of the senior policy analyst for equality and migration.

The policy intern will provide support in the following areas:

• monitoring of EU policies and news in specific areas
• assisting with desk research on these issues
• preparing briefing notes, meeting reports, and other factual and analytical documents
• attending relevant meetings at EU institutions, organizations, and other internal and external events/conferences
• assisting with forward planning/rolling advocacy calendar
• updating the contacts databases
• assisting with logistical or administrative tasks
• performing other related duties as required

Qualifications

• minimum undergraduate degree in the field of EU studies, international affairs, or human rights
• master’s-level degree in European or human rights law or in the field of European policy or integration an asset
• experience in drafting policy documents
• knowledge of the EU institutional architecture for justice, home affairs, and fundamental rights, including its primary and secondary provisions essential
• strong research and analytical skills
• understand the functioning and policy context of the EU
• experience within an NGO or international organization an asset
• interest in the activities of OSEPI office and the Open Society Foundations
• computer literacy, with a good knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office
• fluent spoken and written English required; knowledge of another EU languages an asset
• attention to detail, good communication and interpersonal skills required

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Instructions

Please fill in and return the application form by email to Pearly Raynal atosepi@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include “POLICY INTERNSHIP 022015” in the subject line. Applications by fax or CVs will not be accepted.