Western Europe Desk - Internship Position

Western Europe Desk - Internship position

Preferred start date: as soon as possible

Duration: 6 months

Location: FIDH Brussels Office, Brussels, Belgium

Conditions: the internships are unpaid but local transport is fully reimbursed and a small daily allowance for lunch is provided.

Important: All interns must be able to provide a ‘convention de stage’, ie a written agreement signed by their university proving that they are doing this as part of their studies.

Description:

The intern will work closely with the person responsible for the Western Europe Programme at FIDH and assist her in running the programme. This includes the following tasks:

Assisting the programme officer with research and analysis in human rights related issues and in devising and implementing advocacy strategies to influence the political agenda (at both the national and regional level) in line with FIDH’s mission and vision

Drafting thematic notes, syntheses and memoranda for internal use, and assist in writing advocacy letters, press releases and position papers

Attending and occasionally representing FIDH at advocacy meetings, conferences and seminars

Monitoring developments in policies, legislation and practices at both the national and regional level to help identify crisis situation and advocacy opportunities. Monitoring the EU, CoE and UN agendas.

Assisting the programme officer in organising fact-finding and advocacy missions to target countries (depending on work plan)

Assisting the programme officer in maintaining and strengthening relations with FIDH’s member organisations in the region and in liaising with partner organisations and target institutions

Helping organise and run meetings, events and press conferences

Providing organisational and administrative assistance, including updating databases and information on FIDH website, distributing documents, etc.

Candidate profile:

Excellent understanding and interest in human rights issues, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, anti-discrimination and equality and migration and asylum issues. An expertise in economic, social and cultural rights would be particularly welcome.

Excellent knowledge (academic and/or practical) of EU, CoE and UN systems and standards.

Good knowledge and background in international law, international human rights law and/or EU law (proved by a 1st or 2nd degree in law, international relations, political sciences, etc.)

Excellent command of English (both oral and written) and at least an intermediate level of French (oral and written). Other languages (especially other European languages) would be an asset.

Good research, analytical and drafting skills

Good communication skills (oral and written)

Ability to work collaboratively in a small team

Commitment to human rights and desire to work in an international, challenging and fulfilling environment

To apply:

Please send your CV and motivation letter by email to Catherine Absalom (cabsalom@fidh.org) by the6th of March 2016.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews which will be held in our offices in Brussels. Telephone or skype interviews may also be arranged.