Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office (EIO), Brussels
Traineeship
Deadline for application: As soon as possible

Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office (EIO) in Brussels coordinates and promotes Amnest International's (AI) lobbying, advocacy and campaigning directed at decision-makers in the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE). It seeks to ensure that the EU integrates human rights into its internal and external policies and that the CoE and its member states take tangible action to promote and protect human rights nationally and regionally. 

The office lies at the heart of an extensive advocacy and campaigning network which includes national Amnesty International operations in European countries. Its organisational development programme helps its European offices to grow through professional support to develop their skills and reach.  

The EIO is urgently looking for a trainee on 'Justice and Home Affairs' (except migration and asylum issues) to join its team in Brussels from 1 March to 11 July 2014.
Tasks include:
General
• Monitor and analyse relevant EU legislation and policies.
• Attend relevant conferences, seminars and hearings in Brussels.
• Liaise with EU officials, member states' representatives, the Council of Europe, AI international secretariat and national sections and other NGOs.
• Assist the Executive Officer in other tasks as required.

Policy and legal
• Map EU policy and legislative developments in key sectors by the policy officer. These notably include: human rights in the EU, non-discrimination law and policy, criminal law and counter-terrorism. Please note that the brief does not include EU asylum and migration policies.
• Assist in devising and implementing advocacy strategies to influence the EU agenda consistently with AI's mission and vision.
• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Assist in drafting advocacy letters and policy papers as well as thematic notes, syntheses and memoranda for internal use.
• Research and disseminate information on relevant issues to AI internal and external contacts, including responses to queries from the EU institutions and AI offices.
• Conduct research on an ad-hoc basis for pressing questions and in-depth for relevant publications.
• Occassionally represent AI vis-à-vis the EU institutions, other NGOs and the press, as appropriate, both in writing and orally.
• Communicate with external stakeholders (EU institutions and advocacy partners).
• Communicate with AI offices across Europe and support them in their work on human rights in the EU.

Adminstrative
• Provide adminstrative and organizational assistance to the Executive Officer.
• Update and maintain files, databases and mailing lists.
• Send out briefings, letters and AI's Annual Report.
• Assist with the organisation and running of meetings and events.
• Take minuts and write reports following meetings.
• Draft contributions for the AI EIO's monthly newsletter.
• Assist with other administrative tasks.

Specific skill, knowledge and experience
• Strong knowledge of EU law and international human rights law (a degree in law would be a substantial asset).
• Excellent understanding of EU institutions, policies and working procedures.
• Experience in conducting policy and legal research and analysis and in supporting advocacy work, preferably in an international or non-governmental organisation.
• Interest in advocating for human rights displayed through professional or voluntary activities.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative and to work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to manage varied workload and conflicting demands effectively and meet deadlines.
• Good planning and organising skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills.
• Experience in working in multicultural environment and show tact, integrity and cultural sensistivity in dealing with assigned tasks.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English (knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset).
• Standard computer skills (knowledge of Windows, Word, Internet Explorer).

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send in your CV and a cover letter to traineeships@amnesty.eu if you match the profile.