International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Brussels 
Internship - Western Europe Desk
Deadline for application: 2 March 2015 

Human Rights are the very foundation of a society that guarantees equality, dignity and freedom for each human being. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), through its legitimacy, its experience, its methods and its credibility, has a unique role to play in contributing to their realisation.

FIDH currently has an internship position with the Western Europe Desk.
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. 

Conditions
• Preferred starting date: 1 April 2015
• Duration: 6 months
• Location: FIDH Brussels Office, Brussels, Belgium

Internships are unpaid, but local transport is reimbursed and a small daily allowance for lunch is provided.

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

How to apply
Please send your CV and motivation letter by email to Catherine Absalom at cabsalom@fidh.org by 2 March 2015.
Interviews will be held in our offices in Brussels. Telephone or skype interviews may also be arranged.