Human Rights Intern
Deadline for application: 15 November 2015
AGE aims to fight age discrimination and promote the rights of older persons; voice the interests and concerns of older European citizens and foster their involvement at EU, Council of Europe and UN level to shape appropriate policy responses; and raise awareness of ageing related issues and of the opportunities and challenges that arise from the ageing of the EU’s population.
AGE is currently seeking an intern to work on the human rights of older persons.
Learning objectives
• Understanding of main challenges for older people’s rights and their protection by the UN, EU and Council of Europe (CoE);
• Ability to implement a rights-based approach in policymaking and development of monitoring techniques;
• First hand experience of everyday work of an EU-wide self-advocacy umbrella organisation;
• Extensive knowledge of possibilities of civil society engagement with human rights mechanisms;
• Development of analytical, communication and drafting skills and ability to translate international human rights standards into lay audience material;
• Acquaintance with negotiation processes for a new UN convention;
• Practical experience with EU and CoE human rights processes and understanding of synergies between the two legal orders(ex. Turin Process).
Tasks
The intern will support the Policy Officer on Human Rights and Non-Discrimination in developing an online handbook on the rights of older persons in the Council of Europe. He/She will conduct research on the legal databases of the Council of Europe (European Court of Human Rights and European Committee on Social Rights) and related soft instruments. The intern will also assist in drafting policy, communication and information material for a wide audience and gather examples of age-discrimination in access to goods and services to feed into our advocacy of a new horizontal equality EU directive and an improved application of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) by the EU and its Member States. In addition, the intern will contribute to the organisation of events on ageing and human rights and will be expected to attend a number of policy/stakeholder/NGO meetings.
Intern profile
• MA or BA student in the field of human rights, law, political science, sociology, or other related fields;
• Good knowledge of the Council of Europe and its human rights processes;
• Understanding of the EU institutions and UN bodies;
• Full computer literacy;
• Ability to draft concise papers and messages in an easy-to-understand language;
• Fluent written and spoken English;
• Good knowledge of written and spoken French an advantage;
• Working knowledge of other European languages also an advantage;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as with mixed audiences of NGOs, legal experts and policymakers;
• Commitment to AGE’s mission and values;
• Interest in the rights of older persons.
What AGE offers
• An interesting learning opportunity and working experience in an EU-wide NGO;
• Insight into and development of skills in EU affairs and exposure to CoE and UN processes;
• Development of specific knowledge on advocacy related to older people’s rights;
• Involvement with AGE’s national member organisations;
• Opportunity to draft articles, policy papers and develop communication campaigns, as demonstrated outcomes of the undertaken work;
• Opportunity to participate in related European events;
• Coverage of public transport travel costs within the Brussels region and possibility to cover some travel expenses in case of relocation of student;
• Contract between the educational institution, intern and AGE outlining the main principles, learning objectives and conditions of the internship;
• Guidance throughout the internship period by supervisor(s) with wide experience in the field;
• Evaluation of the internship period (by supervisor and intern).
Practical information
Location: AGE office in Brussels
Period of internship: January to June 2016 (can be adapted to coincide with academic commitments, but should last for a minimum of 4 months)
Working hours: 09.00 to 17.30 (Flexible schedule possible in accordance with line manager)
Application process
Deadline for sending applications: 15 November 2015
Interviews with short listed candidates will be held during the first week of December
Start: ideally on 11 January 2015, but negotiable upon student/university request
To apply, please send: 1. A motivation letter (one page maximum) mentioning your availability; 2. Your CV (2 pages maximum) to Nena Georgantzi, Policy Officer at nena.georgantzi@age-platform.eu. Subject heading: Human Rights Intern.
Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted by 30 November 2015. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to produce a short position statement or communication material, as evidence of their drafting skills. Please note that AGE cannot refund travel and accommodation costs for the interviews but the interview can be organised by phone or Skype.
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