International Rescue Committee Seeking Advocacy Policy and Research Intern

Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-profit voluntary agency providing assistance to refugees, displaced persons and other populations uprooted or affected by conflict and disaster around the world. This assistance takes the form of relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy.

The International Rescue Committee is established in Belgium with a view to ensure representation, networking and act as a resource on EU external aid policies and procedures to IRC affiliates and country offices worldwide and to see that IRC's advocacy and policy positions are heard. 

IRC Belgium is seeking two advocacy, policy and research interns to assist the Technical Advisor for Gender-Based Violence and the Director with their daily advocacy and policy activities. In addition to assisting with research on the key advocacy and policy priorities, some administrative tasks will be involved.

One internship will focus on gender-based violence policies and practices in the European Union, the other on refugee protection and resettlement in Europe.

Intern duties description

. Monitoring and analyzing the latest developments in the European Institutions (European Commission, European Parliament and Council), Member States and the media for relevant humanitarian aspects.

. Assisting in conducting research on specific topics relating either to gender-based violence or refugee protection and resettlement in Europe.

. Assisting in formulating advocacy and positions papers, drafting press releases, translating reports, updating the website and liaising with NGOs, networks, etc.

. Assisting in the organisation of conferences and meetings with members of Brussels-based NGOs and EU Institutions.

. Attending relevant meetings and conferences with donors, policy-makers and other partners, as requested.

. Perform other duties as needed, such as organising travel, translating, proofreading, checking references, summarizing, helping with presentational tasks and performing administrative tasks.

Experience Required

. Undergraduate or graduate student. Possible majors include Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Humanitarian Studies or any relevant field.

. Familiarity with and keen interest in current debates on humanitarian and development issues in the EU and its relations with third countries highly desirable.

. Knowledge about the issue of violence against women and/or refugee protection/ resettlement, a plus.

. Good understanding of EU policies and EU institutions.

. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

. Strong research, analysis and reporting skills.

. Proactive and able to work well independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, challenging non-profit setting.

. Proficient in the use of office software applications.

. Fluency (spoken and written) in English required, combined with French and/or Dutch.

Duration: 3 to 9 months, full-time internship, to be filled as soon as possible. We offer interns a monthly stipend as will be explained during the interview.

Please send your application (CV and cover letter) to: Nathalie Stiennon, IRC Belgium, Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés/Oud Korenhuis 16, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, Nathalie.Stiennon@theirc.org, clearly indicating "Internship Application/GBV "or" Refugee Protection" on all communication.

http://ircuk.org