Communication Intern within the Children at Risk Unit at the CBSS Secretariat At Council of the Baltic Sea States

Would you like to hone your communication skills to promote children’s rights? Here is your chance to learn while contributing to the Children at Risk Unit and the Promise Barnahus network communication work.

The Permanent International Secretariat of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Stockholm, Sweden is looking for a skilled intern to join the Children at Risk Unit for a four to six-month full-time internship starting as soon as possible and no later than 1st of October 2023.

The CBSS Internship Programme Objectives:

• To provide the Organisation with access to the latest theoretical and technical knowledge that the intern can apply through practical work assignments, as well as with additional staff resources;
• To give young graduate students from the Baltic Sea Region the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the work of the CBSS as an International Organisation;
• To contribute to strengthening a Baltic Sea Identity through a more diverse workforce;
• To expand knowledge and understanding of the CBSS in its Member States.

The Children at Risk Unit

The CBSS functions as a coordinator of a multitude of regional actors in the areas of its three long-term priorities: Regional Identity, Sustainable & Prosperous Region, Safe & Secure Region. Read more about our priorities and work here. Children at Risk is a flagship priority under the Safe and Secure Region.

Following several years of preparatory work, the Ministers for Children’s Affairs in the Baltic Sea Region decided in October 2001 to establish a unit at the CBSS Secretariat working on Children at Risk, which would service an expert group on Children at Risk. The Expert Group on Children at Risk acts as convenor, driver, initiator, coordinator and facilitator to stimulate dialogue and exchange on cross-border concerns, to develop and nurture strategic partnerships and to contribute to the development and implementation of tangible projects. The Secretariat is mandated to undertake this work. Additional information about the Children at Risk work at the CBSS is available on https://childrenatrisk.cbss.org.

The PROMISE Barnahus Network

The PROMISE Barnahus Network is hosted by the CBSS, and is supporting Europe to adopt the Barnahus model as a standard practice for providing child victims and witnesses of violence rapid access to justice and care. We undertake this work to fulfil the PROMISE vision: a Europe where all children enjoy their right to be protected from violence.

To achieve this, the Network engages in comprehensive communications and exchange activities which supports members to: improve practice by having access to training, mentorship and practical tools, including University certified training in forensic interviews and therapy; gain recognition for excellence in practice, share expertise and learning and helping shape the European Barnahus Movement by having access to a broad network which actively engages in exchange and mutual learning; and more. Additional information about the PROMISE Barnahus Network is available on www.barnahus.eu.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision and with the support and guidance of the Senior Advisor and Head of Children at Risk unit, your tasks will include:

• Draft and publish texts about inspiring practices for protecting children based on existing research and publications.
• Manage and update our websites and our social media channels
• Produce minutes, reports, news items and updates for the Expert group on children at risk.
• Produce draft summaries of webinars, meetings, conferences for a public audience.
• Edit and layout reports and publications.
• Coordinate with our external services and consultancies in the area of communication, for example with our translation partner.
• Contribute to the regular reporting to the CBSS Committee of Senior officials about the work of the Children at Risk Unit and its projects.
• Produce and implement social media posts about relevant news and the work of the Children at Risk Unit, in close collaboration with the CBSS Communication Team.
• Carry out all tasks in full respect of the CBSS Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedure and Code of conduct.

Responsibilities may vary and change over time, depending on the development of the work and also your skills and interests.

Eligibility Criteria for the advertised position

The internship programme is open to students who are enrolled in an advance university degree (Master) or are recent graduates from a programme with specialization in an area relevant to the work of the CBSS and the Children at Risk. Only citizens of CBSS Member States are eligible for the scholarship grant. Remote/online internships are not eligible for the scholarship grant.

Education: You must be a university student or a recent graduate from a field such as International Humanitarian Law, International Migration, Communications, Graphic Design, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Social Sciences, Education or any other relevant field.

Competencies

Communication: The ideal candidate for the above-mentioned position speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interpret messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; willingness to learn from others, places team’s goals first, shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve services; offers new and different options to solve problems; thinks “outside the box”.

Specific competencies

• Familiarity with social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram;
• Ability to draft and edit clear and concise texts;
• Creative thinking and a passion for producing quality work;
• Capability of working both individually and in a team, as well as communicating in a multicultural environment;
• Flexible, with a can-do attitude and willingness to learn;
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and coordinate between multiple partners and stakeholders.

Technological awareness

Computer literacy in Microsoft Office is required. Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Up-to-date on latest social media strategies and trends is desired.

Graphic design skills and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, as well as experience and knowledge of WordPress will be considered a strong asset.

Other skills

Desirable skills and experience include:

• Strong oral and written communication in English. Other languages of the region are an advantage.
• Knowledge of children’s rights is an advantage.

Languages

The working language of the CBSS is English. For the internship post, fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Terms and Conditions

Remuneration: the CBSS Internship programme offers a modest monthly scholarship grant of 11000 SEK to nationals of the CBSS Member States. Remote/online internships are not eligible for the scholarship grant.

Health and disability insurance: Interns are required to have health insurance coverage, and to take care of formalities with the Swedish authorities regarding their stay in Sweden. The Secretariat will not take responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Furthermore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the condition of service.

Visa and Housing**:** Interns are responsible to make all necessary arrangements regarding visa requirements as well as housing arrangements.

Internship period: 4-6 months, starting as soon as possible and no later than 1st of October 2023.

Office environment and physical requirements

The office environment at the CBSS is set up with accessibility and ergonomics in mind. There is sufficient, adjustable overhead lighting combined with natural light. Adjustable chairs and desks are provided at the office, as well as additional computer screens. A wheelchair lift is in place. Additional equipment for your ergonomic and accessibility needs may be provided upon request.

You should be able to spend long periods of time working on a computer, either sitting or standing, to complete your tasks. The working time is 39 hours per week excluding lunch breaks.

The position is based in Södermalm, Stockholm, and is flexible remote, with in-office days for the team set as routine or with advance notice.

The CBSS Child Safeguarding Policy

The CBSS Secretariat and its Expert Units are fully committed to keeping children we come in contact with through our work protected and safeguarded from actions that place them at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, injury and any other harm. The CBSS Secretariat is committed to recruit staff and interns who are suited to apply strict child safeguarding practices. It is critical that you support the values and mission that we are working for and, you will be requested to sign our child safeguarding code of conduct. More information is available in our safeguarding policy.

Contact person

Ligia Broström

ligia.brostrom@cbss.org

Katerina Popova

katerina.popova@cbss.org