Search for Common Ground seeks a professional, motivated intern for its European Affairs and Partnership (EAP) team to assist European advocacy and outreach activities. Candidates must be enrolled in an internship program at university during the internship, and available for at least 30 hours per week for a period of four to six months from September 2021 onward. Depending on the intern’s individual learning goals and interests, which will be determined at the beginning of the internship, the EAP Policy & Outreach Intern will gain the following knowledge and skills:
- Knowledge of peacebuilding and conflict transformation methodologies and programming
- Knowledge of the work of European institutions and European governments on the topic of peacebuilding and related fields
- Experience of advocacy and outreach in the field of peacebuilding
- Experience of supporting the management of advocacy grants
- Skills to better organize and prioritize own work, time management
- Expanded network in Brussels
Progress against the learning objectives will be monitored by the intern and their supervisor. The learning objectives and/or tasks may be modified during the internship if this is deemed appropriate by both parties.
The EAP Policy & Outreach Intern will be an integral part of the EAP team and Search Brussels Headquarters team. The intern’s responsibilities will depend on the internship priorities and will include:
Advocacy and outreach (75%):
- Assist with the organization of internal and external events (online/in person) and meetings;
- Attend external events on behalf of Search and report back to the relevant teams;
- Research European policy updates in the peacebuilding field and write a monthly digest about relevant news and developments;
- Support the creation of outreach materials such as policy papers and social media content;
- Support contact management;
- Other tasks related to European advocacy and outreach.
Other support (25%):
- Support grants management, knowledge management and database administration;
- Provide general support to the EAP team.
As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Education and skills requirements
- Part of an internship program
- In the pursuit of a university degree – preferably in the field of international relations, conflict studies, development studies, political science, communications, or similar;
- Knowledge of European institutions and understanding of EU decision-making procedures;
- Research skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail;
- Prior (volunteering) experience in a related field is an asset;
- Excellent oral and written communication in English; knowledge of other European languages, especially French, German, or Dutch, is an asset;
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within a demanding environment.
Behavioral Competencies:
- Working with People: The ability to respect the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy, listens, supports; consults others and shares information and expertise, builds team spirit and adapts to the tea;
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, to tolerate ambiguity, to adapt personal style to different people and situations;
- Communication: The ability to effectively exchange information with others, to effectively deliver critical information, to gather information and communicate with others;
- Ethical Practice: The ability to integrate Search vision, mission and core values, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices;
- Commitment to Search Values: Shared Humanity – Empathy – Impartiality – Inclusivity – Courage – Hope – Humility – Audacity.
Duration: The candidate must be available for at least 30 hours per week for a period of four to six months from September 2021 onward; candidates available for a full-time, six-month internship are preferred.
Compensation: The intern needs to be part of an internship program at their university. This internship is unpaid; a small stipend will be provided to cover food and transport costs.
Location: Brussels. Depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic develops, the intern might be asked to work from home.
Deadline: Candidates are asked to submit their application by August 15, 2021.