Internship Opportunity: Communications Assistant At Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation

About the Cause

There is a growing evidence and recognition that conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not random or opportunistic. It is a strategy used by armed groups fighting in conflicts worldwide. Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war for a range of reasons, i.e.: to terrorise civilians, to persecute and destroy targeted ethnic group(s), to humiliate communities, as a ‘reward’ for combatants, to extort information, or for financial gain.

The consequences of CRSV go far beyond individual suffering. Sexual violence committed across conflict-affected communities may inflict lasting (intergenerational) traumas, destroy family ties, harm peace-building efforts, and in some cases increase risks of sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, sexual violence as a tactic of war reinforces gender inequalities and normalises sexual violence, even after a conflict has ended. Unfortunately, the perpetrators often go unpunished.

About Us

The Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation is an organisation that supports survivors’ demands for a world where sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated and bears consequences for individual perpetrators and states. We work for a future where survivors receive the holistic care and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We create opportunities for survivors to speak out and be heard, and where they can organise to create change, influence policies, and demand justice and accountability. Accordingly, in 2017, the Mukwege Foundation initiated SEMA – the Global Network for Victims and Survivors to End Wartime Sexual Violence –to mobilise survivors to participate in matters that concern them. For example: advocating for a stronger preventive mechanism as part of the global responsibility to protect; advocating for a survivor-centred approach in provision of holistic care services; advocating for post-conflict reparations and justice; sharing experiences and strengthening the network to extend their outreach capacity to those still suffering in isolation.

Learning Objectives

To raise public awareness and greater supports to end CRSV, the Mukwege Foundation seeks the assistance of a Communications Intern. The internship programme is designed to benefit students or fresh graduates with the following learning gains:

1. Understanding of communicating sexual and gender-based violence to the public
2. Understanding of a diverse, ethical, and inclusive representation in non-profit communications
3. Skills to conduct desktop research and social listening
4. Skills to develop content for digital campaigns
5. Skills to organise knowledge assets
6. Skills to organise events and conferences
7. Interpersonal skills to collaborate in a multi-cultural working environment
8. Other learning objectives (as agreed by both parties)

Scope of Responsibilities

Working closely with the Communications Specialist and the global team of the Mukwege Foundation, the intern will conduct the following assignments that may contribute to their learning objectives:

1. Provide content development support (60%):

• Conduct desktop research on CRSV and other crosscutting themes
• Create appealing digital content for social media and newsletters – to highlight the consequences of (as well as ways to end) CRSV
• Assist the development of campaign and fundraising toolkits, i.e.: e-flyers, web-banners, animations, etc

1. General support with communications-related tasks (40%):

• Assist with keeping the website up to date
• Support with responding to media- and communications-related inquiries received in the Mukwege Foundation email accounts
• Reviewing and proofreading text for accuracy and tone
• Assist the development of a digital audio-visual library
• Support the logistical preparations for community events

Conditions of the internship

The internship will be conducted under the following terms and conditions:

• The intern is registered as an active student or has recently completed their studies at a recognised higher education institution;
• The intern is based in the Netherlands with occasional commute to the Foundation’s office in The Hague;
• The intern has obtained a legal permit to stay and work in the Netherlands independently;
• The intern will work between 24- 32 hours/ week;
• Small stipend of 20 Euros per day provided;
• The intern agrees to treat and portray survivors with dignity and respect;
• The intern shall adhere to the Code of Conduct of the Mukwege Foundation;
• The intern shall sign and adhere to a non-disclosure agreement.

The duration of the internship is minimum 4 months on the basis of 32 hours of work/ week or 6 months on the basis of 24-32 hours of work/ week.

You will work with a small team of colleagues from all around the world. While getting first-hand experience in supporting projects and events, you have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the ongoing activities supporting the global and national survivor movements.

Competencies and qualifications

The Communication Intern is expected to have the following skills and experiences:

• High degree of personal integrity;

• Sincere interest in the topic of human rights, humanitarian efforts and the non-profit sector;

• Flexibility, independence, reliability and commitment to the goals of the Mukwege foundation;

• Proof of active enrolment at a higher education institution or an obtained Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree majoring in communications/ journalism/ media production/ or other related fields;

• Excellent skills in content development and production – to be validated with a digital portfolio;

• Strong writing skills in English (French, Spanish, and other language competency is an asset);

• Expert knowledge and enjoyment of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube);

• Experience in using Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud;

• WordPress, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, and/or video editing skills are a plus.