Internship with the FIDH Representation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands At Fédération internationale pour les droits humains Type Internship

The FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights) is an international human rights NGO. Since 1922, we have been committed to defending all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. You can find us on our social networks:

We are a federation of 188 national human rights associations active in 116 countries. For us, transforming societies is first and foremost the responsibility of local players. Our activities aim to strengthen their capacity for action and their influence.

The FIDH International Secretariat is a human-sized organisation with a committed international team (49 employees in France, 20 employees in several offices abroad (Brussels, Geneva, The Hague, Bangkok). Our Paris office is located in a lively, central district of Paris (near Bastille and Gare de Lyon).

Since 2004 FIDH established a permanent delegation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, whose main objectives and activities now are :

To support local NGOs and victims’ organisations in their understanding of and access to the mechanisms established by the Rome Statute, including by: organising strategy and capacity-building sessions, drafting material on victims’ rights and participation in ICC proceedings or on NGO engagement with the ICC, facilitating dialogue between local organisations and representatives of the different organs of the Court and embassies in The Hague, supporting member and partner NGOs to submit information and convey victims and survivors’ views on international crimes situations and often inadequate justice responses;
To advocate for a fair, independent and meaningful Court for victims and survivors of international crimes under the ICC jurisdiction, through regular and meaningful engagement with representatives from the ICC, States Parties and other external stakeholders;
To closely monitor the situations and cases before the ICC, particularly decisions on victims’ participation and on sexual and gender-based crimes, as well as institutional developments, including on policy and strategy levels; and
To participate in the work and activities of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court and coordinate actions with other civil society organisations engaged with the ICC.

We are recruiting a :

INTERN AT THE INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE BUREAU

Your tasks

A- Contribute to the organisation of the International Justice Desk activities in The Hague and abroad, as well as virtual (i.e. background research, design of agenda, drafting of briefing notes, letters of invitation, letters to request meetings, logistics etc.), in particular:

capacity building activities for human rights defenders on the International Criminal Court, international law and documentation of international crimes;
advocacy activities in The Hague, Brussels and/or Geneva on pre-identified ICC situation countries or ICC institutional matters;
public events, including webinars on pre-identified ICC situation countries or ICC institutional matters, for example for the launch of FIDH publications.

B- Monitor ICC developments, conduct research on pre-identified ICC-related issues (e.g. victims’ rights, reparations, the Independent Expert Review, ICC elections, ICC budget) and/or ICC situation countries, including by participating in meetings and conferences with States and ICC representatives, in order to draft and update internal briefing papers and contribute to advocacy and communication strategies and outputs.

C – Draft, support the review and translations of public documents of FIDH’s international justice desk in relation to the ICC, for advocacy and communication purposes, including position papers, press releases, Q&As, open letters, social media content.

D- Provide administrative support to the FIDH office in The Hague.

Through the internship, the candidate will work in a diverse linguistic and cultural setting, gaining strategic advocacy and legal skills. The intern will have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including diplomats, members of international organisations, the International Criminal Court and human rights activists from around the world.

Profile required

Studies in international or criminal law, political science, international relations or a similar field
Demonstrated interest in human rights and/or international justice
Experience of international organisations and/or international tribunals, experience of research and analysis
Fluency in English and good knowledge of French; understanding of Spanish or other languages is an asset.
Very good organisational and interpersonal skills.

Terms and conditions :

Internship under the responsibility and direct supervision of Danya Chaikel, FIDH Representative to the ICC, and Dorine Llanta, International Justice and Gender-based violence Programme Officer, both based in The Hague.
A stipend of 250 euros will be provided, as well as 3.55 euros per working day to cover meal expenses.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Full-time internship (39 hours per week)
Compulsory condition: a work placement agreement issued by an educational establishment
12 days’ RTT over the period and 2 days’ paid holiday per month
You are in total agreement with the values at work in the FIDH International Secretariat (professionalism, respect, commitment, equality, integrity, participation, boldness), as well as with FIDH’s fight to defend the human rights of everyone, everywhere in the world, as set out in its Articles of Association and in its publications, which can be accessed via its website: www.fidh.org

Internship to be filled : From 11 March to 31 July 2024

Location: The Hague, Netherlands

FIDH is committed to diversity and equality and does not discriminate in its hiring practices on the basis of race, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, health status or any other grounds protected by Dutch and international human rights law.

For people with disabilities, we ask you to indicate in your cover letter any adaptations that might be useful.