Volunteer Intern, EU Advocacy and Research

The International Crisis Group is seeking two full-time volunteer interns to work with the EU Advocacy and Research team for six months, starting at the end of September 2024.

The volunteer interns will support the daily work of the EU advocacy team by conducting research into EU policy and conflict situations of relevance to Crisis Group, producing research memos and background materials, and assisting with advocacy tasks, including scheduling and attending external meetings with policymakers. The selected candidates will also support the implementation of the EU-funded project activities, including the organisation of policy engagements and dialogues, conferences and other events. The volunteer interns will join the team’s engagement with EU officials and EU policy practitioners along with Crisis Group’s analysts and senior staff.

This voluntary internship is for a highly motivated, young professional or recent graduate looking to gain hands-on EU policy and advocacy experience, as well as country and issue-specific knowledge of conflict prevention and resolution as pertaining to crises covered by Crisis Group.

The selected candidates and supervisor will set knowledge and skills development goals at the start of the internship. Regular feedback will be provided throughout the six-month period, with supervisory meetings with both the supervisor and the team manager to help monitor the development of the volunteer intern’s professional development goals.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support in fulfilling Crisis Group’s conflict prevention mandate with effective advocacy towards the EU and its member states;

• Provide support related to the implementation of projects in cooperation with the EU, including support for monitoring and evaluation;

• Assist the EU Research and Advocacy team with the organisation of policy dialogues and briefings, conferences, advocacy meetings and other events;

• Monitor EU institutions’ and member states’ sources, and track foreign policy developments related to conflict prevention and resolution;

• Prepare regular news summaries and updates on EU policies and institutions, as well as EU member states’ foreign policy for the EU advocacy team and other staff as relevant;

• Research and draft background materials on EU foreign policy and activities related to conflict issues covered by Crisis Group for advocacy staff and field personnel;

• Attend advocacy meetings, conferences or policy briefings on behalf of the team and report;

• Provide administrative support as needed.

Qualifications include:

• At least an undergraduate degree or in pursuit of a postgraduate degree, preferably in European studies, international relations, conflict studies, government, or similar;

• Knowledge of EU foreign policy and EU decision-making procedures, including an understanding of the CSDP-related institutional framework. Prior experience with the EU institutions or member states’ government structures would be an asset;

• Research skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail;

• Analytical skills and ability to present complex information in concise and informative briefs;

• Ability to work in a multicultural context and in a team, strong oral and written communication as well as organisational skills;

• English language skills at full professional proficiency. Advanced or at least conversant knowledge of French is highly desirable. Knowledge of other European languages would be an asset;

• Eligibility of residing and working in Belgium. The position entails in-person presence in our Brussels HQ offices.

If interested, please apply by 8 September 2024.