Background and purpose of the internship:
The UNICEF Office for Relations with EU Institutions belongs to the UNICEF Public Partnerships Division that works to strengthen the organisation’s position as a partner for children’s rights among governments and public actors around the world. In Brussels, we oversee the relations with the EU institutions and work to prioritize children and UNICEF’s key issues across EU’s policies and legislation. Being a member of the UNICEF Brussels Office, the intern will have the opportunity to learn about
UNICEF’s work for the cause of children and support the office in its partnership with the EU Institutions.
The intern will be a team member of the Advocacy and Policy Section in the UNICEF Brussels Office, advocating for children’s rights across the EU policies and working to gain greater visibility and awareness of children and women’s rights among a broad range of stakeholders. Under the supervision of a team member, the intern would support our Section’s objectives concerning advocacy and communication, working closely with colleagues in the EU Member States, Regional Offices, Country Offices and UNICEF Headquarters to advocate for the rights of all children.
Core responsibilities for this internship include but are not limited to:
- Assist in policy advocacy to influence the EU institutions and EU Member States, particularly in relation to migration, young people, education through coordination, monitoring, research and project management. Tasks include:
- Support the drafting of briefing and background notes;
- Setting up meetings for UNICEF colleagues with EU institutions;
- Attending meetings and writing up minutes;
- Assisting UNICEF’s support to the EU Group of Friends on Child Rights;
- Assisting UNICEF’s support to the EP Intergroup on Child Rights and ahead of the European Parliament elections in May 2019.
- Assist in strengthening our work to amplify the voices and participation of children and young people in EU policy making through the 2018 World Children’s Day engagement;
- Support communication activities of UNICEF Brussels office, including:
- Communication on EU-UNICEF jointly funded projects;
- Communication and campaigning on children’s rights and special events;
- Daily monitoring of relevant news and updates from the EU Institutions and EU media;
- Support UNICEF’s digital engagement, including social media and web content.
- Maintain an up-to-date contact database of relevant focal points and staff within UNICEF and EU institutions.
Learning and development:
The intern will receive supervision, guidance and coaching by the immediate supervisor from the start of the assignment and will be assigned projects related to her/his area of study. A learning and development plan will be agreed with the intern, aiming at:
- Enhancing and updating knowledge of EU institutions and policies;
- Improving understanding of UNICEF’s activities, policies and organisation;
- Improving basic organization, drafting and communication skills;
Qualifications, Skills & Competencies Required:
The UNICEF Internship Programme offers qualified and eligible students the unique opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in UNICEF’s work and the United Nations system under the direct supervision of experienced UNICEF staff.
To be considered for an internship with UNICEF, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Working towards a first-level or masters’ level university degree in political science, international relations, communication, public relations or a related field.
- Proven ability to synthesize information and communicate it simply and effectively; excellent analytical and writing skills requiredl;
- Experience and interest in advocacy, policy and media desirable;
- Positive team player interested in international and European affairs, and protecting the rights of children;
- Knowledge of the the functioning of the EU Institutions and experience in working in one of them would be highly desirable;
- Ability to operate in a diplomatic environment, using tact and judgement. Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment;
- Excellent command of oral and written English. Knowledge of French and/or another EU language an asset;
- Knowledge of office computer systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research.
