EU Advocacy Assistant

Position description

This internship is offered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) under the Belgian Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle (CIP) regulations. Applicants must be authorised to work in Belgium at the time of application.

The EU Advocacy Intern will support the EU Advocacy team in advancing IRC’s policy and advocacy priorities at EU level, particularly on refugee and migration issues as well as EU humanitarian aid and development cooperation.

Working under the supervision of the EU Advocacy Director, the intern will contribute to policy monitoring, research and the development of advocacy products. The role will also include administrative support to ensure effective coordination and internal knowledge management.

This internship offers a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in EU advocacy, deepen understanding of EU policymaking processes, and contribute to impactful humanitarian advocacy work. The intern will benefit from an inclusive and supportive learning environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Main Responsibilities:

Policy Monitoring & Research

• Monitor EU policy developments related to migration, asylum, refugees, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation
• Conduct desk research and prepare background analyses on relevant EU policy issues
• Track developments across EU institutions, including European Commission, European Parliament, and Council

Advocacy Products & Briefings

• Support drafting of advocacy materials, including briefings, position papers, talking points, communications pieces, and policy notes
• Contribute to preparation of external advocacy documents and internal strategy papers
• Assist in preparing materials for meetings with EU stakeholders
• Support the team with advocacy initiatives where relevant

Administrative & Coordination Support

• Maintain and update internal advocacy tracking tools, records and databases
• Support organisation of meetings, events, lobby tours and stakeholder engagement activities
• Assist with attendance, note-taking and follow-up actions from internal and external meetings
• Monitor the general IRC Brussels Inbox
• Support internal coordination across teams

Other tasks

• Provide additional support to the EU Advocacy team as required and appropriate
• Contribute to team priorities and cross-team initiatives as needed

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• Strong interest in EU policy, humanitarian action, migration, and refugee issues
• Interest in working in an international NGO environment
• Academic background in political science, EU studies, international relations, law, or related field preferred but not required

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Willingness to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Language Skills:

• Fluent written and spoken English required
• French or any other EU language considered an asset

Working Environment***:***

• Standard office working environment
• Hybrid position with expected presence in Brussels office (minimum 2-3 days per week)

Learning and Development:

This internship offers opportunities for professional growth and development, including:

• Exposure to EU policymaking and advocacy processes
• Hands-on experience in humanitarian policy and advocacy
• Mentorship and learning opportunities within the EU Advocacy team
• A fulfilling placement contributing to meaningful humanitarian outcomes

Application instructions

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