EU Humanitarian Advocacy Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading humanitarian organization that works to support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. Established in 1956, DRC has grown to become one of the largest NGOs in Denmark, with a mission to protect the rights of refugees and displaced people and to provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. The organization operates in multiple countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian work. DRC's EU Representation office in Brussels specifically aims to enhance the organization's visibility and influence within EU institutions, advocating for policies that benefit refugees and those affected by conflict and displacement. The office is part of the Department for Partnership, Advocacy and Engagement and Resource Mobilisation (PAER) at DRC Headquarters, working closely with other DRC representation offices to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The EU Humanitarian Advocacy Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the DRC Brussels Representation team. This position involves monitoring developments related to humanitarian crises and providing analyses that inform colleagues about issues affecting displaced populations. The assistant will draft various internal and external documents, including policy briefs and advocacy messages, to effectively communicate DRC's positions to key stakeholders in the EU. Additionally, the role includes maintaining contact lists for advocacy outreach, coordinating meetings, and managing internal communication tools such as the DRC EU internal Newsletter and social media networks. The assistant will also be responsible for formatting and proofreading documents, ensuring that all materials are polished and professional. This position is ideal for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian advocacy and develop their skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the EU Humanitarian Advocacy Assistant include:

• Monitoring developments related to humanitarian crises, fragile settings, and displacement issues, providing timely analyses to inform colleagues.
• Drafting internal and external products such as policy briefs, advocacy messages, and briefing notes.
• Analyzing DRC's reports and relevant materials to tailor messages for key EU stakeholders.
• Supporting stakeholder mapping and maintaining updated contact lists for advocacy outreach.
• Assisting with logistics and coordination for both internal and external meetings.
• Maintaining InSite pages and other internal communication tools, including the DRC EU internal Newsletter and social media networks.
• Formatting and proofreading documents and advocacy-related tools.
• Attending meetings, taking notes, and following up on action items.
• Performing other administrative tasks as assigned, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the EU Humanitarian Advocacy Assistant position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• A university degree is required, with a bachelor's degree being the minimum requirement and a master's degree being recommended. Relevant fields of study include law, social sciences, international development, humanitarian aid, or similar disciplines.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for effective communication.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with Office 365 is necessary for daily tasks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively within a team and engage with external stakeholders.
• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• A keen attention to detail and a commitment to completing tasks accurately and efficiently are crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the EU Humanitarian Advocacy Assistant position should possess a university degree, with a bachelor's degree being the minimum requirement. A master's degree is recommended, particularly in fields related to law, social sciences, international development, humanitarian aid, or other relevant areas. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian advocacy and the legal frameworks surrounding EU institutions.

Experience:
While the position is open to recent graduates and candidates with limited professional experience, a demonstrated interest in humanitarian operations, global displacement, and migration is essential. Candidates should have some academic, professional, or voluntary experience related to DRC's areas of work, which will help them contribute effectively to the team's objectives. Previous experience in the humanitarian sector or knowledge of EU institutions and relevant legal frameworks is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of a second DRC official language, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a paid internship for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension for an additional 6 months. The internship is offered under a Belgian contract known as "Contract Belge d’immersion professionnelle." Candidates will receive a partial refund of their monthly transportation costs and lunch vouchers. The workplace is located at DRC Brussels, Avenue des Arts 7/8, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, with a start date of 7 October 202

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in Belgium, either through nationality or an existing work visa, as DRC does not provide relocation support. Recent graduates and individuals with a migration or refugee background are strongly encouraged to apply.