Internship

Job Posting Organization:
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization that has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters for over 40 years. The organization focuses on meeting vital needs such as access to water, food, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases related to unsafe water, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Through its interventions, SI has developed expertise in providing access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, as well as in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods. SI operates in 26 countries with a total of 3,200 staff members, including expatriates, national employees, headquarters staff, and a few volunteers. Since March 2020, SI has been active in France across five territories, targeting populations living in precarious housing situations, such as slums or squats, who have limited access to basic services, including drinking water, sanitation, and essential hygiene products. SI aims to advocate for the recognition and effective implementation of the right to drinking water in France, as recognized by the UN since 2010, but not yet considered a fundamental right in the country. The organization's strategy includes supporting local actors in finding concrete solutions to improve sanitary conditions and advocating for legal reforms regarding the right to water in France.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position of Advocacy Assistant for the North Littoral Mission in France operates under the authority of the Advocacy Lawyer and the Legal and Advocacy Referent. The intern will collaborate with the technical teams in the North to support local advocacy efforts concerning access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (EHA) in the North Littoral area and the application of the right to water and sanitation in this region. The role involves supporting the advocacy department and SI's actions in the North Littoral by developing capitalizing actions aimed at advocating for improved access to EHA. This includes capitalizing on data from SI and its partners to highlight the situation regarding access to EHA and supporting inter-associative initiatives for local advocacy actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Advocacy Assistant include:

• Supporting the development of an observatory for access to EHA in the North Littoral by assisting in the collection of qualitative (testimonials) and quantitative data (from SI teams and partners) to reveal the reality of needs for those lacking sufficient access to EHA.
• Updating and improving existing data analysis tools and conducting secondary data analysis (publications and reports).
• Contributing to the calendar of advocacy opportunities and identifying advocacy targets at local, national, and European levels.
• Participating in the drafting of advocacy documents, letters of appeal, and internal and external publications.
• Engaging with partner networks to facilitate the flow of EHA information in the North Littoral and centralizing it through SI.
• Attending inter-associative meetings with SI partners and ensuring proper documentation of discussions.
• Supporting the Legal and Advocacy Referent in utilizing legal tools to ensure the respect of rights, particularly the right to water.
• Participating in weekly and monthly meetings of the office and various services as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a BAC +4 level education, with a background in political science, social sciences, public policy, or law. A strong interest and knowledge of issues related to exile, precariousness, and inadequate housing in France are essential. Candidates should have excellent writing, analytical, and drafting skills, as well as a strong command of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Experience in data collection and analysis is preferred, along with good synthesis abilities and interpersonal skills. Proactivity, critical thinking, organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure are also important. A commitment to the principles and work of SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL is required, and prior experience or in-depth knowledge of the North Littoral context will be valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a BAC +4 level, with a focus on political science, social sciences, public policy, or law. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of advocacy work related to access to water and sanitation, as well as the broader social issues affecting vulnerable populations in France.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in data collection and analysis. While specific years of experience are not mandated, familiarity with the context of the North Littoral and previous involvement in advocacy or humanitarian work will be advantageous. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to engage with various stakeholders and contribute effectively to advocacy efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, given the local context and the need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and partners. Proficiency in English is also beneficial, as it may be necessary for certain advocacy documents and communications. Additional language skills relevant to the local population may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The internship is based at the North Mission office of SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL in Rosa-Parks, Paris 19th, with regular field trips to the North Littoral area. The contract duration is six months, and a mandatory internship agreement is required. The legal compensation for the internship is set at 5.59 euros per hour, calculated based on actual hours worked each month (approximately 154 hours per month, equating to 22 days of 7 hours each). Additionally, the organization provides meal vouchers (60% coverage) and transportation subsidies (50% coverage). This internship offers a valuable opportunity to understand the relationships between various stakeholders involved in implementing access to water and sanitation and to practice humanitarian advocacy related to the right to water in connection with NGO projects.