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Justice and Home Affairs Assistant Amnesty International

The Amnesty International European Institutions Office (EIO) is looking for a trainee on “Justice and Home Affairs” (except migration and asylum issues) to join our team in Brussels from 15 September 2012 for 10 months. Amnesty International’s overall goal in this sector is to ensure that human rights are better promoted and protected across the EU and its Member States. In this context, we advocate for an effective and ambitious EU human rights policy which recognises and addresses human rights shortcomings and sets up effective mechanisms for internal human rights scrutiny. We also call on the EU to strike the right balance between security and human rights concerns in developing its criminal and “counter-terrorism” policies and to ensure accountability and reparation for human rights violations committed on its territory. The successful candidate will assist the Executive Officer in monitoring and analysing EU policies, legislation and practices in these sectors and in developing and implementing advocacy strategies to influence the EU agenda consistently with AI’s mission and vision. After an induction period, the trainee is expected to work independently, represent Amnesty International towards institutions and take on responsibility for certain dossiers.
TRAINEESHIP DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Justice and Home Affairs Assistant
Reports to: Legal Affairs/Human Rights in the EU Executive Officer
Duration: 10 months (15 September 2012 to 15 July 2013)
TASKS INCLUDE:
1. General
Monitoring and analysing relevant EU legislation and policies;
Attend relevant conferences, seminars and hearings in Brussels;
Liaising with EU officials, member states’ representatives, the Council of Europe, AI international secretariat and national sections and other NGOs
Assist the Executive Officer in other tasks as required.
2. Policy and Legal
Mapping EU policy and legislative developments in key sectors (eg human rights in the EU, EU criminal law, counter-terrorism);
Assisting in devising and implementing advocacy strategies to influence the EU agenda consistently with AI’s mission and vision;
Conducting legal research and analysis;
Assisting in drafting advocacy letters and policy papers as well as thematic notes, syntheses and memoranda for internal use;
Researching and disseminating information on relevant issues to AI internal and external contacts, including responses to queries from the EU institutions and AI offices;
Conduct research on an ad-hoc basis for pressing questions and in-depth for relevant publications;
Occasionally representing AI vis-à-vis the EU institutions, other NGOs and the press, as appropriate, both in writing and orally;
Communication with external stakeholders (EU institutions and advocacy partners)
Communicate with Amnesty offices across Europe and support them in their work on human rights in the EU.
3. Administrative
Provide administrative and organizational assistance to the Executive Officer;
Update and maintain files, databases and mailing lists;
Send out briefings, letters and AI’s Annual Report;
Assisting with the organisation and running of meetings and events;
Taking minutes and writing reports following meetings;
Drafting contributions for the AI EIO’s monthly newsletter;
Assisting with other administrative tasks
SPECIFIC SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Strong knowledge of EU law and international human rights law (a degree in law would be a substantial asset),
Working knowledge of criminal law and procedure (highly desirable);
Excellent understanding of EU institutions, policies and working procedures;
Experience in conducting policy and legal research and analysis and in supporting advocacy work, preferably in an international or non-governmental organisation;
Interest in advocating for human rights displayed through professional or voluntary activities;
Ability to work independently and show initiative and to work collaboratively in a team;
Ability to manage varied workload and conflicting demands effectively and meet deadlines;
Good planning and organising skills.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
Experience in working in multicultural environments and show tact, integrity and cultural sensitivity in dealing with assigned tasks;
Excellent writing and editing skills in English (knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset)
Standard computer skills (knowledge of Windows, Word, Internet Explorer)
Send your application to internships@amnesty.eu