Internship - Communications Assistant

Protection International is currently recruiting a Communications Assistant (Internship)

Location: Brussels, Belgium or Home based

BACKGROUND

Protection International (PI) is an International NGO that contributes to the improvement of the protection of human rights defenders throughout the world. PI provides tools to develop defender’s capacity to manage their own security as they struggle against impunity and work in favour of human rights and democracy in their respective countries or regions. PI seeks to contribute to a situation where human rights defenders are recognised as legitimate actors for social change and to an environment where they can exercise their right to defend universally accepted human rights.

Protection International has its head office in Brussels, but primarily works where protecting human rights defenders is needed. We have long term presence in Colombia, Guatemala, DR Congo, Kenya, Thailand and Indonesia; and we also work with partners in countries like Egypt, Italy, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Chad, Nigeria, Burundi, Somalia and Pakistan.

Further information on PI and its activities can be found on our website:www.protectioninternational.org.

Protection International is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key objectives and responsibilities:

The Communication Internship at PI’s Advocacy & Outreach Unit provides opportunities for graduate and postgraduate students to gain an insight into the work of human rights defenders, while enriching their knowledge and experience in the field of communication.

The selected candidate will support PI’s Advocacy & Outreach Unit in the implementation of communication initiatives in order to raise PI profile in support of Human Rights Defenders at the EU and international level:

• Support PI’s Advocacy & Outreach Unit in updating and the daily management of PI’s websites and online content;
• Manage and analyse PI’s presence in social media channels;
• Assist in drafting and editing briefs, articles, press-releases, and general web-entries;
• Help cultivate, update and expand PI network and support the organization of PI events;
• Assist in the production of a media monitoring report around news on human rights defenders;
• Assist in audio-visual production and post-production (filming, editing);
• Update PI database of contacts.

Communication and reporting:

• Reporting to PI Communications & Outreach Officer,
• Working in close collaboration with communications and multimedia officers;
• Communication with external stakeholders for Human Rights Defenders protection according to the guidance and under the supervision of the Advocacy & Communications officers;
• Participate in the general coordination with the head office team and with PI field offices (including team meetings).

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Education and experience:
• Bachelor Degree in relevant field (communications/administration and finance management/ political science, human rights)
• Experience (internship or volunteer work accepted) in a similar communications post or with a NGO is a plus
• Prior experience managing social media and websites (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla) desired
• Great writing and editing skills are essential, as well as someone who knows how to tell a story
• Experience/knowledge of video editing software (final cut) an advantage
• Experience/knowledge of graphic design software (Photoshop, Indesign) an advantage.
• Native French or English speaker preferred, with good working knowledge of the other as well as Spanish.

• Personal Qualities:
• Initiative
• Flexibility

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Part-time position: 4 days a week – 30 hours/week for 6 months. Flexible arrangements possible.
• Target starting date: end of January.
• Please note this is an unpaid internship and only travel expenses within Brussels (STIB monthly pass) will be remunerated.
• Please apply by sending your CV/Resume with the subject line: “Communications assistant” to recruitment@protectioninternational.orgby January 20th.
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will be held by Skype or in person on a rolling basis.