Policy Intern OSI-Brussels

Open Society Institute–Brussels

Application Deadline: January 19, 2012

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

Open Society Institute-Brussels is the EU representative office of the Open Society Foundations. Our team of twelve people in Brussels covers the EU dimension of everything that the Open Society Foundations do, providing evidence, arguments and recommendations to policy-makers in the EU’s institutions and member-states, drawing on the Foundations’ work on the ground in nearly 70 countries.

Twice a year, OSI-Brussels provides opportunities for graduates to undertake an internship. This internship program, introduced in 2009, is only for Open Society Institute-Brussels.

The internship program:

• Is an opportunity for young graduates to gain work experience and increase their understanding of open society issues (such as human rights, justice, democracy, good governance, etc) especially at EU level;
• Aims at giving the intern an insight into the work of OSI-Brussels in particular;
• Provides OSI-Brussels with the assistance and contribution of the intern.

The intern will be able to participate in conferences, seminars and events held by NGOs or EU institutions in the field of human rights and democracy thus contributing to the practical knowledge and experience of the intern.

OSI-Brussels is currently looking for a policy intern to start in February 2012. The internship is for six months and interns receive monthly remuneration if not already enrolled in a scholarship program or receiving a grant.

The main focus of the intern’s tasks will be related to the work of OSI-Brussels on EU’s policy towards Eastern Europe, although s/he will be asked to complete tasks in other areas as required. The successful candidate will work at the Open Society Foundations office in Brussels under the supervision of a senior policy analyst.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the monitoring of EU policies and news in specific areas
• Assist with desk research on these issues
• Prepare briefing notes, meeting reports and other factual and analytical documents
• Attend relevant meetings at EU institutions, organisations and other internal and external events/ conferences
• Assist with forward planning/rolling advocacy calendar
• Update databases
• Assist with logistical or administrative tasks
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate degree in the field of EU studies, international affairs or human rights
• Experience in and knowledge about the countries in Eastern Europe is essential
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Understand the functioning and policy context of the EU
• Experience within an NGO or international organisation is an asset
• Interest in the activities of OSI-Brussels office and the Open Society Foundations
• Computer literacy, with a good knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office
• Fluent spoken and written English required; knowledge of Russian and/or other EU languages is an asset
• Attention to detail, good communication and interpersonal skills required

To Apply

Please complete the relevant application form and follow the instructions provided. Applications must be received by January 19, 2012.

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.