Human rights defenders & Security Programme Internship

Would you like to experience engaging with inspiring and courageous human rights defenders? And would you like to contribute to the protection of human rights defenders? Then this might be a great opportunity for you!

To support our Human Rights Defenders & Security team we are looking for:

Three Human rights defenders & Security Programme Interns

32 – 36 hours from June or September 2024 (+/- 6 months)

Within our Human rights defenders & Security programme are 2 of our initiatives, Shelter City and Artists’ Safe Haven. Shelter City is a global movement of cities, organizations and people who stand side by side with human rights defenders at risk. Shelter City provides human rights defenders at risk a temporary place for three months where they can feel safe, rely on solidarity and receive support tailored to their needs. We enable them to re-energize, engage with allies and develop their skills, knowledge and resilience. Artists’ Safe Haven is a tailormade programme intended for artists or art practitioners who, as part of their artwork, address or promote human rights in non-violent ways, and are threatened or otherwise under pressure due to their work or activism that typically includes rest, capacity building, networking, artistic outreach, advocacy and other activities.

Activities:

• You will accompany the human rights defenders/artist in The Hague and act as their main point of reference and support;
• You will set up their programme in the Netherlands: arrange network meetings, courses, lectures, and social activities;
• You will organize outreach events such as lectures, documentary screenings, school visits, exhibitions, film screenings;
• You will accompany them to meetings and events for support and represent Justice & Peace;
• You will provide practical support during their stay regarding accommodation, public transport, and getting acquainted with the city of The Hague and life in the Netherlands;
• You will support the (logistical) preparations before, during and after the capacity-building sessions organized by Justice & Peace in The Hague (preparing materials, booking venues, accommodation, food arrangements, etc.);
• You will support the organization of outreach activities outside of The Hague if needed;
• You will remain flexible in case of unexpected adjustments to the agenda or needed support;
• You will perform other tasks relevant to the Human Rights Defenders & Security programme and Justice & Peace.

We are looking for a candidate with the following competencies:

• You have a strong affinity with justice and human rights issues or arts and culture;
• You have an educational background in a discipline related to international human rights, law, arts, liberal arts, or a field relevant to this position;
• You are an excellent planner and organizer who likes to get things done and is creative and resourceful;
• You have excellent oral and written skills in English. Excellent oral and written skills in French and/or Spanish is considered a strong asset;
• You possess and display a high level of sensitivity and knowledge with regard to cultural and other differences (e.g. sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, religion and belief);
• You have the ability to show commitment, flexibility and empathy, but also to set boundaries when needed;
• You are result-oriented, proactive, stress-resistant, professional, team player, and open-minded;
• You live in the vicinity of The Hague. Knowledge about life and social activities in The Hague is considered an asset.

Note: Hired individuals may be exposed to trauma-sensitive environments.

What we offer:

• A fee of €500 gross per month (based on a full working week of 36 hours);
• Full reimbursement of actual travel expenses for daily commute in the Netherlands up to 100km (2^nd class public transport);
• A part-time work place at our office in The Hague city centre;
• A great atmosphere in a small and dedicated team, where working hard and having fun go hand-in-hand;
• The opportunity to meet with and learn from international human rights defenders and organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights, human rights defenders, development, and migration.

Justice & Peace Netherlands is a non-profit organization in The Hague that is committed to promoting human rights and social justice worldwide and in the Netherlands. To achieve this, we focus on innovative, positive and impactful approaches at the local level. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all individuals who may bring diversity to our team.

Are you interested?

Please send a cover letter and CV by 30 April 2024 addressed to Maral Khajeh, Programme Coordinator at vacature@justiceandpeace.nl, citing ‘Human Rights Defenders & Security intern’. Please make clear in your cover letter your ideal start and end date for the internship. For more information, please send an email to the address above. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are tentatively scheduled to take place in the week of 6 May.

Note: Candidates are not required to be a university student. Candidates must have a residency permit, work visa, or be a citizen of a European Union country to be able to work in the Netherlands immediately. Justice & Peace is unfortunately unable to support you in acquiring this. Candidates must be able to come to the office in person at least three days a week, and have a suitable remote working arrangement.