The European Youth Forum is the platform of youth organisations in Europe. We represent over 100 youth organisations, which bring together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe.

The Youth Forum works to empower young people to participate actively in society to improve their own lives by representing and advocating their needs and interests and those of their organisations. In the current uncertain political and social context that affects young people, they can be powerful catalysts for positive change and contributors of innovative solutions to Europe’s challenges.

The position
We are recruiting an advocacy assistant, in an internship position. The successful candidate will work in the External Affairs Department, supporting the policy and advocacy work of the European Youth Forum, and will report to a Policy Officer who will act as mentor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor policy developments at the EU level
Follow the work of European Parliament committees on the Youth Forum’s areas of interest
Monitor the relevant EU Council meetings and processes
Prepare updates and briefing notes on relevant EU processes
Attend EU and other organisations’ events, and debrief the team on these events
Help with coordination of European Youth Forum members on EU, Council of Europe and UN advocacy
Assist in organising and delivering Youth Forum advocacy events
Focus topics: civic space, democracy, non-formal education/mobility/volunteering/youth work
Support the updating of the internal database and EU Transparency Register (admin)
Support as required the work of the wider Secretariat

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
A higher education degree in social science, law, political science, international or EU affairs or other relevant field is desirable
Strong interest in youth policy is required
Knowledge of EU institutions is a definite asset
Experience with communication is an asset
Languages: Strong oral and written English is required, good knowledge of French is an asset.
Volunteering and other forms of previous or current engagement in youth organisations is an asset

Personal skills
A quick learner and self-starter with strong ability to develop knowledge on new concepts and adapt to new processes.
An effective communicator and a strong team player.
Ability to set personal objectives and think strategically.
Good organisational skills and capacity to multitask.
High capacity to work independently within a small team and strong time-management skills
Ability to meet change head-on, think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage a challenging workload.
Computer literacy, with good working knowledge of word processing, email and online applications.
Excellent research, analytical and writing skills
Strong organisational and communication skills

TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

6 months contract with a compensation of 1796,31€ gross per month paid under the European Youth Forum Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Regulated under the conditions of the Belgium internship contract “Convention d’immersion professionnelle” and in line with the European Charter for Quality Internships and Apprenticeships (www.youthforum.org/european-quality-charter-internships-and-apprenticeships)
Coverage of 100% of the public transport travel costs within the Brussels region; while working from home due to COVID, individual journey tickets will be repaid.
Full time, for a period of 6 months (with the possibility of extension for an additional 6 months)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To submit your application for this vacancy, please use the European Youth Forum online recruitment system: http://recruitment.youthforum.org
How to apply with the online application system?
1. Create a user account: click on “Registration” and fill in your personal details.
2. Go to the “private area” and login with your username and password.
3. Click on the vacancy and apply.
4. Respond to our application questions and upload your CV.

Candidates need to have the right to work in Belgium.

Interviews for this vacancy will be held in the week of 7 March and the successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible, ideally in April.

Due to the high number of applications usually received for European Youth Forum vacancies, only candidates short-listed for interviews will be contacted. All candidates are kindly requested to refrain from any phone inquiries .

RECRUITMENT POLICY

Anti-discrimination
All appointments should be made in a transparent way and comply with all relevant employment regulations. No job applicant or employee should receive less favorable treatment on the ground of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, gender identity, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.

Volunteering
Any relevant volunteering experience is considered equal to any other professional experience.
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