CONTEXT :
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an NGO that brings together nearly 200 civil society organisations around the world. Founded in 1922, it is committed to defending fundamental freedoms and the universality of the rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Independent of any government and recognised for its expertise, FIDH works to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of human rights and defenders through advocacy campaigns, investigations into violations and legal action. In all its activities, FIDH integrates a gender-sensitive and anti-colonial approach. Its head office is in Paris, and its teams are present in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. FIDH also has delegations at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the European Union in Brussels, the United Nations in Geneva and the African Union in Nairobi.
Since 2004 FIDH established a permanent delegation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, whose main objectives and activities now are:
- To support local NGOs and victims’ organisations in their understanding of and access to the mechanisms established by the Rome Statute, including by: organising strategy and capacity-building sessions, drafting material on victims’ rights and participation in ICC proceedings or on NGO engagement with the ICC, facilitating dialogue between local organisations and representatives of the different organs of the Court and embassies in The Hague, supporting member and partner NGOs to submit information and convey victims and survivors’ views on international crimes situations and often inadequate justice responses;
- To advocate for a fair, independent and meaningful Court for victims and survivors of international crimes under the ICC jurisdiction, through regular and meaningful engagement with representatives from the ICC, States Parties and other external stakeholders.
- To closely monitor the situations and cases before the ICC, particularly decisions on victims’ participation and on sexual and gender-based crimes, as well as institutional developments, including on policy and strategy levels; and
- To participate in the work and activities of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court and coordinate actions with other civil society organisations engaged with the ICC.
YOUR TASKS :
During the internship, the selected candidate will:
- Monitor ICC developments, conduct research on selected ICC-related issues (e.g., victims’ rights, reparations, ICC elections, or situation countries), and participate in relevant meetings and conferences. The intern will contribute to drafting internal briefing papers, advocacy strategies, and public communication materials.
- Assist in organising activities related to the International Justice Desk, both in The Hague and internationally, including virtual events. Tasks include background research, agenda design, drafting documents such as briefing notes and letters, and supporting logistical arrangements. The focus may include :
◦ Capacity-building for human rights defenders on ICC processes and international law.
◦ Advocacy efforts related to ICC situation countries or institutional issues.
◦ Public events, including webinars and publication launches on ICC-related topics.
- Draft and assist in reviewing and translating public documents related to FIDH’s work on international justice, including position papers, press releases, Q&As, and social media content for advocacy and communication purposes.
- Provide general administrative support to the FIDH office in The Hague.
Through this internship, the candidate will gain valuable experience in a diverse, multilingual, and multicultural environment. They will develop strategic advocacy and legal skills while engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including diplomats, international organisation representatives, ICC officials, and human rights activists from across the world.
PROFILE REQUIRED :
- Studies in International or Criminal Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in human rights and/or international justice, with exposure to international organisations and/or courts.
- Experience in research and analysis.
- Fluency in English, with a good command of French; Spanish or additional languages are a plus.
- Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS :
- The intern will work under the direct supervision of Danya Chaikel, FIDH Representative to the ICC, and Ashley Waye, FIDH Programme Officer to the ICC , both based in The Hague.
- Full-time internship (39 hours per week) February – July 2026.
- A monthly stipend will be provided, along with a daily contribution toward meal expenses, in accordance with applicable internal arrangements
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed
- Compulsory condition : a work placement agreement issued by an educational establishment
- 12 days’ RTT over the period and 2 days’ paid holiday per month
- You are in total agreement with the values at work in the FIDH International Secretariat (professionalism, respect, commitment, equality, integrity, participation, boldness), as well as with FIDH’s fight to defend the human rights of everyone, everywhere in the world, as set out in its Articles of Association and in its publications, which can be accessed via its website: www.fidh.org
Internship to be offered : From February to July 2026
Duration of internship : 6 months
FIDH is committed to diversity and equality and does not discriminate in its recruitment practices based on ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, state of health or any other situation protected by French and international human rights law.
For people with disabilities, we ask you to indicate in your cover letter any adaptations that might be useful.
Why join us?
This internship will be highly formative and a good springboard for starting a career in human rights.
Send your CV and covering letter to à recrutement@fidh.org quoting reference INTERNSHIPBJI in the subject line.
Applications must be submitted by 6 February 2026.
Interviews will be held as applications are received.
Only candidates whose applications are selected will be contacted.
In compliance with the regulations on financial sanctions adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and France against CSOs/NGOs, the person selected for the position will be screened against the Single Asset Freeze List.
