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.

We are recruiting a INTERN OR VOLUNTEER (M/F) – 6 MONTHS

YOUR TASKS :

The intern will work closely with the FIDH representative to the EU and assist in running the delegation. This includes the following tasks:

  • Assisting with research and analysis in human rights related issues and in devising and implementing advocacy strategies to influence the political agenda in line with FIDH’s mission and vision
  • Drafting thematic notes, syntheses and memoranda for internal use, and assist in writing advocacy letters, press releases and position papers
  • Attending and occasionally representing FIDH at advocacy meetings, conferences and seminars
  • Monitoring developments in policies, legislation and practices at both the national, regional and international level to help identify crisis situation and advocacy opportunities. Monitoring the European Union agendas
  • Assisting in organising and accompanying human rights defenders for advocacy missions before the EU institutions in Brussels
  • Supporting in organising and running meetings and events
  • Providing organisational and administrative assistance, including updating databases and information on FIDH’s website, distributing documents, etc.

PROFILE REQUIRED :

  • Excellent understanding and interest in human rights issues
  • Good knowledge (academic and/or practical) of EU (and UN) policies, systems and standards
  • Good knowledge and background in EU law, international law, international human rights law (proved by a 1st or 2nd degree in law, international relations, political sciences, etc.)
  • Excellent command of English (both oral and written) and at least an intermediate level of French (oral and written).
  • Good research, analytical and drafting skills
  • Good communication skills (oral and written)
  • Commitment to human rights and a desire to work in an international, challenging and fulfilling environment

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :

  • Important: All interns must be able to provide a ‘convention de stage’, ie a written agreement signed by their university proving that they are doing this as part of their studies. If this is not possible, we can arrange a ’volunteer’ agreement.
  • Full-time internship (39 hours per week) - Mars – August 2026 based in Brussels.
  • Local transport is fully reimbursed and a daily allowance for lunch is provided.
  • 12 days’ RTT over the period and 2 days’ paid holiday per month

Internship to be offered : From March to August 2026
Duration of internship : 6 months
FIDH is committed to diversity and equality and does not discriminate in its recruitment practices on the basis of 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 INTERNSHIP2026 in the subject line

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.

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