PAX is the largest peace organisation in the Netherlands. For the past 75 years, we have been working with local partners in conflict areas worldwide to protect civilians. Against violence of war, towards ending armed conflict and building inclusive peace. If you also believe that everyone has the right to a dignified life in a peaceful society, come work with us!
Do you want to learn more about the policies that impact peace and security or human rights? Do you want to strengthen your knowledge and experience of EU politics and policymaking? Are you curious, open, and interested in learning more about how civil society organisations collaborate to make change happen? Are you committed to working with integrity and in solidarity with PAX partners working under challenging conditions?
PAX is looking for a Public Affairs Trainee in Brussels, Belgium for a 10-month Traineeship!
The office of PAX in Brussels is looking for a motivated Public Affairs Trainee to support PAX’s EU advocacy engagement in Brussels. You’ll be working alongside the EU Advocacy Advisor and other Public Affairs colleagues. PAX in Brussels works on a wide range of topics linked to European peace, conflict, and security policy, such as strengthening European support for local civil society, protection of civilians, external drivers of conflict, and refugee protection. For more information, please visit www.paxforpeace.nl.
What will you do?

• Produce mappings, communications products, and briefings on entry points and synergies between EU policy agendas, PAX partners’ priorities, and PAX’s areas of expertise. This mainly involves: desk research, stakeholder outreach and informal interviews, drafting short, compelling texts and briefings, information design: infographics and data visualisation.
• Monitor and share EU-relevant policy and political developments to keep PAX colleagues and partners up to date and to anticipate emerging opportunities for PAX to engage. For example, through media monitoring, attending external meetings and events, note-taking.
• Collaborate with the EU Advocacy Advisor on analysis for advocacy, advocacy strategy and planning next steps. For example, by participating in internal analysis and planning meetings, drafting action points, updating briefings / planning documents as necessary.
• Assisting with hosting PAX colleagues and partners visiting from outside Belgium. For example, by taking responsibility for outreach to Brussels-based policymakers and civil society, scheduling meetings, and logistical support.

The role may occasionally involve updating and maintaining contacts databases, assisting with the monitoring and evaluation of EU advocacy activities, and ad-hoc translation (depending on language skills).
Who are we looking for?
Someone with:

• An interest in the EU and a commitment to multilateral politics, international solidarity, and peace;
• A strong interest in learning more about the practical work behind advocacy and how to find entry points within complex multi-stakeholder decision-making processes;
• Knowledge of political contexts outside of Europe and beyond European perspectives;
• Experience and skill in synthesising key information in written and visual form in a clear and persuasive way, i.e. producing briefs, basic graphics, infographics;
• Experience of desk research and outreach to new stakeholders with minimal guidance;
• Experience scheduling appointments that involve coordination with multiple attendees;
• A very good level of spoken and written English. Working proficiency in French, German, Russian, Arabic, or Spanish is welcome;
• The ability to identify patterns, differences, connections and contradictions (critical analysis skills);
• Self-sufficiency in administration and office skills, i.e. managing email correspondence, calendars, contact lists, coordinating with colleagues, resolving competing deadlines;
• The cultural literacy and openness necessary in international and multicultural environments;
• Affinity with and endorsement of PAX’s mission and values;
• Eligibility to work in the EU and the ability to work from Brussels, Belgium.

We encourage applicants to highlight relevant experience on your CV that demonstrates how your profile aligns with the role description.
What we offer

• An introduction to advocacy work on peace and conflict with the largest peace organization in the Netherlands;
• A Convention d’Immersion Professionelle contract for 10 months at €1.150 per month;
• A full-time contract at 36 hours per week for a period of 10 months;
• Anticipated start date of mid-September;
• A role based at the PAX office space in Brussels, with a mix of in-person and remote work;
• Occasional travel to PAX headquarters in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Application Procedure
Do you have any questions? Please contact Terri Beswick, Political Advisor Brussels, via t.beswick@paxforpeace.nl for further information.
Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV of no more than 2 pages and motivation letter addressed Terri Beswick, by using the following application form: https://www.nmbrshire.com/spa/public/apply?guid Assignment=8a41637c-057b-447b-bb97-fd93d119af8b&description=True&forcelocale=true
We strongly encourage applicants to address the following points in the motivation letter:

• Where your interest in the EU and commitment to multilateral politics / international solidarity / peace comes from;
• Your view on what types of interests / agendas can influence EU positions on peace and conflict, or What you see as some of the practical challenges of doing NGO advocacy towards the EU;
• Your assessment of the strengths / weaknesses of mainstream analysis in relation to a conflict-affected context of your choice.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16 August at 23:59 CET.
We . We will be reviewing applications and inviting short-listed candidates for an interview on a rolling basis. We will notify applicants if the position is filled before the deadline.
All interviews will be completed before Thursday 22 August with an anticipated start date of mid-September.
At PAX we are looking for motivated colleagues with passion and courage, to build a diverse, inclusive and authentic working environment together. PAX is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from everyone with the matching skills and interests for this position and eligibility to work in the European Union. We also welcome applications from those who have relevant transferable experience gained from outside the Brussels policymaking environment.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
Job Type: Internship
Contract length: 10 months
Pay: €1.150,00 per month
Work Location: In person
Application Deadline: 16/08/2024