EU Advocacy Assistant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Internship Overview: 

This internship is offered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) under the Belgian Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle (CIP) regulations. Applicants must be authorised to work in Belgium at the time of application.

The EU Advocacy Intern will support the EU Advocacy team in advancing IRC’s policy and advocacy priorities at EU level, particularly on refugee and migration issues as well as EU humanitarian aid and development cooperation.

Working under the supervision of the EU Advocacy Director, the intern will contribute to policy monitoring, research and the development of advocacy products. The role will also include administrative support to ensure effective coordination and internal knowledge management.

This internship offers a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in EU advocacy, deepen understanding of EU policymaking processes, and contribute to impactful humanitarian advocacy work. The intern will benefit from an inclusive and supportive learning environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Main Responsibilities: 

Policy Monitoring & Research

• Monitor EU policy developments related to migration, asylum, refugees, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation

• Conduct desk research and prepare background analyses on relevant EU policy issues

• Track developments across EU institutions, including European Commission, European Parliament, and Council

Advocacy Products & Briefings 

• Support drafting of advocacy materials, including briefings, position papers, talking points, communications pieces, and policy notes

• Contribute to preparation of external advocacy documents and internal strategy papers

• Assist in preparing materials for meetings with EU stakeholders

• Support the team with advocacy initiatives where relevant

Administrative & Coordination Support

• Maintain and update internal advocacy tracking tools, records and databases

• Support organisation of meetings, events, lobby tours and stakeholder engagement activities

• Assist with attendance, note-taking and follow-up actions from internal and external meetings

• Monitor the general IRC Brussels Inbox 

• Support internal coordination across teams

Other tasks 

• Provide additional support to the EU Advocacy team as required and appropriate

• Contribute to team priorities and cross-team initiatives as needed

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• Strong interest in EU policy, humanitarian action, migration, and refugee issues

• Interest in working in an international NGO environment

• Academic background in political science, EU studies, international relations, law, or related field preferred but not required 

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong research and analytical skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

• Willingness to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Language Skills:

• Fluent written and spoken English required

• French or any other EU language considered an asset

Working Environment: 

• Standard office working environment

• Hybrid position with expected presence in Brussels office (minimum 2-3 days per week)

Learning and Development:

This internship offers opportunities for professional growth and development, including:

• Exposure to EU policymaking and advocacy processes

• Hands-on experience in humanitarian policy and advocacy

• Mentorship and learning opportunities within the EU Advocacy team

• A fulfilling placement contributing to meaningful humanitarian outcomes

The deadline for this position is Monday, May 18 2026 at 23.59 CEST

This is a 6 months fixed term contract with the potential to be renewed

Candidates must have the right of work for Belgium.

Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 

The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organisation. We consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, nationality, socioeconomic background, or any other protected characteristic.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience related to displacement, migration, and humanitarian contexts. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute.

We recognise that few applicants may "check all the boxes," but that each person has their own unique strengths that they would bring. In our commitment to building a diverse and authentic work culture, we invite you to apply anyway. You belong here.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and during the internship to ensure equal access and opportunity.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.