Programme Assistant - Peace, Security and Defence

Friends of Europe is an independent think tank that connects people, stimulates debate and triggers change. We work for a more sustainable, forward-thinking, inclusive Europe.

Friends of Europe is recruiting a Programme Assistant – Peace, Security and Defence (PSD) for a paid seven-month internship, to provide support principally in the day-to-day operations for a range of tasks, activities and events relating to its work, starting in early March.

This is a great opportunity to understand the workings of an independent, influential think tank and develop your skills and experience. Taking a multidisciplinary and multistakeholder approach, joining up the dots, you will gain an understanding of several policy areas and have an opportunity for self-development and learning – as well as a chance to contribute to the dissemination of information through debates, working groups and publications.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TRAINEESHIP?

At Friends of Europe, we see traineeships as a way of combining initial full-time work experience with hands-on training. That’s why our traineeships are for people who have recently finished studying and are eager to acquire a first work experience.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

• Assisting and supporting the team with the organisation, delivery and follow-up of debates (drafting event proposals, invitations and programmes, contacting speakers, preparing moderator briefings and reading materials, registering and assisting participants, drafting and sending evaluation questionnaires, on-site support, etc.);

• Researching speakers, authors, themes and background information for our debates and articles;

• Providing input to developing programme content for our events, planning publications and requests for articles;

• Assisting in the organisation and follow-up of meetings and conducting other administrative tasks relating to the activities of the organisation (e.g., managing correspondence, providing logistical arrangements, background documentation, report writing);

• Developing and keeping databases up-to-date (e.g., entering data, creating mailing lists, etc.);

• Researching and writing briefings on EU and global policy challenges;

• Engaging in work across the organisation and supporting the team as required.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS DO I NEED TO HAVE?

Experience, Education and Knowledge

• Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in EU policy and public affairs with particular interest in peace, security and defence through a relevant degree or equivalent experience / self-learning

• Understanding of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and institutions (EU, NATO)

• Research skills combined with good analytical ability

• Fluency in spoken and written English; other languages are an asset

• Excellent writing skills

• Knowledge of social media and information platforms to gather key content

• Ability to work independently and within a multicultural team

Competencies

• A highly-motivated personality, hands-on and well-organised

• ‘Can do’ / ‘solution-oriented’ mentality

• Able to connect the dots between different policy areas in line with our ‘Connect- Debate- Change’ focus

• Able to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail

• Able to work in a multicultural team and with minimum supervision

• A particular interest in working for a think tank

• Interested in event organisation

• Flexibility when having to work at occasional morning & evening, weekend events

WHO CAN APPLY?

This position is open to nationals of EU/EEA member states or Switzerland, and to non-EU nationals with the right to already work in Belgium.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Friends of Europe is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, by providing equal treatment of all job applications received, regardless of applicants’ ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or health status. We especially encourage applications from those who have been historically excluded or not had fair and equal job opportunities.

Friends of Europe expects all staff to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in their work and their conduct.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

• To apply, please answer the relevant questions and upload your CV (pdf format, no longer than two pages) on our website which shows your motivation, skills, and experience. 

• The closing date for applications is Thursday 12th February  at 23:59 CET.

• Next steps include a one-hour online test followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.