Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an International NGO engaged in the creation of a large-scale international civilian unarmed peacekeeping force. In partnership with local groups, NP applies proven non-violent strategies to protect human rights, deter violence and help create space for local peacemakers to carry out their work.
NP Brussels office seeks energetic and creative individuals to assist Fundraising and Strategic Relations Departments for 4 months minimum. Specifically, this unpaid internship will be focused on fundraising research. Knowledge or willingness to learn about the specific themes related to NP, including civilian peacekeeping and human security will be an asset.
We offer a unique internship opportunity based on the values of education, participation, and hands-on practical knowledge. Based on NP?s commitment to professional development, expectations for interns are high. In return, interns can expect a challenging environment which will prepare them for full-time employment in a professional setting. Our past interns are now working for European Institutions, City, Regional and National Representations in Brussels, various International Organizations worldwide.
Essentials Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent English written and verbal communication skills, and confidence using these in a cross-cultural environment
- Ability to work in a very fast-paced, challenging non-profit setting
- Accuracy and attention to details
- Strong research and analysis skills
- Ability to respect deadlines
- Academic degree
- French, Spanish or other languages an asset
- Good MS Word and Excel. Experience in database management an asset
Responsibilities
In order to support the work of NP?s International Fundraising Team your areas of responsibility will include:
- Analysing EU and European governments' policies for relevant aspects and fundraising opportunities for nonviolent intervention
- Maintaining and improving the existing contacts in European and national institutions
- Researching about peacebuilding and development agencies' work in areas of interest for NP projects (Sri Lanka, Philippines, Uganda, Guatemala, Colombia, others)
- Attending relevant meetings and conferences with donors and other partners
- Other tasks related to fundraising and communication support
Working Conditions
The internship is not paid and at least for 4 months. Nonviolent Peaceforce encourages prospective candidates to look for their funding resources. NP is willing to support applications for the Leonardo Da Vinci Program and other scholarships/ grants, and will assist the candidate in finding accommodation, providing an extensive list of contacts and access to large networks. For more information about cost of living in Brussels, see below.
Application Process
To apply for the intern position as Fundraising and Policy Research Assistant, please send a cover letter with your motivation, expectations, and relevant experiences (1 page) and your CV (max. 2 pages) in pdf format.
Please submit it to europe at nonviolentpeaceforce.org for the attention of Mr. Mauro Morabito, Communication and Fundraising Officer, mentioning Fundraising and Policy Research Assistant? in the subject. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Cost of Living in Brussels
The cost of living in Brussels can vary widely based on type of accommodation selected, neighbourhood chosen, student lifestyle, etc. Many students or interns, for example, choose to share a apartment and use the money saved to enrol in language courses, or to do part-time jobs (like giving language lessons or working the evenings in pubs and the like). For purposes of planning and for eventual scholarship and loan applications (for which you should apply autonomously), the costs break down according to the following estimate per month:
Accommodation: 300-400 (400-600 $)
Meals: 300 (400 $)
A recent survey by Mercer Human Resources ranked Brussels as one of the most pleasant places to live on the continent and one of its cheapest cities. In fact, the cost of living in Brussels is just under that of White Plains, a suburb of New York. The cost of living survey covered 144 cities around the world and measured the comparative cost of over 200 items. For instance, the survey concluded that the cost of renting a luxury apartment in Brussels was one third of that of London.
Transportation, food and other items were consistently cheaper in Brussels than in other major business centres in Europe. In fact, the survey concluded that Brussels was the least expensive capital in Western Europe, not including the new member states of the EU. The survey also ranked Brussels fourth among European capitals in terms of quality of life.