Shelter City support internship (4 positions open)

Would you like to experience engaging with inspiring and courageous human rights defenders? And would you like to contribute to the protection of human rights defenders? Then this could be the internship for you!

Justice & Peace Netherlands is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from individuals who may bring diversity to our team.

To support our Human Rights Defenders team, we are looking for:

Four Shelter City Interns

32-36 hours

12 September to 16 December 2022 (3 months)

In 2012, Justice & Peace founded Shelter City as a concrete and accessible way to support human rights defenders at risk. Shelter City is a global movement of cities, organisations and people who stand side by side with human rights defenders at risk. We offer them a safe and inspiring space where they re-energise, receive tailor-made support and engage with allies to reinforce their local actions for change. Currently, there are a total of 13 Shelter Cities in the Netherlands, and 8 Shelter Cities internationally.

During temporary relocation in Shelter City, human rights defenders follow a tailormade programme that typically includes capacity building, rest and relaxation, and lobbying and advocacy activities. Human rights defenders staying in The Hague are accommodated by our Justice & Peace Human Rights Defenders team, including Shelter City interns who support the defenders and act as their main point of reference. We are looking for four interns to join our team this autumn.

Activities:

• You will accompany the human rights defenders in The Hague and act as their main point of reference and support;
• You will set up their programme in the Netherlands: arrange network meetings, courses, lectures, and social activities;
• You will organise outreach events such as lectures, documentary screenings, high school visits and other outreach events;
• You will accompany them to all meetings and events for support and represent Justice & Peace;
• You will provide practical support during their stay regarding accommodation, public transport, and getting acquainted with the city of The Hague and life in the Netherlands;
• You will support the (logistical) preparations before, during and after the capacity building sessions organised by Justice & Peace in The Hague (preparing materials, booking venues, accommodation, food arrangements, etc.);
• You will remain flexible in case of unexpected adjustments to the agenda or needed support;
• You will perform other tasks relevant to the Shelter City team and Justice & Peace.

We are looking for a candidate with the following competences:

• You have a strong affinity with justice and human rights issues;
• You have an educational background in a discipline related to international human rights, law or a field relevant to this position;
• You are an excellent planner and organiser who likes to get things done and is creative and resourceful;
• You have excellent oral and written skills in English. Excellent oral and written skills in French and/or Spanish is considered a strong asset;
• You possess and display a high level of sensitivity and knowledge with regard to cultural and other differences (e.g. sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, religion and belief);
• You have the ability to show commitment, flexibility and empathy, but also to set boundaries when needed;
• You are result-oriented, proactive, stress-resistant, professional, team player, and open-minded;
• You live in the vicinity of The Hague. Knowledge about life and social activities in The Hague is considered an asset.

What we offer:

• A fee of €400 gross per month (based on a full working week of 36 hours);
• Full reimbursement of actual travel expenses for daily commute (2nd class public transport);
• A part-time workplace at our office in The Hague city centre;
• A great atmosphere in a small and dedicated team, where working hard and having fun go hand-in-hand;
• The opportunity to meet with and learn from international human rights defenders and organisations and institutions working in the field of human rights, human rights defenders, development, and migration.

“The experiences that I gained as an intern in the Shelter City programme have given me insight into the workings of a social justice non-profit as well as the bravery and conviction of the human rights defenders themselves. Working alongside diligent and compassionate professionals who dedicate their efforts to support the defenders has given me practical skills and a greater understanding of how I can contribute to this important work. This has been an enriching opportunity that gave me a better awareness of global human rights protection on a local level.”

– Juliana, Shelter City intern

About Justice & Peace

Justice & Peace Netherlands is a human rights organisation based in The Hague that has been working for more than 50 years to promote respect for human rights and social justice, in the Netherlands and internationally. We believe that local change makers are the key to human rights and social justice for everyone, everywhere. To achieve this, we work on pragmatic and result oriented approaches to fulfil and protect human rights. We believe in innovation and through our projects and initiatives such as Shelter City and Samen Hier, we create new ways to effectively tackled those challenges, ensure positive change as well as sustainability and to create real impact.