European Democracy Intern (focus on the European Citizens’ Initiative – Brussels-based)

European Democracy Focus Area

ECAS’ European Democracy Focus Area encompasses three pillars: Digital Democracy, Understanding Populism and tackling Disinformation and Civic Engagement. ECAS implements projects, services, research and campaigns on these topics. In 2025, ECAS will continue managing, on behalf of the European Commission, the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum and implementing projects on crowdsourcing legislation, social listening, populism and civic tech.

Description of the Job

(Start date: 2 January 2025)

ECAS is looking for a motivated intern to join our European Democracy team. As part of the team, the intern will work on the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum supporting the manager in implementing all tasks for the project.
The candidate should have a keen interest in understanding Digital Democracy, Participatory Democracy, Citizen Engagement, and the European Citizens’ Initiative.
While the candidate will be supported, advised and coached by the European Democracy team, the intern should be able to also work independently.

Commitment to ECAS’s mission and values is a must.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the ECAS’s Deputy Executive Director, the Candidate will collaborate with the European Democracy team in:

• Supporting the management of the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum;
• Assisting with research, mapping and collection of relevant data;
• Reaching out to, setting up and participating in meetings with civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders;
• Supporting the organisation of several types of online and offline events (i.e. webinars, conferences, seminars etc);
• Supporting the production of reports/ minutes / policy briefings/papers;
• Performing other tasks as requested to contribute to the objectives of ECAS.

Knowledge and Experience

• Recently graduated from a Master’s degree programme in Political Science, European Affairs/Studies, or related fields;
• Sound knowledge of EU institutions, and democratic process in the EU;
• Knowledge of the European Citizens’ Initiative is a strong advantage;
• Experience in participative and/or digital democracy is an advantage;
• Interest in learning more about participatory democracy and engaging citizens.

Skills Required

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• English language proficiency – written and oral;
• Good research and analytical skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Desire to learn;
• Networking skills;
• Basic project management skills;
• Friendly, social, and proactive;
• Capable of multitasking.

Contract

The successful candidate will be offered a 6-month Belgian Internship Contract (Convention d’Immersion Professionnel) with the possibility of extension.

Deadline for Applications

Applications—CV and Motivation Letter (max. 1 page) including references by the applicant should be submitted by 22 November 2024 to vasiliki.mustakis@ecas.org with the subject “ECAS Democracy Intern (focus on ECI) Application.” The applicant must be available to start immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

ECAS is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.