Intern, European Democracy team

Position description

The European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) is a Brussels-based international non-profit organisation with a pan-European membership and more than 30 years of experience. ECAS has a branch office in Bulgaria, which coordinates the organisation’s activity in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

ECAS’ mission: Empowering citizens in order to create a more inclusive and stronger European Union by:

• Promoting and defending citizens’ rights.
• Developing and supporting mechanisms to increase citizens’ and citizen organisations’ democratic participation in, and engagement with, the EU.

ECAS’ Vision

An inclusive, transparent, citizen-centric and democratic European Union in which citizens’ rights are at the heart of decision-making at all levels and in which citizens are informed, consulted and actively participate.

ECAS’ Team Values

• Non-partisanship: Free from affiliation with any political party.
• Professionalism: Striving for excellence in all aspects of our work.
• Empowerment: Enabling citizens to understand and utilise their rights.
• Inclusiveness: Ensuring that all EU citizens can fully enjoy their rights.
• Innovation: Applying unique and modern solutions.

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 2023, 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 Vacancy

ECAS is looking for a motivated intern to join our European Democracy team. As part of the team, the intern will work on a number of different projects, including the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum, our crowdsourcing campaigns, and initiatives engaging civil society throughout the EU.

The candidate should have a keen interest in understanding Digital Democracy, Digital Transformation, Citizen Engagement, and Tackling Populism and Disinformation.

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’ mission and values is a must.

Responsibilities

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

• Supporting the management of projects and service contracts;
• Assisting with research, mapping and collection of relevant data;
• Reaching out to, setting up and participating in meetings with civil society organisations;
• Supporting the organisation of several types of online and offline events (i.e. webinars, conferences, seminars etc);
• Supporting the production of reports/ 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, International Relations, 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 digital 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;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Networking skills’
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills’
• Friendly, social, and proactive;
• Capable of multitasking.

Contract: 6-month Belgian Internship Contract (Convention d’Immersion Professionnel) and a net remuneration of up to EUR 2,000.

Application instructions

Applications - CV and Motivation Letter (max. 1 page) including references by the applicant - should be submitted by 05 April 2023 to Mr Simeon Stoyanov by email with the subject “ECAS Democracy Intern 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.

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