Internship: Economic Justice

Position description

Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) campaigns at the heart of Europe for sustainable and just societies and for the protection of the environment. We are the largest grassroots environmental network in Europe, uniting 32 national organisations with thousands of local groups as part of Friends of the Earth International. Our vision is of a peaceful and sustainable world, founded on social, economic, racial, gender and environmental justice and free from all forms of domination and exploitation.

We are looking for an intern to be part of the Economic Justice (EJ) program. The intern will work mainly on our Trade campaigns to stop the EU-Mercosur agreement and investments treaties. The intern will also work on other areas of our Economic Justice program, depending on the campaign’s needs, such as corporate accountability and corporate capture.

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the leading green NGOs in Brussels and to be part of a vibrant network of national member organisations, as well as to gain knowledge and experience in campaigning and organising.

Friends of the Earth Economic justice programme 

Our political and economic system puts corporate interests ahead of people and the planet, be it through trade and investment deals, global supply chains or lobby power. It grants enormous powers to transnational corporations which destroy the environment and violate human rights

We demand that the EU and the international community hold corporations accountable for the harm they cause around the world, particularly in the Global South. We are campaigning for an overhaul of the current trade model and for democratic, fair and transparent decisionmaking that puts people and the planet first.

Main responsibilities of the intern 

• Economic Justice annual program meeting

In May 2025, FoEE will organize its Economic Justice program with its European member groups. The intern will support EJ team with the logistics, program and facilitation of the meeting.

• Stop EU-Mercosur

FoEE is campaigning to stop the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. This deal would have major negative impacts on climate, deforestation, and Human Rights. In 2025, the EU-Mercosur text will go through the final stage of ratification with many developments expected. The intern will support the trade campaigner by:

• Monitoring the political situation in Brazil and Argentina regarding climate, the environment, Human Rights, and democracy. Drafting internal factsheets and press reviews.
• Mobilizing European youth networks, grassroots activists and ‘influencers’ against EUMercosur
• Organize actions such as protests and stunts. Create communication and mobilisation materials, in coordination with FoEE communication team.

• Investment protection

FoEE is campaigning against ISDS, a mechanism included in many trade and investment agreements to settle disputes. This mechanism creates a parallel business-friendly judicial system exclusively for transnational corporations, at the expenses of the people and the planet.

The intern will help to:

• Develop materials to tell the story of the victory of the EU exit from the Energy Charter Treaty.
• Develop new narratives and materials about ISDS

Key responsibilities 

• Assist in the organisation of internal and external events, such as , conferences, actions and stunts.
• Draft communication materials for the Friends of the Earth Europe website, social media and templates for broader use by partners;
• Draft briefings, fact sheets, policy papers;
• Conduct research on the relevant aspects of the campaign;
• Organise and distribute relevant information to member groups and wider civil society networks;
• Attend Brussels-based and potentially wider European events on the topics;
• Support the daily work of the campaigns and programme

Requirements for the role-holder 

Essential:

• Strong interest in environmental justice issues
• Oral and written communication skills in English
• Organisational and time management skills
• Experience in using a range of social media in demonstrated creative ways
• Ability to work independently
• Analytical and research skills
• Flexible and problem solving skills
• Committed to FoEE’s vision, mission and values
• IT literacy on Microsoft Office/Excel

Desirable

• Oral and written communication skills in another language
• Knowledge and experience of the EU institutions
• Experience in grassroot activism

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org