Deadline: August 16, 2026
Applications are open for the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Global Unit for Democracy and Human Rights Traineeship Programme 2026. The purpose of this traineeship is to support the work of Global Unit for Democracy and Human Rights while providing the trainee with meaningful learning opportunities and practical experience. The trainee will contribute to ongoing activities across different work streams, gaining insight into project delivery, operations, communications and organizational management.
The Global Unit for Democracy and Human Rights is a core pillar of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s international work. They focus on:
- Strengthening democratic institutions and civil society globally,
- Advancing human rights, with a special emphasis on gender democracy, LGBTIQ+ rights, and minority protection,
- Countering authoritarianism and promoting civic participation,
- Supporting human rights defenders and political activists in restrictive environments,
- Fostering global solidarity through transnational networks and advocacy.
Responsibilities
- Administrative and Operational Support
- Assist with day-to-day administrative and organizational tasks
- Support Administration Support with logistics
- Assist in preparing reports and meeting materials
- Project Support
- Contribute to implementation and monitoring of project activities
- Assist with project documentation
- Support coordination with internal and external stakeholders
- Research and Analysis
- Conduct background research on topic relevant to the Unit’s work
- Gather, analyze and summarize information from various sources
- Prepare briefing notes, summaries, outputs
- Events and Outreach
- Support the preparation and organization of events, workshops, meetings, conferences
- Assist with participant management, logistics and follow-up activities
- Attend relevant meetings and prepare minutes or summary notes where required
- Communications
- Assist with content preparation for websites, newsletters and other communication channels
- Contribute to the dissemination of information and project results
Eligibility
- Candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium;
- Candidates must be available for a full-time traineeship in Brussels from September to December 2026 under Convention d’Immersion Professionelle (CIP);
- Master’s degree in relevant field, such as Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Communications, Law, Social Sciences or related disciplines;
- This traineeship is intended as an early-career opportunity. Preference will be given to candidates with limited professional experience (including internships);
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural and collaborative environment;
- Demonstrated interest in the foundation‘s mission, values and areas of work.
Desired Qualifications
- Previous internship, volunteer, or extracurricular experience relevant to our activities
- Knowledge of German, French and/or Dutch
- Experience supporting projects, events, communications, research, or stakeholder engagement activities
Application
Include the following as part of your application:
- CV (max. 1 page)
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page), including:
- Your relevant experience and skills
- Your interest in democracy and human rights work
- Copy of Master’s diploma or proof of expected graduation
Send your application with the subject line: “Trainee – Global Unit Democracy & Human Rights” to [email protected]
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For more information, visit Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Traineeship.
