Intern Regional Desk-Americas (80-100%)

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer- Regional Desk Americas, under the guidance of the Head of the Regional Desk America. The intern will implement a variety of tasks, providing a unique opportunity to learn about concrete and action-oriented anti-torture, human rights defenders’ work and advocacy. The intern will have opportunities to interact and network with human rights defenders and other NGO professionals at the United Nations and European Union levels and at OMCT’s office during meetings. Interns are fully included in staff meetings, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the work of an international human rights NGO.

Main Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the Regional Program and other tasks related to the OMCT’s work in the Americas, aligning closely with the global Anti-Torture, Human Rights Defenders (HRD) and Network programmes.
• Attend advocacy and follow-up meetings with partner NGOs and CSOS in the Americas, as well as with authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in the implementation of the EU Advocacy Programme for the Americas.
• To help draft press releases, newsletters, communications to international bodies, and other interventions, translate documents, and more.

Other responsibilities

• Assist CSOs in the Americas in their engagement and advocacy with UN bodies and other regional human rights bodies, including drafting or editing reports, statements and quasi-legal submissions.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Programme in law, human rights, international relations, social sciences or related field. The internship suits individuals enrolled in full-time studies in the discipline (e.g., between bachelor’s and master’s programs).
• Good knowledge and understanding of international human rights law, UN and EU procedures and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights, particularly torture and human rights defenders-related mechanisms.
• The internship must be a compulsory part of the education curriculum to obtain the diploma. It is validated through the contribution of credits (ECTS or equivalent).
• The internship contract is always a tripartite agreement between OMCT, the intern and the educational institution supporting the internship (university, professional training institutes, etc).
• Excellent research, drafting and editing skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Able to meet tight deadlines and adapt easily to working with multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to grasp ideas quickly, propose solutions, and work on projects autonomously.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English; working knowledge of Portuguese or French would be an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER

Remuneration: 300 EUR per month

Starting date: 14 July 2025

Duration of the internship: The internship would be running for 5 months, until December 12th 2025. The timeline can be adjusted based on the intern’s availability, such as academic commitments or exams.

Weekly Hours: The internship is designed to fit within a learning or academic context. While the 300 EUR stipend is based on a full-time commitment, we understand the balance required for those enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program. Therefore, the internship hours are flexible to accommodate academic schedules.

APPLICATIONS

Applications comprising a motivation letter and CV should be addressed to OMCT Brussels Office with the subject “Americas intern”, by email to applications@omct.org.

Deadline for applications: Applications will be accepted until 31 May 2025.