Internship for Championing Civic Space Unit

Internship for Championing Civic Space Unit

Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organizations and activists in more than 90 countries? To change the systems behind it, once and for all!

Oxfam Novib stands behind the people who stand up for equality. Together, we fight for a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender, ethnicity or skin color. A world where everyone feels safe; where income gaps are shrinking instead of growing, where climate change is tackled in a firmer and more honest way. 

Equality is the common thread in our work and projects, both internally and externally. We recognize that our team of colleagues can become even more diverse, and that only with a diverse team can we gain a broad perspective on the world. Therefore, we want to encourage everyone who hesitates to apply, no matter the reason. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone not only feels welcome, but where diversity is embraced and celebrated. Let's strive together to build a team that offers a rich variety of perspectives, enabling us to achieve an inclusive and inspiring work environment.

Apply and become part of Oxfam Novib!

Internship for Championing Civic Space Unit - Description

This internship is related to the Championing Civic Space (CCS) unit in Oxfam Novib. The main objective of the internship is to provide communications, research and knowledge management support to the CCS Unit while having the opportunity to learn about civic space work (online/offline) in the context of Oxfam Novib’s work abroad and in the Netherlands.

The CCS Unit is part of the EQUAL change goal in Oxfam Novib. It is responsible for work on civil society rights and civic space. This work encompasses creating safe offline and digital spaces, supporting movements and activists to amplify the voices of citizens and particularly the most marginalized, silenced and excluded rightsholders to be active citizens and live a dignified life.

This is a voice, agency and rights-based goal, where we work with partners to actively scan, map, monitor, defend, reclaim, and expand civic space. We work with (young) activists, supporting them on movement building to ‘shake and move’ and experiment with more flexible ways of working and partnering. With partners we want to bring the voice of impacted people to the table, show the value of civic space and trust in civil society as a legitimate interlocutor between citizens and their governments. Together we aim to contribute holding government and the private/financial sector accountable for keeping civic space open. We support building new narratives and rightsholder-led change for civil rights and fair governance. We will accompany Oxfam country teams and local partners in navigating and using civic space strategically and effectively.

Key tasks

• Research: Lead and or contribute to research (mixed methods e.g. participatory, desk, etc. to be determined based on context and project need) to further develop preparatory notes and positioning papers in support of workshops and trainings, strategic planning, meetings for instance thematic meetings on specific civic space issues (such as working with the private sector, alliance building, etc.).
• Empowering Digital movements:  Actively contribute to and support work on digital rights and digital movements within CCS Unit including work on Power to Voices digital platform. This will include supporting research on digital rights/movements in given contexts, supporting given activities during fundraising exercises, and part of content creation/support plus campaigning activities on/for Power to Voices platform.
• General Communications: Writing, editing, analyzing relevant communications materials for Oxfam website, sharing with larger public, country offices and project partners, and other purposes.
• Learning Agenda:  Support the CCS team in documenting and disseminating our civic space work with partners in different countries (what worked, what didn’t, what results, etc.)
• Logistical and Operational support:  When needed, in preparing meetings (offline and online).

• Participation in internal, and where relevant external, meetings on civic space topics.

Who are we looking for?

• Currently a Masters’ degree student in a relevant study with:
• Very good command of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Power Point, Excel and Word), and ideally also with software to create creative content (e.g. to create infographics.)
• Experience with analyzing qualitative data
• Have excellent written & spoken English skills
• Strong cultural sensitivity and gender awareness; excellent communication skills
• A good understanding of organizational communication processes
• A highly motivated, result-oriented and team player mindset
• Willingness to learn and share your knowledge with others
• Basic knowledge on human rights/civic space (online an offline), and new technologies
• A basic understanding of social movements

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants to the internships at Oxfam Novib must meet the following requirements:

• Be an active student of 18 years of age minimum.
• Be enrolled at a Dutch educational institution (first level university degree, higher schools (HBO) or other), the internship is part of the study programme.
• Have less than 3 years of relevant full-time work experience.
• Have legal right to live and work in The Netherlands or be prepared to obtain the right to follow an internship as part of their study in the Dutch educational institution, by signing a three-party internship agreement.
• Any staff member who has previously been in employment with Oxfam Novib shall not be hired as an intern.

Our offer

An intern in Oxfam Novib is offered an internship contract for the duration of the internship and a monthly allowance based on €450,- per month on a basis of a 36-hour work week, pro-rata in case of less hours.

The intern is expected to have a student OV card; however, if not applicable, a reimbursement of commuting costs will be offered.

Oxfam Novib works on hybrid basis – partly from office, partly from home. 

During the internship, the intern is supervised, overarching by the [insert role of manager] and daily/weekly by a designated colleague/buddy. The period of this internship takes place between September 2024 until January/February 2025 (approximately a period of 5 months).

Working at Oxfam Novib

All our work is guided by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.

At Oxfam Novib, we work according to the Feminist Principles - Oxfam Policy & Practice.

Oxfam Novib is based on the power of difference. That is why we aim to attract a diverse mix of talented people who share our standards, values, and principles, and who are committed to prevent and eliminate any type of misconduct.

We have an active policy against sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any form of abuse of power or lack of integrity and financial misconduct. This subject will be covered in our application and selection process.

Additional information

Do you believe that this is the internship you are looking for? Then we would love to receive your application! Please note that only applications received before the closing date of 5 May 2024  and submitted via our application portal will be taken into consideration.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Rukia Cornelius, EQUAL - Championing Civic Space Unit Manager, Rukia.Cornelius@oxfamnovib.nl