Afghanistan Programme Internship (Dari/Pashto speaking)

The European Institute of Peace is looking for exceptional individuals who share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements.

We provide practical experience, technical expertise and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.

Based in Brussels and active in 15 countries, the European Institute of Peace is an independent organisation working collaboratively with European decision makers, the parties to conflict, and those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.

Our innovative approach to peace enables us to be agile, creative and effective in everything we do, and these are key qualities we look for in our team members. See www.eip.org for more information.

Terms of Reference

We are looking for an Afghanistan Programme Intern for an initial period of 6 months (with the possibility of extension) to support the Institute’s ongoing efforts concerning the Afghan peace process. The Institute’s Afghanistan team is working closely with key institutions involved in the Afghan peace process, most notably the State Ministry for Peace, the Negotiation Team and the High Council for National Reconciliation; and in areas such as institutional capacity building, process design, specific thematic expertise and strategic communications.

Based at Institute’s office in Brussels, the intern will be part of the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design (EDP) Unit, reporting to the Afghanistan Programme Manager.

Duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Support the Afghanistan team in the implementation of all the programme’s activities, in particular in support of the State Ministry for Peace, Negotiation Team and the HCNR;

• Monitor political developments in Afghanistan and the region, especially those related to the peace process, and provide regular news updates to the team;

• Assist the team in conducting research and managing internal communications and administrative issues;

• Help the team with the organisation of high-level policy discussions and events;

• Assist the team in drafting proposals and reporting to donors and board;

• Other tasks at the request of the Afghanistan Team Leader or Afghanistan Programme Manager.

Profile

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Conflict Resolution, or a related field;

• Strong interest in Afghan politics and Central Asia regional dynamics; familiarity with Afghanistan peace process and its regional context is an asset;

• Excellent command of English, Dari and/or Pashto is essential;

• Good understanding of peace negotiations, facilitation and mediation;

• Prior relevant traineeship or internship is considered an advantage;

• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products;

• A fast learner with good writing, analytical and research skills;

• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team;

• Meticulous attention to detail;

• Ability to work in Belgium (Belgian or EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit).

EIP offers

• 6 months internship contract with the possibility of extension at €1,000 per month;

• Lunch vouchers;

• Contribution to public transportation to and from the office;

• 40h/week (with RTT days – one day earned per month);

• Opportunity to participate in high-level meetings and discussions in the context of the Afghan peace process