CDT is offering an Advocacy Internship position in its Europe office, based in Brussels. The role is offered under the Belgian “Convention d’immersion Professionnelle” framework, providing a unique opportunity to obtain job experience in the area of EU tech policy and law, human rights and democracy. The position is offered for a period of 6 months with the possibility for renewal.

About CDT Europe

The Centre for Democracy and Technology, based in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, is a leading technology policy organisation that fights to put democracy and human rights at the centre of the digital revolution. It works to promote democratic values by shaping technology policy and architecture, with a focus on equity and justice. As a 27-year old nonpartisan nonprofit organisation, we promote the protection of fundamental rights in EU Digital policy by prioritising equality, participation and platform accountability. We champion policies, laws, and technical designs that protect freedom of expression and non discrimination, and advocate against invasive, exploitative uses of new technologies and government surveillance. We use our in-depth tech policy knowledge to build capacity and, in turn, learn from other civil society partners on issues such as the discriminatory impact of algorithms and participation in online debates.

CDT’s mission to bring together thought leaders to build consensus and to find innovative and practical solutions to the policy challenges surrounding the Internet is founded in our values of amplifying voices, and protecting and promoting human rights. We value diversity and experience, and continually work to embed our commitment to equity, participation and an intersectional approach to our advocacy. We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented, historically marginalised groups.

Responsibilities

The Advocacy Intern will primarily provide support to the Programme Director for Online Expression & Civic Space in achieving CDT Europe’s advocacy objectives in key EU policies related to content moderation, freedom of expression, platform accountability, and the protection of democracy and civic space online. The Advocacy intern will concretely contribute to advocacy related to the Digital Services Act and related files in the European Democracy Action Plan, such as Political Advertising.

Specific tasks will include:

• Supporting the Programme Director for Online Expression & Civic Space Europe in the preparation and follow-up of advocacy meetings (briefings, analyses, dissemination of materials);
• Monitoring relevant EU policy developments and providing ad hoc research when needed;
• Support internal advocacy coordination, by sharing materials with relevant colleagues and following up on the approvals process, and helping to keep internal planning documents up to date;
• Support the upkeep of stakeholder contact lists;
• Providing logistic support in the preparation and participation of external events and working group meetings;
• Taking minutes of internal meetings, working groups and coordination meetings.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and interest in digital/internet technology policy and human rights;
• Interest in advocacy and EU policy processes;
• Familiarity with or experience of communicating policy positions to wider audiences;
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential; other European languages are an advantage;
• University degree or relevant experience in European Studies, International Relations, Economics, Law or Political Science;
• High level of creativity, energy and motivation;
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to cooperate with colleagues, both in Brussels and Washington, D.C.

Candidates must have an existing permit to work and live in Belgium and the European Union.

Compensation

This is a paid position for a minimum period of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal, with a salary of up to EUR 1200/month depending on the candidate’s situation under the “Convention d’immersion Professionnelle” framework.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in interning at CDT, and your current resume to

All selected applicants will be interviewed by telephone, during which time we may ask interviewees to submit references or a writing sample.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Centre for Democracy & Technology is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. CDT does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. We believe that a diverse staff enables us to do better and more impactful work. Women, people of colour, and members of low-income, disadvantaged, and LGBTQI communities are strongly encouraged to apply.