The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) is seeking a Communications Trainee to help support the office’s work on protecting human rights and democracy in the digital age. This position offers an exciting opportunity to get involved promoting human rights and democratic principles through communications at the EU level around key files relating to the functioning of online platforms, artificial intelligence, electronic communications and the internet as a whole. The position will be based in Brussels, Belgium.

About CDT Europe

At CDT Europe, we work to increase equality, amplify voices, and promote human rights in European level law and policy debates. We champion policies, laws, and technical designs that protect against invasive, discriminatory, and exploitative uses of new technologies. We use our in-depth tech policy knowledge to build capacity and, in turn, learn from other civil society partners on issues such as discriminatory impact of algorithms and participation in online debates. CDT Europe is closely following European-level legislative files such as the Digital Services Act or the Artificial Intelligence Act.

In our interventions, CDT Europe insists that online platforms be transparent, accountable, and respect human rights. We advocate that regulation should set limits on the collection and use of personal information and give people greater control. Our work also focuses on curtailing government censorship and enabling all people to access and share information of their choosing without harassment or undue interference. We work to ensure that people are free from unwarranted government surveillance.

For more information, please visit: https://cdt.org/eu/

The Communications Trainee will primarily provide support to the Advocacy and Communications Officer in achieving CDT Europe’s communications objectives and will support other members of the team on an ad-hoc basis, if needed. CDT Europe commits to providing mentoring and will ensure the Trainee has a valuable learning experience. This role will offer opportunities for professional growth, hands-on experience, and exposure to various aspects of advocacy and communications work.

Responsibilities

The Trainee will assist the Officer in:

• Shaping CDT Europe’s communication strategy, and managing dedicated Twitter, LinkedIn, and Mastodon accounts.
• Creating and planning day-to-day social media content.
• Designing visuals for easily digestible content on social media.
• Monitoring communications trends and developments.
• Drafting and ensuring the dissemination of the monthly CDT Europe Newsletter.
• Organising events, including drafting concept notes, promoting events on social media, and creating meeting minutes.
• Managing and updating stakeholder contact lists.
• Supporting the organisation’s press work.
• Monitoring media and disseminating relevant articles.
• Implementing CDT’s strategic advocacy plans.

Qualifications – An ideal candidate would have:

• Prior experience in social media management and internal communications;
• Knowledge of visual design tools such as Canva;
• Understanding of and interest in digital/internet technology policy and human rights;
• Interest in advocacy and EU policy processes;
• A degree in a relevant field (e.g. Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Policy);
• Mother tongue level of English with excellent verbal and written communication skills, other languages are an advantage but not required;
• High level of creativity, energy and motivation;
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail;

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.

Submit a cover letter and CV to hr@cdt.org.

Deadline: Thursday, 8 August, 2024

The Centre for Democracy & Technology is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. CDT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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 color, and members of low-income, disadvantaged, and LGBTQI communities are strongly encouraged to apply.