Humanitarian Representation and EU Affairs Intern

CONTEXT 

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 23 sections, 25 associations, and other offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

The Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT) provides support to the MSF operations through linkages and actions to and from external networks (political, humanitarian, medical, and civil society). It is managed by the International Operations Coordinator and Head of Humanitarian Representation (IOHRC) and the deputy Head of Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT). The HRT maintains active relations with its network and continually informs MSF operations of the relevant analysed information. The HRT influences its network through specific actions for the benefit of the MSF programs and MSF operations’ goals. In carrying out its actions, the HRT responds to direct requests from the operational program managers (desks).

The MSF Humanitarian Representative to the EU and NATO, supported by a Humanitarian Representation Officer, in collaboration with MSF operations, advocacy, and analysis departments, defines and implements MSF’s humanitarian representation towards the EU system at large: relevant EU institutions (European Commission, European External Action Service, European Council, Council of the EU, European Parliament) and agencies, third countries diplomatic missions to the EU, representatives to the EU of non-state actors and opposition groups, human rights bodies (Council of Europe), UN, ICRC, NGOs/Think-Tanks.

As intern to the Humanitarian Representation Team to the EU you will support the Humanitarian Representation Officer by mapping key EU actors and 2026 events, monitoring Commission/Parliament/Council agendas and policy developments, archiving contacts and key documents, and providing meeting logistics, note‑taking, and ad‑hoc briefings that translate Brussels developments into actionable insights for MSF operations. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The purpose of this internship position is to support the Humanitarian Representation Officer and the MSF EU REP in their daily work, both internal and external to the organization.

Monitoring: 

• Assist in the development of a mapping of EU actors and key events to follow up in Brussels in 2026

• Monitoring the agendas of the EU institutions, including European Commission, European Parliament and Council of the EU (Working Committees), and support in the production of a weekly plan with upcoming relevant events

• Research on news and publications from EU institutions, media, EU think tanks, Brussels-based NGOs or UN bodies, in order to anticipate key areas of interest for MSF in 2026

• Support in follow-up of and internal reporting on EU policies, funding priorities and legislation that could be of impact to MSF (humanitarian, development, migration, health, IHL, defence, military)

• Monitor ‘regional’ trends (Brussels-level and EU capital level) in humanitarian response, foreign policy, funding, military action, and political processes/evolutions, identify and extract information relevant to Programme operations, and share summarised analysis as required.

Reporting: 

• Assist in organizing a more efficient internal reporting of EU activities and contacts

• Support in the establishment of a weekly summary of activities of EU HRT/AC reps (including external disseminations, engagements, meetings etc)

• Contribute to the follow-up of key deadlines, anticipating reminders needed to prepare for events and meetings

• Accompanies the HRT EU team in meetings and contributes to timely reporting of gathered information

• Support in the establishment of a data base for internal and external contacts, and regularly update the contact list

Other tasks

• Contribute to logistical support for internal/external meetings (booking of rooms or premises, IT, etc.). If circumstances require, support in the organisation of events

• Assisting in taking notes of key events and meetings

• Contribute to uploading relevant information on MSF Internal SharePoint

• Assisting in producing ad hoc presentations and briefing notes on key EU policies and MSF programs

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Degree in Political Science, International Relations or any other relevant field
• No work experience is required, but knowledge of the European institutions is desirable
• IT literacy: knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, etc.) and AI platforms

Competencies

• Strong organizational, planning and administrative/logistical skills, and attention to detail
• Responsible, driven, and able to work independently
• Empathic problem solver, and creative
• Initiative, willingness to learn and confidence to ask questions in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexibility and adaptability

Languages

• Fluency in English both written and oral
• Fluency in French is a strong asset

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible
• Location: Brussels, Belgium

*Due to legal administrative constraints, candidates must already be resident in Belgium or have a residence right as a student in Belgium or in the European Union allowing to move and study in the EU and with the willingness to relocate in Belgium at their own costs    

• Contract type: Unpaid student internship - Mandatory convention to be provided by the school
• Internship duration: 6 months
• Time allocation: Full-time (Monday to Friday)
• Reimbursement (100%) of public transport costs, and 7 EUR/day worked in the office to cover lunch costs
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments 

Deadline for applications: 19th of April 2026 

How to apply?  

• Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button 

• You will be directed to the online application form for this position  

• It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (in pdf format)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our priacy notice to job applicants.