Human Rights Action Unit - Post B

The Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) is made up of four directorates: Committees, Regions (covering interparliamentary delegations), Resources and Democracy Support. Staff of DG EXPO form a European team of advisers supporting the European Parliament's President and political bodies in their work on the EU's external policies. Colleagues in DG EXPO provide advice on matters of substance and procedure, liaise with other EU institutions and manage resources. The focus is on legislation, parliamentary oversight of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

The Human Rights Action Unit provides a key component in Parliament’s overall democracy support efforts, promoting the House’s human rights agenda and visibility. Major tools include the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the mobilisation of Sakharov Prize laureates for awareness-raising activities, empowering agents of democratic change (such as human rights defenders, women parliamentarians, young people and the media), and building bridges between civil society, parliaments and governments on human rights issues.

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Want to find out more about what being a trainee in DG EXPO is like? Check out our DG EXPO podcast for trainees, by trainees: CLICK HERE

• Support the activities of the HRAC Unit through research, media monitoring, input to web site and databases and communication, reporting, and help in preparing and running of activities;
• Monitor the situation of the Sakharov Prize Laureates (SPLs) on a regular basis;
• Help draft the Unit’s monthly Newsletter for MEPs and the Sakharov Community;
• Contribute in the organisation of Sakharov Prize Award and the Sakharov week in December 2026;
• Assist in the preparation and running of human rights events organised by the HRAC;
• Write articles for the website of the unit and help identify suitable photographic and video support for the Sakharov Community website;
• Help keep up-to-date the human rights resolutions database;
• Upon request, draft information notes for MEPs concerning urgent cases of human rights violations involving the SPLs;
• Upon request, carry out research and draft notes on democracy and human rights topics, with particular focus on EU’s Southern Neighbourhood countries;
• Provide support in the preparation and running the Unit’s democracy support activities;
• Attend and provide feedback from meetings of EP bodies that are relevant to the activities of the unit;
• Assist with the organisation of the Sakharov Community activities and of human rights actions;
• Monitor the situation of former Sakharov Prize Laureates and following developments in the area of human rights in selected countries;
• Help with the communication and information activities of the HRAC unit and the Sakharov Community;
• Support in preparing democracy support activities within the Unit’s remit.
• Support the creation and management of social media communication channels, particularly LinkedIn, to engage and activate the Sakharov Community

• You have obtained/will obtain a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship;
• Committed to promote universal human rights as a key foreign policy goal of the EU;
• You have field experience in the human rights sector and a focus on the EU Neighbourhood would be an asset;
• You have excellent drafting skills in English. Understanding of French would be an asset; 
• A proficient user of standard MS Office applications.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.