The Right to Repair Europe coalition is looking for a trainee that may help the coordinator of the coalition with community management, communication, policy, and other day-to-day challenges of any international organisation!

The position will be 60% with Right to Repair Europe (3 days per week) and 40% with ECOS (2 days per week).

About ECOS: ECOS is an international NGO with a network of members and experts advocating for environmentally friendly technical standards, policies, and laws. We ensure the environmental voice is heard when they are developed and drive change by providing expertise to policymakers and industry players, leading to the implementation of strong environmental principles. For over 20 years, ECOS has worked towards a healthy and clean environment, protected by robust rules that respect nature and its resources. Representing a network of more than 50 members, we bring our environmental expertise and vision to European and international discussions.

About Right to Repair Europe: The Right to Repair Europe coalition represents over 130 organisations from 24 European countries. It represents environmental NGOs and repair actors such as community repair groups, social economy actors, self-repairers, repair and refurbishing businesses, and any citizen who would like to advocate for their right to repair. This is a rapidly growing movement, and its objective to make repair affordable, accessible, and mainstream is aligned with the objectives of both the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action plan.

Your main tasks
• Assist ECOS Programme Managers’ advocacy work by monitoring, analysing and reporting on policy & standardisation developments in the field of Right to Repair.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials, including drafting social media content, blog posts and articles and drafting messaging for national campaign members to adapt.
• Assist with planning and implementation of online campaigns.
• Join relevant meetings, such as meetings of European institutions and standardisation organisations, conferences, and meetings with stakeholders.
• Support the Right to Repair network with frequent enquiries and searching for new members
• Assist with reporting and administrative tasks.

The Right to Repair trainee will work three days/week supporting the Right to Repair coalition and two days/week supporting ECOS. You will be jointly managed by the ECOS Programme Manager on Circular Electronics and the European Right to Repair Europe’s coordinator.

Skills and experience required
Essential knowledge, skills, and understanding:
• University degree in political, social and/or environmental sciences, or other relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of EU institutions and policy making.
• Interest in campaigning at national or international level.
• Self-motivated, focused, and organised.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Good written and verbal skills in English.
• Digital skills and interest in learning how to use online collaboration tools.

Great-to-have:
• Passion for electronics, waste prevention or fixing and/or making.
• Experience in creating content for web and social media channels.
• Research and information gathering skills.
• Knowledge of existing Right to Repair legislation.
• Experience with campaigning on environmental issues.

What we offer:
• A six-month (renewable) full-time paid traineeship starting as soon as possible after the 1 June 2024 under the Belgian CIP framework (Convention d’immersion professionnelle). An internship allowance of €1,100 per month, meal vouchers, teleworking allowance, reimbursement of public transport expenses, and two days of holidays per month.
• Experience at an international environmental NGO that is dynamic and constantly developing, working on both policy and standardisation.
• The possibility to join relevant team training opportunities, e.g. time management, and internal briefings, e.g. how to create impact through writing.
• Join a welcoming, pleasant, and dedicated team, whose common goal is to protect the environment.
• A flexible working environment, with the possibility to telework partly.

These are a few competences that you could acquire through this experience:
• Experience with campaigning on environmental issues.
• Hands-on experience working with EU institutions on policy-making.
• Understanding of EU and international standardisation organisations and standards-making.
• Understanding of social media use for campaigning purposes.
• Digital skills and literacy in online collaboration tools.

How to apply
• Applicants should send a CV and cover letter by 26 April COB.
• The starting date for this position is as soon as possible after 1 June 2024.

Please note that applicants need to have the right to work in the EU.

Send an email to careers@ecostandard.org with the subject “Right to Repair INTERN: your name”. Attach your CV and cover letter as a single pdf file, explaining how you meet the person specification.

The first round of interviews will take place shortly after the application deadline. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We look forward to meeting you!

We are committed to building a team with diverse voices and experiences. We are proud to be a diverse team led by local people and represent the community we serve.

The Trainee will be employed by coalition member ECOS. ECOS is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At ECOS, we believe diversity is what makes our work richer and our team stronger. Your race, nationality, colour, gender, age, religion, disability, status, or sexual orientation are NOT important to us, we value your knowledge and commitment. If you believe you can contribute to our common goal, we encourage you to apply.