The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an NGO that brings together nearly 200 civil society organisations around the world. Founded in 1922, it is committed to defending fundamental freedoms and the universality of the rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Independent of any government and recognised for its expertise, FIDH works to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of human rights and defenders through advocacy campaigns, investigations into violations and legal action. In all its activities, FIDH integrates a gender-sensitive and anti-colonial approach. Its head office is in Paris and its teams are present in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. FIDH also has delegations at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the European Union in Brussels, the United Nations in Geneva and the African Union in Nairobi.
FIDH advocates for the full recognition and justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights. Together with its member organisations, FIDH works with communities around the world for greater corporate and state accountability and to improve and/or ensure access to justice for victims of business activities.
FIDH urges States and economic actors to ensure that exports of goods and services, investments and development projects - such as major mining or infrastructure projects or the sale of surveillance equipment - do not give rise to human rights abuses and violations, and really benefit the local populations.
Within FIDH, the Business, Human Rights and Environment (BHRE) desk addresses these challenges through documentation, advocacy, and strategic litigation.
We are recruiting a : TRAINEE AT THE BUSINESS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENT DESK
YOUR TASKS :
During the internship, the selected candidate will participate in the activities of the BHRE desk.
This may include:
- Conducting targeted research on issues related to the responsibility of economic actors and corporate accountability initiatives,
- Drafting notes, press releases and articles on this topic,
- Proofreading, editing and translating publications and other internal documents,
- Supporting the preparation of fact-finding and/or advocacy activities,
- Supporting the desk in the preparation and holding of events online or abroad, such as workshops with member organisations, experts and decision-making bodies at national, regional or United Nations’ level.
- Monitoring developments and decisions on issues related to BHRE,
- Supporting FIDH’s updating of its website and other communication tools,
- Contributing to various administrative tasks.
Through this internship, the candidate will gain valuable experience in a diverse, multilingual, and multicultural environment. They will develop strategic advocacy and legal skills while engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including diplomats, international organisation representatives, and human rights activists from across the world.
PROFILE REQUIRED :
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in law / international law / human rights / international relations / political science.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, with a good command of French. Knowledge of other languages, particularly Spanish, would be an asset.
- Good understanding and knowledge of the “Business, Human Rights and Environment” field, and of the intersection of environmental/climate and human rights issues.
- Strong research and drafting skills.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS :
- Full-time internship (39 hours per week) may to October 2026
- Mandatory condition: an internship agreement issued by a French school or by a university/school registered under French law.
- Monthly compensation of €682.52
- Lunch voucher card with €9 per day of work, 60% paid by FIDH. Sustainable transportation support package for commuting to and from work.
- 12 days RTT over the period and 2 days paid vacation per month.
- The internship will take place at FIDH headquarters in Paris, with some remote work possible.
Internship to be offered : From May to October 2026
Duration of internship : 6 months
FIDH is committed to diversity and equality and does not discriminate in its recruitment practices on the basis of ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, state of health or any other situation protected by French and international human rights law.
For people with disabilities, we ask you to indicate in your cover letter any adaptations that might be useful.
Why join us?
This internship will be highly formative and a good springboard for starting a career in human rights.
Send your CV and covering letter to à recrutement@fidh.org quoting reference INTERNSHIP_BHRE in the subject line no later than March 15.
Interviews will be held as applications are received.
Only candidates whose applications are selected will be contacted.
In compliance with the regulations on financial sanctions adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and France against CSOs/NGOs, the person selected for the position will be screened against the Single Asset Freeze List.