If you are seeking a high-impact international career in European affairs, human rights, and public engagement, this EU Programme Officer role presents a compelling opportunity. Hosted by the Danish Institute for Human Rights, this position focuses on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme—one of the European Union’s flagship funding instruments supporting democracy, equality, and civic participation across Europe.

This role is ideal for professionals with strong communication skills, a background in political science or humanities, and a passion for EU programmes, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the job offers both national and international exposure, making it a strategic career move for those aiming to work at the intersection of policy, rights, and EU funding mechanisms.

1. EU Engagement & CERV  Programme Officer

The EU Engagement & CERV Programme Officer will play a central role in implementing Denmark’s National Contact Point mandate for the EU CERV Programme. The position combines communication, outreach, policy interpretation, and fundraising support within an internationally respected human rights institution.

You will act as a bridge between EU funding structures and Danish stakeholders, helping organizations understand, access, and benefit from EU opportunities related to equality, rights, and civic engagement.

About the CERV Programme

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme (2021–2027) is an EU initiative designed to:

• Promote citizens’ engagement and participation in democratic life
• Advance equality and combat discrimination
• Protect and promote fundamental rights
• Strengthen civil society across EU member states

As part of the Danish National Contact Point, you will help organizations navigate this programme, ensuring they can successfully apply for and implement EU-funded projects.

About the Danish Institute for Human Rights

The Danish Institute for Human Rights is Denmark’s national human rights institution, operating independently under a legal mandate. It plays a critical global role in promoting and implementing human rights standards across governments, NGOs, and private sector actors.

The Institute is especially recognized for:

• Driving sustainable, long-term human rights solutions
• Collaborating across sectors (public, private, and civil society)
• Working at the intersection of business, law, and international policy

Key Responsibilities

1. Communication & Outreach Strategy

• Lead communication efforts for the CERV programme across Denmark
• Manage online platforms, publications, and awareness campaigns
• Organize and participate in national events, including Folkemødet

2. EU Programme Advisory

• Interpret EU funding priorities and technical requirements
• Guide Danish stakeholders on funding opportunities and compliance
• Translate complex EU frameworks into accessible information

3. Thematic Expertise

• Provide insights on:
  • Equality and non-discrimination
  • Civic participation
  • Fundamental rights and EU values

4. Public Engagement

• Deliver presentations, seminars, and workshops
• Represent the programme at national and EU-level events

5. Fundraising & Strategic Development

• Support donor mapping and screening
• Develop donor profiles and external relations data
• Contribute to institutional fundraising strategies

6. Project Implementation

• Assist in planning and executing EU-funded projects
• Ensure compliance with EU financial and operational requirements

Required Qualifications

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in:
  • Political Science
  • Humanities
  • Or a related field

Professional Experience

• Background in:
  • Communication
  • Editorial work
  • Public outreach

Core Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication in:
  • English
  • Danish
• Strong digital and communication tools proficiency
• High level of organization and ability to work independently

Knowledge & Interests

• Demonstrated interest in:
  • European Union affairs
  • Human rights and equality
  • Civic participation and democracy
• Willingness to learn EU funding systems and compliance frameworks

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Category of Applicants

This opportunity is best suited for:

• Early to mid-career professionals
• EU affairs specialists
• Human rights practitioners
• Communication and outreach experts
• Policy and governance professionals

Geographic Eligibility

• Primarily open to candidates eligible to work in Denmark
• Strong requirement for Danish language proficiency suggests preference for:
  • Danish nationals
  • EU/EEA candidates with Danish fluency
• International applicants may be considered if they meet language and work authorization requirements

Job Location and Terms

• Location: Christianshavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Employment Type: Full-time (37 hours per week)
• Start Date: 1 June 2026 or as soon as possible
• Salary: Based on Danish Ministry of Finance agreements, with potential for negotiation

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Direct involvement with EU funding programmes
• Strong career pathway into international policy and human rights work
• Opportunity to influence civic participation and equality initiatives
• Exposure to high-level stakeholders across government, NGOs, and EU institutions
• Work within a globally respected human rights institution

Application Process

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter (in English)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic diplomas
• Academic transcripts/grades

Submission Details

• Applications must be submitted via the official application portal
• Deadline: 22 April 2026 at 12:00 (GMT+1)

Interview Timeline

• Interviews are expected to take place during the last week of April 2026

Apply here

Deadline

22nd April 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Danish Institute for Human Rights is committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of background. This EU Programme Officer role is more than just a job—it is a gateway into the world of European funding, international development, and human rights advocacy. With its blend of communication, policy, and strategic engagement, it offers a unique platform to make meaningful contributions at both national and European levels.

2. Internship in Human Rights – Business & Tech

If you are passionate about human rights, business ethics, and the intersection of technology and global development, the Internship in Human Rights, Business and Tech – Fall 2026 at the Danish Institute for Human Rights offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on international experience. This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know—from eligibility and responsibilities to application strategy and deadlines.

Internship Focus: Human Rights, Business, and Technology

This internship is based within the Human Rights, Business and Tech Department, where selected interns will actively contribute to integrating human rights standards into global business practices.

A key component of the role is exposure to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the leading international framework guiding corporate responsibility in human rights.

What You Will Do (Roles and Responsibilities)

Interns will be fully integrated into project teams and supervised throughout the internship. Your work will be divided into two major areas:

1. Research and Analytical Work (70–80%)

You will engage in high-level research across multiple domains, including:

• Human rights issues in sectors such as:
  • Renewable energy
  • Technology
  • Finance
• Gender and business-related human rights concerns
• Country-specific human rights challenges
• Corporate human rights due diligence practices
• Legal and policy frameworks:
  • National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights
  • International regulatory standards

2. Administrative and Operational Support (20–30%)

You will also support organizational functions such as:

• Coordinating meetings and international events
• Archiving documents and managing communications
• Proofreading and referencing research outputs
• Drafting reports and taking meeting minutes
• Assisting in translation work where applicable

Skills and Competencies You Will Gain

This internship is designed to build both academic and professional capabilities:

• Advanced research and policy analysis skills
• Practical application of human rights frameworks
• Experience in international, multicultural work environments
• Communication and reporting expertise
• Time management and prioritization in professional settings

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in:
  • Human Rights
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Development Studies
  • Or a related field
• Be currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program at the time of the internship
• Be able to transfer the internship into academic credits

Professional and Technical Skills

Ideal candidates should have:

• Strong academic or practical interest in human rights or sustainable development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English (mandatory)

Additional language advantages:

• Spanish
• French
• Danish

Additional Preferred Experience

• Exposure to business environments or corporate responsibility
• Experience with NGOs, development organizations, or human rights initiatives
• Participation in extracurricular or volunteer activities related to social justice

Eligible Applicants by Region

This opportunity is open globally, meaning applicants can come from:

• Africa
• Europe
• Asia
• North America
• South America
• Oceania

However, international applicants must:

• Be able to obtain a Danish work permit
• Secure external funding or scholarships to cover living costs (since the internship is unpaid)

Important Note on Funding

This internship is unpaid, which is standard in Denmark where domestic students often receive government stipends.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to:

• Apply for scholarships or grants
• Seek university funding support
• Explore external fellowship opportunities

Work Environment and Benefits

While unpaid, the internship offers significant non-financial benefits:

• Work in a globally respected human rights institution
• Gain exposure to international policy and corporate responsibility
• Build a strong professional network
• Collaborate with experts across sectors and regions
• Develop career-relevant, real-world experience

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit:

• A CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• A Cover Letter, clearly outlining:
  • Your motivation
  • Relevant experience
  • Availability (start and end dates)
  • Any academic obligations during the internship

Applications must be submitted via the official application portal on the Institute’s website.

Apply here

Selection Process

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews
• Interviews will take place within 14 days after the deadline
• Interviews may be conducted:
  • In person
  • Via Microsoft Teams

Deadline

23rd April 2026

This internship is ideal for students seeking a serious, career-defining experience in the field of business and human rights. It is especially valuable for those aiming to work in:

• International organizations
• Policy and governance
• Corporate social responsibility
• Human rights advocacy

Despite being unpaid, the depth of exposure, training, and global relevance makes this one of the most impactful internship opportunities in Europe for 2026.

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