Civil Society Forum

Before we sign off for the winter holidays, we wish you a season filled with warmth, joy and cherished moments with your family and friends. This festive season, we have collaborated with the wonderful artist Lilya Matveeva to create a holiday card for all of you that speaks to the heart of our mission. Lilya, an anti-war artist from Russia now based in Berlin, captured the essence of our mission: a blend of hope, resilience and the values we all hold dear. Let 2025 bring us peace and justice!

Before you fully dive into the holiday season, take a look at our #civilsocietydigest for the newest civil society opportunities. ➨ EU NEIGHBOURS east is accepting applications for individual fellowships under the EU4 #Belarus programme. This initiative supports Belarusian lecturers, scientists, and PhD students affected by the 2020 political crisis, offering opportunities for higher education and research at the EU institutions. Deadline to apply is 15 January. (https://lnkd.in/dqXQe3fE).   ➨ European Network of National Human Rights Institutions is looking for two Human Rights Trainees to join for six months, starting from February 2025. Professional working level of English, a sound knowledge of #humanrights and the related legal and policy frameworks in Europe is required. Closing date to apply is 30 December. (https://lnkd.in/ec6pHEcN).   ➨ Equinet, European Network of Equality Bodies is looking for a Policy Officer (AI & Climate Change). The selected candidate will work on investigating the link between climate change and mitigation measures. At least 2 two years of demonstrated experience in the field of equality and non-discrimination and an excellent English skills are required. Apply by January 5. (https://lnkd.in/gnrHE3uC)   ➨ EU DisinfoLab invites all interested people to attend a pair of upcoming webinars. First webinar on 9 January, 14:30–15:30 CET "Ban on Russian propaganda: circumventions, side effects, and impact on the 2024 EU elections" (https://lnkd.in/d5CddZXr). Then there’s the webinar on measuring the effectiveness of narratives on 30 January, 14:30–15:30 CET. You will learn about the work of OpenMinds in measuring the impact of disinformation and counter-narratives (https://lnkd.in/d68P9nbN). ➨ European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is looking for a Knowledge and Communications Specialist. The Knowledge and Communications Specialist will be responsible for gathering, curating, organising and disseminating knowledge to support EED’s work. Fluency in English is required. Apply by January 15. (https://lnkd.in/dcS6nyeG).   ➨ CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation is seeking a Project Assistant to support its work in Asia. The position is fixed term until 31 December 2025 and is located in Helsinki. Relevant working experience, background or interest in Asia as a region and fluent English is required. Deadline to apply is 6 January. (https://lnkd.in/dBrcphkG).

As Christmas nears, many children are looking forward to spending the holidays with their families, but for others there is little joy to be had. At #CSF, we have always stood for human rights, open borders and positive migration policies that enrich individuals and societies. However, 2024 has underscored the worsening challenges faced by migrant children worldwide—a pressing issue that has prompted us to reflect on the key developments of the year on this #InternationalMigrantDay.

It’s Friday! Ready for your weekly update? Check out our digest for the latest civil society opportunities. ➨ Riga Graduate School of Law is accepting applications for the Intensive Programme in European Law and Economics from February 16 to March 29, 2025. All costs associated with the Programme will be covered by the Programme donors. Candidates from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan can apply. Deadline to apply is 17 December. (https://lnkd.in/d3iWnA6t) ➨ CURE - Campaign to Uphold Rights in Europe is looking for two interns. The internships will run from 1 February to 30 April 2025 and from 1 May to 31 July 2025. Applicants must be enrolled at an EU university for the duration of the internship and have a strong interest in the work of the Council of Europe. Send your CV and motivation letter by 31 December 2024. (https://lnkd.in/exU56jN3) ➨ RECLAIM - Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age is inviting Master's students and young professionals to apply for Skills Lab: “Media Literacy for Democracy” in 17-21 March 2025. "Media Literacy for Democracy" is an intensive five day training programme in Brussels designed to equip participants with essential skills to combat misinformation, enhance civic engagement and support informed decision-making. Deadline to apply is 26 January. (https://lnkd.in/eXPR-9Pq) ➨ SEI — Stockholm Environment Institute is looking for an Industrial Policy Experts for the ongoing project “Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine”. Experience in industrial policy and a focus on transitioning toward a climate-neutral economy in the EU and/or Green Agenda project target countries (Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), or Western Balkans is necessary. Deadline to apply is 20 December. (https://lnkd.in/eSXuhWvd) ➨ The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is calling for applications for PSI Bridge Fellowships aimed at supporting #researchersatrisk, who are already in the Schengen area. Sponsorship covers a fixed-amount fellowship or contractual employment. It is earmarked for a period of up to 24 months. Deadline is 3 January. (https://lnkd.in/dNHwx58b) ➨ Open Government Partnership is hiring a Senior Regional Coordinator for Europe in Brussels. The Coordinator's role includes supporting civil society, governments and other key actors in using the Open Government Partnership to progress reforms on transparency, accountability and participation. Applicants must have a relevant educational or professional background and be fluent in English. (https://lnkd.in/eP6cnAJM)

Have you ever heard about the "Jáchymov Hell" trail in the Czech Republic? This walking path takes you through Jáchymov's complex, tragic and often overlooked history, where #politicalprisoners and dissidents were forced to mine uranium under brutal conditions during the #Soviet era. At the recent #EuropeLab in #Jáchymov, participants of CSF's Europe Lab developed a project called Re:Pair, focusing on disseminating the forgotten stories of Soviet-era labor camps like Rovnost, located nearby. In collaboration with the Czech NGO PoliticalPrisoners.eu, the team translated essential texts about Rovnost and related topics into Russian for #Wikipedia. If you speak Russian, you can now explore these stories under topics like Political Prisoners.eu, Ровность (шахта), Ровность (трудовой лагерь), Яхимовские рудники, and Сворность (шахта) to explore this often-overlooked chapter of history.

At our #AnnualConference in Berlin, we were honored to welcome Dirk Schuebel, Head of the Russia Division at the European External Action Service, as a special guest. He delivered an address to conference participants on the EU's support for civil society efforts to advance democracy in the region. In his address, Schuebel remarked, "We believe that an empowered and independent #civilsociety plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting democracy, and holds governments accountable through advocacy, monitoring, service provision and oversight activities. For the European Union, civil society is a key partner, driving demands for transparency and accountability. We listen carefully to your voices and needs in policy processes." Dirk Schuebel thanked participants of the #CSF Annual Conference for their vital work carried out under diverse and challenging circumstances. More photos and video recordings of impactful discussions from the conference will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Today we celebrate #HumanRightsDay, to honour the universal right of every individual to freedom, dignity and equality. Back in 1948, the United Nations made history by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document that declared these rights to be inalienable, regardless of race, religion, gender, language or political opinion. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the urgent role #humanrights play in solving today’s global challenges. It’s a moment to celebrate the strides we’ve made and acknowledge the work still ahead to fight inequality, discrimination and oppression. Together, as #civilsociety, governments, activists, educators and individuals, we can build a world where everyone’s rights are respected and protected. And not just today: every day should be a Human Rights Day!

Are you passionate about #democracy and #humanrights? Our colleagues at CURE - Campaign to Uphold Rights in Europe are looking for two interns! The internships will run from 1 February to 30 April 2025 and from 1 May to 31 July 2025, offering a chance to get involved in meaningful work alongside leading #civilsociety organisations. Applicants must be enrolled at an EU university for the duration of the internship and have a strong interest in the work of the Council of Europe. Send your CV and motivation letter by 31 December 2024. Want to learn more? Check out the full details here (https://lnkd.in/exU56jN3). Don’t miss your chance to contribute to human rights in Europe!

Happy Friday! Your weekly dose of opportunities in civil society is here with our #civilsocietydigest. Take a look! ➨ The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility Project has announced a call for Applications for its 2025 EU-funded Fellowship Programme. This Call for Civil Society Fellows is open to all citizens of the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine), regardless of their current place of residence. Concept notes must be submitted online by 30 December 2024. Additional evaluation points will be awarded to applicants who meet the criteria for the special theme of this Call: The Environment and Climate Change. (https://lnkd.in/d5bSgUCn) ➨ The Prague Civil Society Centre is looking for a Grants Officer, specialising in project management. Proficiency in English and Russian, along with a minimum two years of working experience is required. Application deadline: 15 December. (https://lnkd.in/d7gU-kwv) ➨ Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum is hiring an Advocacy and EaP Index Manager (maternity cover). This role is ideally suited to professionals with a background in advocacy and project management and a strong understanding of Eastern Partnership policy. The role is based in Brussels. Application deadline is 2 January. (https://lnkd.in/dHNthGCQ) ➨ International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is hiring an Events and Administrative Assistant based in Vienna, Austria. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful migration policy discussions while enhancing your expertise in event management and administrative support. Closing date is 15 December. (https://lnkd.in/dAwh9hh3) ➨ The University of Tartu has opened applications for the programme "Global Politics and Foreign Influence". Participants will investigate the role of digital societies, the resilience of democratic systems amid populism and disinformation, the impact of longstanding alliances and emerging security threats and various forms of information disorder. The language of instruction is English. Apply before 26 January. (https://lnkd.in/d-QHXenC)

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of #EuropeLab, the #CSF leadership programme for young professionals. For this special milestone, Europe Lab 2025 is coming home—to #Germany! This year’s themes will bridge past and present, reflecting on history’s lessons and exploring ways to prevent its darkest chapters from repeating. We warmly invite you to join our online webinar, where you’ll hear firsthand from Europe Lab alumni about their experiences and gain insights into the upcoming programme in 2025. Please register to join the webinar on 10 December 10 AM CET: https://lnkd.in/dXpWmwT8