🇧🇪 ESC Volunteering in Belgium ⚖️ Socio Legal Information and Support for Asylum Seekers 🤝

Description

Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen is an NGO that defends the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Belgium. The selected participant will contribute to the implementation of the Startpunt project. Startpunt, provides socio-legal information to applicants for international protection. The team is present daily at the registration centre and Immigration Office. At the Legal Helpdesk, we provide legal information and facilitate access to legal aid, in collaboration with the Brussels Bar Association. Responsibilities: - Provide socio-legal information to asylum seekers at main migration points and coordinate volunteers - Elaborate and conduct trainings and information sessions for volunteers - Monitor and ensure that information provided is timely and up to date - Monitoring the situation on the ground during outreach activities, collecting data, and preparing reports - Staying updated on developments in refugee law, subsidiary protection, and Belgian asylum law

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

The volunteer will receive a monthly payment (€1095,00) for organizational support, covering accommodation and food expenses, and a monthly amount of €182,50 for individual expenses. The volunteer can choose their own accommodation; many choose to stay in Brussels. Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen will support the volunteer in finding appropriate accommodation by providing relevant sources (websites, social media groups…) where accommodation is published. Home-to-office travel will be paid; the office is situated just a 5-minute metro ride away from the historical centre of Brussels.

Training during the activity

At the start, an intercultural training will be organized by JINT. Since intercultural encounters are an essential part of the project, it will remain a subject in feedback sessions and evaluations. Internal training is being set up periodically to keep staff and volunteers on track with these regulations. Every new staff member and volunteers receive an introduction training and folder with essential information on the organization (mission, vision, workplace rules...). More training can be provided and organized by Vluchtelingenwerk or external organizations during the year.

Participant profile

The ideal candidate: - Educational background in Migration, Asylum, Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Development, or a related field. - Demonstrates a strong commitment to human rights and refugee support. - Understands the situation of asylum seekers and refugees, including the role of humanitarian and international organizations in providing protection and assistance. - Is aware of the role of civil society in migration issues. - Is willingness to acquire knowledge on the Belgian legal and political context. - Has excellent command of English (spoken and written); knowledge of other language is considered as asset. - Possesses strong analytical skills and ability to contribute to reporting. - Has strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and the ability to interact respectfully with diverse groups. - Is a team player. - Is proactive and solution-oriented, able to take initiative and work independently when needed. - Is flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment. - Has good organizational and planning skills. - Meets the eligibility criteria of the European Solidarity Corps programme.

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

A total of 52 week(s) during the period 01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026

Location

KRUIDTUINSTRAAT 75, SINT-JOOST-TEN-NODE, Belgium

Deadline

04/10/2026

Project code

2025-2-BE05-ESC51-VTJ-000377928

Topics

Looking for participants from

27 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇧🇪 Belgium.