Policy and Advocacy Internship with the International Rescue Committee

Policy and Advocacy Internship with the International Rescue Committee

The IRC Public Policy and Advocacy Office advocates for protecting and aiding refugees, the displaced, asylum-seekers, and other victims of conflict. It promotes issues of concern to the humanitarian and resettlement communities. The Public Policy and Advocacy team carries out, coordinates, and provides guidance on a wide variety of domestic and international advocacy initiatives, including expert briefings, public outreach and education, and communication with the media. The US-based advocates represent IRC with legislative and executive branches of the US government, the media, NGO partner agencies and coalitions, and the United Nations.

Scope: 

Assist the Policy and Advocacy team, including the Vice President, Directors, Officers and Department Manager with all aspects of work on our priority advocacy issues.

Responsibilities: 

• Attend select meetings and congressional hearings on behalf of staff, take detailed notes, and report back.
• Perform research on various topics.
• Prepare materials for distribution during meetings and briefings.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements: 

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Interest in and knowledge of humanitarian aid and/or refugee issues.
• Solid writing, editing, and research skills with focus on details.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment.
• Solid computer skills: must be able to work effectively and accurately with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• Flexible work attitude: must be able to work productively in a team environment as well as under minimal supervision taking the initiative to ask questions as needed.
• Available to work at least three days per week.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Will gain experience writing with an advocacy focus.
• Will learn about complex system of factors affecting policy at international and national levels.
• Will have an opportunity to observe and interact with different NGO partners and IRC staff involved in policy decisions.
• Will network within the NGO community.
• Will gain a deeper understanding of specific humanitarian crises and the NGO and governmental responses.
• Will learn about process of coordinating advocacy across an international NGO.

Please note that this internship is unpaid. Please submit a cover letter, resume and 2-4 page writing sample, preferably on a topic relating to global refugee issues, humanitarian aid, or U.S. immigration issues to Lindsey.Novak@rescue.org.