Spring Policy and Advocacy Internship with the International Rescue Committee (with Stipend)

Spring Policy and Advocacy Internship with the International Rescue Committee (with Stipend)

The IRC 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 international humanitarian and resettlement communities. The 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. US-based advocates represent IRC with legislative and executive branches of the US government, the media, NGO partner agencies and coalitions, the United Nations, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank. Students applying for this internship will be considered for internships focusing on one of the following portfolios: International Programs advocacy (including a focus on Middle East and Africa advocacy) or Legislative affairs.

Responsibilities: 

• Produce a weekly tracker of upcoming meetings, events and hearings, and of press articles related to select conflicts/crises, congressional developments, and refugee issues.
• Attend meetings, events and congressional hearings on behalf of staff, take detailed notes, and report back.
• Conduct research on a wide range of issues that may include international humanitarian law, specific conflicts and crises, policy tools, and/or foreign aid and provide written analysis to staff.
• Prepare policy and advocacy materials for distribution during meetings and briefings.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Interest in and knowledge of foreign policy 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 during the spring semester. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Will gain experience in policy 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 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.

Application instructions

Please note that this internship is unpaid, but includes a reimbursement for transportation and lunch. Please submit a cover letter, resume and 2-4 page writing sample, preferably on a topic relating to global refugee issues or humanitarian issues to Anastasia.Moran@rescue.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.