Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is known for its continuous efforts to pave the way for leading a brighter future for families in need. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. The office of Government Relations and Advocacy (GRA) leads Habitat’s efforts to advocate for systems, policies and attitudes that advance adequate and affordable housing around the world. Based in Washington, D.C., the GRA team builds the organization’s advocacy capacity by providing the global Habitat network with strategic direction and support to effect change and allow Habitat to serve more families. Additionally, the GRA team maintains relationships with members of Congress, government agencies, non-profits, international organizations, and other policymakers in Washington, D.C. and around the world to inform, advocate, educate, and provide linkages to the field.
As a Global Policy and Advocacy intern, you will support the Global Advocacy Team, which includes the globally-focused Government Relations and Advocacy staff based in Washington, D.C. as well as regionally-based advocacy managers, in their efforts to: ensure access to adequate housing options for all, expand affordability through housing finance options, promote secure tenure rights and equitable access to land for shelter, enable stakeholder engagement and community participation, and foster resilient and responsive communities through housing. In this position you will have the opportunity to support the Global Advocacy Team in increasing the capacity of Habitat for Humanity’s network in engaging in and leading policy and advocacy initiatives, as well as play a key role in supporting the success of Habitat’s targeted advocacy campaign efforts. The position will work directly with Habitat’s Director of Global Affairs and Advocacy and the Global Engagement Senior Specialist along with other staff in Habitat’s Government Relations and Advocacy Office along with members of our Global Advocacy Team and our national organizations and partners. You will learn from their participation on a wide array of projects related to Habitat’s international policy work and the advocacy campaign efforts including campaign strategy and tools and resources for Habitat’s national organizations.
This opportunity is based at our Government Relations and Advocacy office in Washington, D.C.Assignment details:** Manage global advocacy communications strategy to support global policy and advocacy priorities and targeted advocacy campaigns. Strategy includes both communications from the Global Advocacy Team (i.e. Twitter account, email communications to various audiences, and website content) as well as communications to the Habitat network (i.e. social media guidance, newsletter, email updates)
** Support the development of new global policy and advocacy resources and tools for the network
** Develop summaries and case studies from advocacy work and lessons learned from targeted advocacy campaigns to apply towards future advocacy campaigns
** Support research initiatives on global housing issues to inform policy and advocacy efforts
** Track global affairs related to international development and housing and help compile a global policy update for the HFHI network
** Share within HFHI, the broader Habitat network and externally
** Compile, synthesize and share (within HFHI, the network and externally) global housing statistics, analysis and research
** Help to engage in and monitor partnership activities
** Support and facilitate as needed Advocacy Campaigns Team meetings and projects
Desired Skills and Qualifications:** Attention to detail and ability to project manage multiple lines of work
** Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills
** Social media and communications experience
** Demonstrated understanding of and interest in international development and related public policies
** Experience conducting research and writing analytical papers and memos
** Issue-based advocacy campaign, international and/or housing experience strongly preferred
** Monitoring, evaluation and learning experience strongly preferred
** Strong interpersonal skills
** Active support of HFHI Values:
- Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
- Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
- Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
What’s in it for you?As a volunteer in the government relations and advocacy area, you will gain a deeper understanding of how a global non-profit is moving beyond one house at a time and increasing its impact through changing policies that affect adequate shelter. In addition to increased campaign knowledge and skills, you will be exposed to other aspects of Habitat’s government relations and advocacy work and will acquire a firm grasp of the housing sector and various advocacy tactics. We invite you to join in this journey with us to advocate the urgent need for adequate, affordable shelter.
