Humanitarian Crisis Policy and Advocacy - Summer Intern

The team advocates on a wide variety of international advocacy priorities through private advocacy, expert briefings, policy reports, and communication with the media, among other tactics. The advocacy team represents the IRC with legislative and executive branches of the US government, the United Nations, the media, and NGO partner agencies and coalitions, among other actors.

Responsibilities:                                                   

• Conduct research and analysis on major conflicts and crises, new policy developments, and global trends and provide written analysis to staff.

• Support on drafting policy and advocacy documents, including reports, policy briefs, talking points, and presentations.

• Monitor recent developments in select crises, policy changes, public statements, and upcoming events and Congressional hearings related to major crises and global trends.

• Attend meetings and events, including NGO coalition meetings and congressional hearings, on behalf of IRC staff and report back.

• Other duties and tasks as assigned and related to the intern’s background.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain experience in policy writing with an advocacy focus.

• Learn about the policymaking process and roles of various parties in crafting policy at international and national levels.

• Network and interact with different NGO partners and IRC staff involved in policy decisions.

• Gain a deeper understanding of specific humanitarian crises, humanitarian thematic issues and trends, and the NGO and governmental responses to them.

• Learn about the process of coordinating advocacy across an international NGO.

• Available to work 3-5 full days per week, for a minimum of 14 weeks during the summer semester. Preference will be given to candidates who can commit full time.

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

• Interest in and knowledge of humanitarian issues.

• Solid writing, editing, and research skills with attention to detail.

• 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.

  Please note that this internship is unpaid, but includes a reimbursement for transportation and lunch.