About InterAction:
InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.
About the Project:
Position Objective:
- Understand the linkage between international policy and programming in humanitarian settings.
- Understand core elements of the global humanitarian architecture, including the roles of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), UN agencies, and the NGO community.
- Demonstrate knowledge of programmatic, thematic, or regional issues related to the work of the HPP Team and the broader humanitarian community.
- Exposure to coordinating policy and advocacy efforts across a large consortium of international NGOs.
- Enhance policy writing, research, and analytical skills with a focus on global advocacy of humanitarian action.
- Access to member meetings on current humanitarian issues and InterAction senior-level staff for informational interviews.
Position Description:
The Humanitarian Policy and Practice (HPP) Team at InterAction is looking for an energetic and reliable intern with a passion for global change to provide research support to ongoing humanitarian policy initiatives for Summer 2020. This is a unique opportunity to contribute and gain insight into HPP’s policy and advocacy efforts and developments in the broader humanitarian system. In this position, you will be expected to participate in policy research, writing, and analysis as well as lead on specific activities. Topics that may emerge during internship include risk management in humanitarian settings, counter-terrorism and humanitarian action, global response to forced displacement, humanitarian financing, and other key policy issues.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct literature review and research key policy issues in humanitarian action, and catalogue information accordingly.
- Assist with tracking global policies and contributions and provide written analysis of key findings.
- Support with analysis of data, generate data visualizations and information materials.
- Support with data management and quality control of databases.
- Attend meetings, round tables, and other relevant events with and on behalf of HPP staff, take detailed notes and report back.
- Prepare materials for distribution at meetings and events.
- Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.
Competencies:
- Solid writing, editing, and research skills with strong attention to detail.
- Familiarity with basic data analysis and methods, including use of survey tools like Survey Monkey.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Airtable and internet search engines.
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to work independently and collaboratively taking initiative to ask questions as needed.
- Strong interest in and understanding of humanitarian assistance preferred.
- Commitment to InterAction’s mission and values.
Requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate program in international relations, humanitarian action, or another related field. Recent graduates also eligible to apply.
- Must be available to work 30-40 hours per week for a minimum of 10-week commitment.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Compensation:
This is an unpaid and remote-only internship. InterAction can provide any documentation needed for class credit or internship hours, if applicable.
Expected Start Date:
The internship is anticipated to run from June through August with flexible start and end dates.
Reports to: N/A
Travel: N/A
Other Duties: N/A
How to apply:
To Apply:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a 2 – 4 page writing sample, preferably on a topic related to global refugee issues, humanitarian aid, or other major humanitarian conflicts and crises. Email documents to jobs@interaction.org indicating Humanitarian Policy Intern – Summer 2020 in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
Due to high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States. No phone calls, please.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.