Humanitarian Policy and Practice Team at InterAction

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:

InterAction’s Protection Team has multiple ongoing workstreams focused on different aspects of protection. InterAction’s Protection team devotes significant attention to the Protection of Civilians (PoC) in armed conflict and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), notably in relation to the conduct of U.S. military forces and U.S. security partners towards civilians.

InterAction’s Protection Team is seeking applications for a part-time internship position for Summer 2021. A stipend of $500-750 will be provided to the part-time intern completing the internship (prorated based on number of hours worked per week).

Position Description:

The Intern–Protection of Civilians/International Humanitarian Law will gain valuable insight into the humanitarian sector and U.S. policy by working directly with InterAction’s Protection team. Overall responsibilities will include monitoring key policy and implementation developments on the protection of civilians in the U.S. and worldwide. The Intern will also provide general administrative and logistical support for meetings and large-scale events. Interns will be encouraged to participate regularly in both internal and external meetings. The specific work of the Intern will also be based upon the individual’s learning and professional goals, as tied to the initiatives of InterAction’s Protection Team within the larger Humanitarian Policy & Practice (HPP) Team.

Essential Functions:

· Monitor policy developments related to the protection of civilians (PoC) in armed conflict and internal humanitarian law (IHL), in the U.S. context and beyond, including other relevant countries and the UN system;

· Monitor country- and region-specific issues related to PoC and IHL, notably with respect to U.S. security partnerships;

· Support the production of bi-monthly news updates, including policy and field developments to be shared out to InterAction members and partners;

· Support the monitoring of results and indicators for InterAction’s PoC/IHL workstream strategy

· Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings and other events, including drafting minutes of the proceedings and helping organize and synthesize material;

· Support other project deliverables as needed by the PoC/IHL workstream and other workstreams of the Protection team;

· Participate in various fora as needed;

· Debrief the team at the internship’s conclusion on learning and/or a work task completed.

Additional Opportunities:

An intern can expect to gain the following experiences beyond daily work duties through:

• Participation in InterAction working group meetings and access to members and InterAction staff on a variety of current issues within the humanitarian assistance field;
• On-the-job learning about international humanitarian architecture, advocacy, policy, and operations;
• Access to senior-level staff members at InterAction for informational interviews;
• Informal networking with InterAction staff members and individuals from more than 180 member organizations.

Learning Objectives:

· Demonstrate knowledge of policy, advocacy, thematic, regional and/or technical issues related to the work of the Protection Team in humanitarian contexts;

· Understand the linkages between U.S. and international policy and programming in the humanitarian field;

· Demonstrate understanding of International Humanitarian Law and other relevant legal frameworks related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as well as practical measures to minimize civilian harm;

· Understand core elements of the global humanitarian architecture, including the roles of the UN and NGO community;

· Gain experience working in a professional and collaborative team environment;

· Develop research, analytical, communication, writing, and task/time management skills.

Requirements:

· B.A. degree in related field; graduate student or recent M.A. graduate is highly desirable;

· Familiarly with U.S. foreign policy, international security, and/or conflict resolution is highly desirable;

· Familiarity with international humanitarian protection; human rights, and/or the United Nations system is highly desirable;

· Strong desk research experience is highly desirable;

· Ability to quickly grasp complex concepts;

· Strong organizational and written communication skills;

· Strong analytical skills and ability to convey information clearly;

· Experience generating graphs and charts to communicate data and information;

· Excellent attention to detail;

· Ability to manage multiple tasks;

· Flexibility to meet changing deadlines and priorities;

· Positive attitude, proactive, and curious; motivation to learn and contribute relevant skills and expertise to InterAction’s Protection workstreams;

· Ability to work with minimal supervision;

Expected Start Date:

The internship will range between 20-30 hours per week. A typical Summer internship runs from June through August but start and end dates are flexible.

Work Environment:

This is a remote position. Due to COVID-19, all staff are currently working remotely and following InterAction’s COVID-19 policies.

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.