Stimson Center – Washington, DC
Saferworld is an independent non-government organisation that works to prevent violent conflict and create safer communities in which people can lead peaceful and rewarding lives.
Internships at Saferworld offer the opportunity for individuals to further their career goals. As many graduates discover, salaried opportunities within the non-governmental sector are limited, consequently competition for such positions is great. By gaining valid work experience within Saferworld, graduates can increase their potential for employment considerably, while helping Saferworld combat the root causes of international conflict.
Saferworld’s Advocacy team leads the organisation’s engagement with relevant government, inter-governmental and non-governmental institutions in the US, UK, EU and globally. Our Advocacy team leads and supports Saferworld’s communications and policy activities to demonstrate the value and success of the organisation’s work and approach to key audiences.
This internship will work with the Washington office (housed in the offices of the Stimson Center) to help influence US policy through Saferworld’s global work, and to develop the work and sustainability of Saferworld in the US context. This internship therefore presents an ideal opportunity to contribute to the delivery of policy and develop an understanding of best practice in both advocacy and communications work.
DUTIES
- Work with the Washington Associate to implement the US advocacy strategy
- Work with Washington Associate and headquarters staff to map and build approaches to funders for continued operation of the DC office.
- Conduct research on Saferworld core programmatic and policy areas relevant to US strategy, doctrine and policy, and assist the US office in its advocacy initiatives.
- Monitor US policy shifts for opportunities and needs in core programmatic areas.
- Monitoring media to keep organisation up to date with current affairs
- Assist in the daily operational activities of the Washington office (ad hoc administrative tasks, contact management, event attendance, event organisation, etc.)
- Conduct regular engagement with US institutions, civil society and other relevant Washington based contacts and networks
- Research and write briefs and submissions
- Ensuring the Saferworld contacts database is up-to-date
- Carrying out other advocacy and communications activities to support Saferworld’s strategic objectives
QUALIFICATIONS
- Intern should be pursuing an advanced degree in conflict resolution/ politics/ international relations/ development/communication/ media studies or other relevant field
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to research and write accurately for variety of audiences.
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of advocacy and communications work in taking forward Saferworld’s agenda
- Initiative and a high degree of self-motivation
- High degree of literacy and good computer skills
- A positive problem-solving approach
- Ability to work well within a team as well as individually
- A commitment to working in a non-partisan manner and to increasing constructive public debate while maintaining sound political judgement in the implementation of all work
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Compensation: Intern will receive course credit through their graduate program and/or can otherwise apply this internship in fulfillment of degree requirements
Length of internship: a minimum of one, preferably two semesters
Hours: minimum 20 hours week
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply please send full CV together with covering letter letter outlining relevant experience and stating where you saw the advert to: David Alpher at dalphersaferworld.org.uk
Please use reference Advocacy Intern in the subject heading.
Deadline for applications: Friday 16th August, 2013.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
- Work with the Washington Associate to implement the US advocacy strategy
- Work with Washington Associate and headquarters staff to map and build approaches to funders for continued operation of the DC office.
- Conduct research on Saferworld core programmatic and policy areas relevant to US strategy, doctrine and policy, and assist the US office in its advocacy initiatives.
- Monitor US policy shifts for opportunities and needs in core programmatic areas.
- Monitoring media to keep organisation up to date with current affairs
- Assist in the daily operational activities of the Washington office (ad hoc administrative tasks, contact management, event attendance, event organisation, etc.)
- Conduct regular engagement with US institutions, civil society and other relevant Washington based contacts and networks
- Research and write briefs and submissions
- Ensuring the Saferworld contacts database is up-to-date
- Carrying out other advocacy and communications activities to support Saferworld’s strategic objectives