We will prioritize review of applications sent by March 22, 2024, so interested students should apply as soon as possible.

Role

Internship with IRAP’s Policy and Communications Departments, with opportunities to contribute to advocacy, research, and writing assignments.

About IRAP’s Mission

IRAP is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

About IRAP’s Model

Driven by the experiences and needs of displaced people, IRAP’s work integrates legal aid, strategic litigation, policy advocacy, media advocacy, and legal information to uphold and advance the rights of people seeking safety around the world. With offices in the United States, Jordan, Lebanon, and Germany, and an extensive network of pro bono attorneys, student advocates, and partners, IRAP works to maximize the reach of its global legal assistance and advocacy. IRAP is an adaptive organization built to respond to rapidly evolving human displacement events. The organization collaborates with clients and partners to identify gaps in support for displaced people that IRAP is positioned to fill through its direct legal services, legal knowledge sharing, and systemic advocacy.

About the Policy and Communications Departments

IRAP’s Policy Department utilizes lessons learned in direct legal aid casework and works with creative, non-partisan coalitions to advocate for systemic changes that benefit broader groups and communities on refugees and displaced populations. The Policy Department staff works directly with members of Congress, administrative partners, coalitions and organizational partners, and in relevant media to advance policy. IRAP’s policy efforts have benefited tens of thousands of people, and we continue to take innovative approaches to emerging issues to assist as many impacted people as possible. The Department includes seven staff members based in New York City and Washington, D.C.

IRAP’s Communications Department consists of six staff working out of IRAP’s New York City and Washington, D.C. offices. IRAP’s Communications team harnesses strategy and storytelling to build a narrative landscape that recognizes and advances the dignity and agency of people experiencing displacement. In collaboration with IRAP clients, journalists, legal and policy experts, and partners, the Communications team creates and shares content that supports IRAP’s advocacy efforts and sparks understanding and action in pursuit of a more welcoming world.

Opportunity

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is seeking a summer intern to support the Policy and Communications Departments. Interns may also have the opportunity to work with other departments at IRAP. Interns will gain experience in the fields of advocacy and communications for a human rights-focused legal organization. This internship offers a unique opportunity for students interested in the nexus of communications and policy advocacy work to change policies and systems by jointly working with both departments.

Possible Responsibilities

• Conducting storytelling research about displaced people, including, but not limited to, identifying relevant news articles, messaging trends, and opportunities for advocacy and awareness-building using communications tools.
• Creating original written and visual content for IRAP’s social media, web, email marketing, and digital advertising platforms that centers client voices and reflects principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and accessibility.
• Researching target journalists and supporting media advocacy efforts.
• Designing original communications campaigns and assisting with partner communications campaigns.
• Organizing and compiling accurate data in the contact and communications databases.
• Assisting with research and analysis on priority policy issues.
• Tracking legislation, federal agency policy changes, and litigation as it relates to displaced persons.
• Attending committee hearings, think tank events, and other events and meetings in the policy community as needed.
• Supporting engagement with government officials, in partnership with coalitions.
• Drafting internal and external facing policy documents such as backgrounders, letters, action alerts, and memos.
• Additional creative projects and administrative tasks may be suggested.

Experience and Qualifications

• Only candidates currently enrolled in or within one year of graduation from an undergraduate institution will be considered. At least two years of undergraduate class work or equivalent work experience must be completed prior to the start of the internship.
• Candidates must have work authorization in the United States or be able to secure it contingent upon an offer.
• Passion for upholding and advancing the rights of displaced people.
• Organized, motivated, and collaborative; able to balance multiple priorities; strong time management skills.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
• Deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) in all internal and external communications and interactions.
• Adaptability and responsiveness to shifting priorities and rapid-response timelines.
• Excellent English oral and written skills; ability to speak other languages is a plus.
• Word processing knowledge required; knowledge of WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, and Blackbaud tools is a plus.

Location

The candidate will work in IRAP’s U.S. offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., or remotely within the U.S.

Duration

This is a full-time position and requires a 10-week commitment beginning on May 28, 2024. If you are only able to work part-time (for example, if you are a part-time student), or unable to begin on May 28, please still apply and we will review your application.

Compensation

Interns are compensated $16 per hour for 40 hours per week.

Application Process

Please submit the following materials. We will only review complete applications.

1-page cover letter describing your interest in working with IRAP, including any relevant life or work experience. Please address your cover letter to: “Intern Committee”;

1-2 page resume;

Brief persuasive and/or creative writing sample that is not heavily edited by others;

Two professional references

We will prioritize review of applications sent by March 22, 2024, so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-internship/f8c2b7504ddf4ae0aa9fff96c0dca2c1-policy-and-communications-intern-international-refugee-assistance-project-new-york?utm_source=symplicity&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=listings-api