Video of "What Makes a Great International Law Article" Panel

What Makes a Great International Law Article February 15, 2011

ASIL's New Professionals Interest Group held a luncheon panel to discuss what qualities constitute great international law scholarship.  The panel consisted of American Journal of International Law (AJIL) editors Dinah Shelton and David P. Stewart, as well as Journal Managing Editor Julie Furgerson. It was moderated by Bart Szewczyk, Wilmer Hale LLP.  The video of the panel is now posted online.

ABA Rule of Law Initiative Internships

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative Internships are offered throughout the year during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. The internships are created and filled based on each division’s specific needs, workload and ultimately their capacity to host an intern for that particular semester.

Responsibilities will vary depending on the section’s immediate needs. Duties may include assisting the department with the management of international programs, monitoring the political and economic developments in a region, researching areas of interest, aiding with correspondence, working with program and in-country staff on day-to-day support tasks, and performing administrative duties requested by the relevant office staff.

In addition to domestic internships, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative seeks unpaid legal interns for its offices in various countries, across the Asia, Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe and Eurasia regions. Legal interns work on various projects as outlined in the term of reference for each office.  Responsibilities will include assisting in the development, planning and implementation of country specific programming, researching and drafting reports, briefings and other related documentation, assisting with the preparation and implementation of training workshops, seminars or other legal education activities, and performing administrative duties requested by the relevant office staff.

Visit the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's Internship Web Site regularly for more information.  Applications are now open for summer 2011 positions.

Calling All Student Delegates: Attend the UN Commission on Population and Development

Calling All Student Delegates: Attend the Commission on Population and Development

What: Students who are interested in attending and participating in the upcoming Policy Session for the Division for Sustainable Development

Where:  THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK

When:  May 2 – May 13 2011

The Council for American Students in International Negotiations (CASIN) strives to deepen the commitment of American students to multilateral institutions through scholarship, discourse, and engagement in international policy. One of our key initiatives is to expose students to international diplomacy in action on a number of topics. At this conference, students will have the opportunity to attend the Fourth Implementation Cycle for the Division for Sustainable Development where they will be discussing the internationally agreed development, including a 10 year framework on sustainable consumption and production patterns. .

Interested in attending? Please contact Anna Sandor for further information and conference application

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  April 1^st, 2011

China Country Director at the American Bar Association

Country Director - China 
ABA Rule of Law Initiative 
Grant Funded

Overall field responsibility for in-country programs, including grant-funded programs, implemented overseas; manages international and local staff; identifies program methodologies and develops long-term and short-term strategies and work plans to improve the rule of law in the country of responsibility. Implements, monitors and evaluates in-country programs and activities. Responsible for financial oversight of all programs and for donor relations in-country. In cooperation with headquarters-based program staff, drafts grant proposals and undertakes fundraising in-country.

Doctoral Degree (JD, PhD) preferred.

Must have a JD and 7 years experience or master's and 10 years relevant experience, including some international experience. Experience in working with USG funded programs preferred. Experience or knowledge of legal reform issues in region or country where placed. Language proficiency required or extremely helpful depending on region. Varies from country to country and programmatically. Some additional certificates may be required.

Living abroad often in developing countries lacking in amenities. Can be subject to conditions harsh enough to allow both hardship and danger pay from USG

Apply online only at:

https://www.recruitingcenter.net/Clients/abanet/PublicJobs/controller.cfm?jbaction=JobProfile&job_id=10541

Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement Internship at Refugee Council USA

Refugee Council USA:

Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) is a coalition of 26 U.S. non-governmental organizations focused on refugee protection. RCUSA provides advocacy on issues affecting the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and victims of torture in the United States and across the world. The coalition also serves as the principal consultative forum for the national refugee resettlement and processing agencies as they formulate common positions, conduct their relations with the U.S. government and other partners, and support and enhance refugee service standards.

Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR) Internship:

The ATCR Intern will assist the Associate Director and Director in researching and analyzing legislation and news pertaining to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, and other forcibly displaced populations in the US and worldwide. The main focus of the internship will be providing coordination, communication, logistics, and insight into the planning RCUSA will do for the ATCR in July 2011. As NGO Focal Point, RCUSA is responsible for coordinating all NGOs worldwide which work on resettlement.

The ATCR intern will also research and prepare briefs for staff and coalition members on specific populations, organizations, comparative country resettlement practices, and other issues which arise. Additionally, s/he may also plan events, assist in the coordination of meetings, attend Congressional hearings, and complete other tasks which support the work of the coalition.

Requirements:

Capable applicants will posses the following qualifications: strong knowledge of the U.S. political process, current political issues, and refugee policy; demonstrated interest in human rights and displaced population advocacy; excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent research skills; ability to work independently and as a member of a team; ability to handle several tasks at once and with short notice; ability to handle oneself in a professional manner with RCUSA member organizations, congressional and administrative staff; and a positive and collaborative working demeanor. Lastly, possessing a sense of humor, passion, and commitment to the work of RCUSA is vital.

Application Process: 

Interns are subject to the same standards as employees of Refugee Council USA. The application and interview process is conducted by the Associate Director. Interns will be expected to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, with a preference given to graduate students or those who can work more hours (never more than 40 hours per week).

Please send your resume, cover letter, writing sample of 3-5 pages on international protection issues, and 3 references to lmiller@rcusa.org.

Internship at the Ethiopian Global Initiative

Mission

U.S. College Students for Ethiopia (USCSE) provides college students from the United States the opportunity to intern or volunteer with Ethiopian-led organizations headquartered in Ethiopia. The project’s mission is to:

• Tackle the shortage of a skilled and educated workforce in Ethiopia by bridging the communication and access gap between U.S. college students and Ethiopian organizations;
• Raise consciousness of service to Ethiopia among Ethiopian-American college students; and
• Create a thriving environment for internships and volunteerism in Ethiopia.

By sending highly talented and passionate students from the U.S. to Ethiopia for a summer, a semester, or an academic year, USCSE aims to give students a unique and enriching experience that facilitates cultural, intellectual, and skills exchange while meeting the needs of host organizations and Ethiopia. USCSE aims to send both Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian students residing in the United States.

The Need

The Economist recently predicted that Ethiopia would be the third fastest growing economy in 2011. While this calls for much jubilation, it also presents an opportune moment to highlight the multitude of lingering developmental challenges Ethiopia faces. In particular, Ethiopia suffers from the emigration of its skilled individuals to other countries, a phenomenon known as the “brain drain.” The Ethiopian brain drain has swept thousands of skilled and seasoned professionals including doctors, economists, journalists, entrepreneurs and lawyers in the past 40 years. According to the United Nations Development Program, “Ethiopia lost 75% of its skilled workforce between 1980 and 1991.” Political instability, poverty, and the lack of infrastructure coupled with low compensation have pushed many professionals out of Ethiopia to seek work in Europe and North America.

While many Ethiopian professionals have left and continue to leave Ethiopia for the United States, American students are eager to find volunteer and internship opportunities in foreign countries. Ethiopia is an attractive country for American students who are seeking an exciting venture filled with meaningful and enriching experiences. Students from the United States volunteering and interning in Ethiopia will have a unique opportunity to examine theories and principals learned in the classroom while contributing to the development of an emergent country.

Although sending American college students to Ethiopia is very important, USCSE will emphasize the full participation of college students of Ethiopian heritage. To tackle the brain drain problem, engaging Ethiopian-American college students will be a critical aspect of the project. Ultimately, the intent is to promote a consciousness of service to Ethiopia among Ethiopian-American college students while creating a culture conducive for internships and volunteerism in Ethiopia.

Potential Impact

The potential impact of USCSE is significant and aligned with Ethiopia’s objectives to realize the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and become a middle-income nation by 2020. Here are the impacts for:

Our Participants

Participants, students admitted USCSE, will be able to expand their global experiences and network by traveling to Ethiopia and providing their services. In addition, students will gain crucial skills and knowledge that will fortify their career development.

Our Host Organizations

Host organizations agree to collaborate with USCSE by receiving participants as volunteers and interns. These organizations already are engaged in important and transformative work in Ethiopia. Yet, their work will be furthered through participants’ contributions during the course of the internship. In addition, host organizations will capitalize on participants’ continued engagement through fundraising and awareness-raising efforts in the U.S. utilizing the Initiative’s vast network.

Our Partner Organizations

Public and private sector organizations that assist with the planning, development and implementation of USCSE will receive recognition for their support. They provide logistical and technical support that ensures the success of the project. Ultimately, our partner organizations will help realize the full potential of USCSE's participants and host organizations.

Our Goals

The short-term goal of U.S. College Students for Ethiopia is to recruit and organize cohorts of American college students to intern or volunteer in Ethiopia during summers 2011 and 2012. In 2011, the Ethiopian Global Initiative plans to send a pilot cohort of 10-15 students to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Based on this cohort’s experience and evaluation of the project, the Initiative will determine its expansion goals for 2012, which it anticipates to feature more participants.

Implementation

By working with host and partner organizations in Ethiopia and colleges in the United States, USCSE will create opportunities for volunteers and interns to work in areas such as government, business, nonprofit, media, and the arts. We will work to coordinate the logistics for each volunteer or intern.

While in Ethiopia, participants will spend their stay working with an organization that has been selected according to their interest. For example, college students majoring in Education might volunteer and teach English Literature at a primary school while students majoring in Health Sciences might intern with a Medical Doctor at a hospital.

Upon return to the United States, all interns and volunteers commit to becoming members of the Initiative. Participants will host an event to share their experiences or launch a project at EGI. Additionally, participants will attend and present on their experiences at the annual EGI Global Summit. Participants will continue a relationship with their host organizations after returning to the U.S. by holding fundraisers or organizing awareness events. Participants will be able to use the Ethiopian Global Initiative name to carry out their post-trip efforts.

Apply to Participate

Participants will be selected through a competitive process that will include submitting an application consisting of a transcript, resume, list of references, and essays. Once selected, interns or volunteers will be assigned to host organizations based on their credentials and interests.

To apply, download the application here , and then submit your response to uscse@ethgi.org by 5pm on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. 

Please direct any inquiries in regards to the application to uscse@ethgi.org