Internship at Refugee International in New York

Refugees International is seeking a first year graduate student who is available to work part time in our New York liaison office for a seven month period. The internship period begins in April 2011 and lasts through December 2011. The position is unpaid, although a transportation subsidy will be provided.

The intern will assist RI advocacy and peacekeeping staff in monitoring developments at the United Nations by attending and reporting back on meetings, and liaising with DC based advocates on relevant issues and opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend meetings at the United Nations and represent Refugees International; 
• Report back to RI staff on UN meetings;
• Schedule meetings for RI staff visiting New York;
• Assist RI peacekeeping staff;
• Monitor humanitarian discussions in NY;
• Provide other assistance as needed.

The successful candidate will:

• Be enrolled in a graduate program in international affairs, international relations, or non-profit management.
• Ideally have previous relevant work experience
• Possess strong writing and speaking skills, facility with a variety of computer applications, attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and independently.
• Have knowledge of UN bodies and key NGO players
• Possess familiarity with humanitarian response and the UN humanitarian architecture, in particular;
• Must have an interest in nonprofit management and advocacy.
• Experience with nonprofits and refugees a plus.

BACKGROUND

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of the organization will be considered. No phone calls please.

Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises. Refugees International was started in 1979 as a citizens’ movement to protect Indochinese refugees. Since then, we have expanded to become the leading U.S.-based advocacy organization that provokes action from global leaders to resolve refugee crises. We do not accept government or United Nations funding. Our expert recommendations are highly valued by the very people whose decisions bring immediate relief and lifesaving solutions to refugees: senior officials of the U.S. Administration, the United Nations, and governments around the world, and members of the U.S. Congress.

Each year, Refugees International conducts 20 to 25 field missions to identify displaced people’s needs for basic services such as food, water, health care, shelter, access to education, and protection from abuse. Based on our field-based knowledge of humanitarian emergencies, we successfully challenge policy makers and aid agencies to improve the lives of displaced people around the world. Where there are needs, we witness what is lacking, we present solutions and we demand action.

Please email your application by March 1, 2011 with the following documents to jobs@refugeesinternational.org with “NY Internship” in the subject line:
• Cover letter;
• Resume;
• 2-3 references (with phone numbers and email addresses) from individuals familiar with your work.