Summer 2011 Internship with the Millennium Challenge Corporation

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. To receive assistance, eligible countries are required to enter into a public agreement (Compact) with the MCC that includes a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives, regular benchmarks to measure progress, multi-year financial plan, and a plan to ensure accountability for the use of MCA assistance.

The MCC Student Volunteer Internship Program is accepting applications for its 2011 Summer session, June 6 – August 12, 2011. Internships are provided for students with a desire to work in the international development field and/or public sector and assignments are designed to complement the intern’s educational pursuits while meeting the expressed needs of the agency and individual MCC departments.

Candidates will have an opportunity to assist the MCC Office of the General Counsel with a wide-range of legal duties related to international and administrative law in MCC compact countries.

Interns will assist attorneys with providing legal advice to MCC staff on issues with development of new compact programs and implementation of existing compact programs; reviewing disbursement related documentation; drafting letters, certificates, notices, agreements and memos; sitting in on negotiations with foreign governments and conference calls with local counsel; researching international law issues, as well as general law topics; generating closing checklists, assisting attorneys in conducting due diligence, responding to due diligence questions, and drafting MCC policies and procedures. Interns will be required to utilize legal reference files, the Internet, and electronic databases to conduct research, compile information, and verify citations. Applicants must be current students of a law degree program.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
* Must be a U.S. citizen
* Must be a currently enrolled law student
* Must be in good academic standing
* Must be able to pass a ‘Secret’ level security background check

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must also possess:
* Knowledge of international development, public policy, and related fields of study (i.e., international/administrative law, international relations, business administration and operations management)
* Regional and cultural knowledge of countries located throughout parts of South/East/West Africa, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America
* Strong research, data management, and analytical skills
* Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize under tight deadlines
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* A working knowledge of standard office software and computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, STATA, etc.)