Regional Representative, Latin America & Caribbean at Catholic Relief Services

Job Title: Regional Representative, Latin America & Caribbean

Dept./Location: Baltimore, MD

Req. #: D327

Job Background/Summary:

CRS’ Overseas Support Department (OSD) has four units: the Regional Representation and Advocacy Unit, the Public Resource Unit, the Management Policy and Information Unit, and the Special Grants Support Unit. The Regional Representation and Advocacy Unit is divided into two teams:

· Africa: CARO, EARO, SARO and WARO

· Asia/EME/LAC: Asia, Europe/Middle East and LACRO

The Regional Representation and Advocacy (RRA) teams in OSD exist to support and amplify the regions’ work in reaching their strategic objectives. In addition to ongoing operational support, the teams are also tasked to be proactive in prioritizing and then implementing key representation and advocacy goals in consultation with the Regional Director, LACRO Strategic Issues Advisor, country programs, US Operations, Emergency Operations and the ELT. These teams, which are intentionally filled by experienced mid-level and senior staff, are responsible for investing significant time in analyzing trends/developments in the regions, cultivating relationships outside the agency, and advancing representation and advocacy priorities.

The Regional Representative (RR) will represent the Latin America & Caribbean Region, and the agency, on support and representation issues. On advocacy issues, the RR will consult primarily with, and take the lead from, the LACRO Strategic Issues Advisor.

The RR is responsible for maintaining proper communication with the regions in order to represent them in agency and external efforts. The RR will exercise duties of oversight and management, including: 1) response to regional and country reviews (e.g., APPs, SPPs); 2) coordination of technical assistance to partners; 3) special support in emergencies; 4) CRS Board, donor, partner, church visits; 5) information to RD on partnership, security, emergencies; and 6) travel to the region a maximum of twice a year.

Specific Responsibilities:

I. Representation:

1. Design and implement representation action plan (may be part of advocacy action plan, II.1. below).

2. Lead HQ representation of regions and country programs; serve as a focal point for ELT and external audiences.

3. Determine (in collaboration with RD) information/analysis priorities.

4. Develop opportunities to facilitate solidarity relationships and exchanges where appropriate (i.e. Global Solidarity Partnerships, Call to Witness, Global Fellows, etc.) .

5. Collaborate with the Public Resource Unit on region/country-specific issues.

6. Remain actively involved in new business development in collaboration with the Business Development Unit.

7. Coordinate high level Church visits.

II. Advocacy:

With the LACRO STA as lead:

1. Design and implement an advocacy action plan (may be part of representation action plan, I.1. above).

2. Advise and inform USOps on regional and thematic advocacy.

3. Network extensively in the US PVO and academic community.

III. Management:

1. Perform and promote team environment in OSD.

2. Lead in creating teamwork within OSD.

3. Collaborate in candidate and consultant interviews, screening, and selection.

4. Collaborate with MPI as needed on field and HQ management quality issues.

IV. Operational Support (including regional support):

1. Lead HQ-based support for the SPP process, including review.

2. Collaborate in regional meetings and other regional activities including regional strategies (TDYs, SPP teams, evaluations, project development, etc.) as appropriate.

3. Provide ad hoc operational support to RD and country programs as needed (e.g., legal issues, donor visits, etc.).

4. Facilitate communication and coordination with CP and HQ departments.

5. Compile and/or write, and present reports and other documentation, both ad hoc and standard (weekly reports, monthly reports), as needed.

6. Organize the response to the annual regional APP/budgeting process.

V. Emergency:

Point person for HQ response to emergencies including:

1. Staff evacuations and security, including coordinating with ELT.

2. HQ response as well as information dissemination to emergencies in regions or CPs.

3. Links with other NGOs, State Dept., UN, and other emergency response entities.

4. Working with E-Ops Baltimore, the regional RTA, and country Emergency Response Teams to coordinate activities, share information.

5. Maintaining flow of information on situation to CPs, RD and within HQ.

Competencies:

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

· Serves with Integrity

· Models Stewardship

· Cultivates Constructive Relationships

· Promotes Learning

Regional Representative Competencies:

The Regional Representative will demonstrate:

· Experience with and commitment to promoting transparency and working in a team structure

· Ability to represent and advocate on sensitive issues, including strong negotiation skills

· Ability to manage authority and make decisions

· Excellent judgment

· Excellent analytical and communication skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: With LAC HQ team members, Regional Director and team, CRs and CP staffs, OSD, Executive Leadership Team, Deputy Regional Directors, USOps, PQSD, E-OPS/HQ, all RIOs, Human Resources, Charitable Giving (fundraising).

External: USG agencies, US and international PVOs, including faith-based groups/partners, donor agencies, private donors, and the academic community.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s in international development or related field.

2. Previous work in CRS programs preferred.

3. Minimum of three or more years international development work experience.

4. Professional proficiency in Spanish required (French and Portuguese preferred).

5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook) required.

6. Strong knowledge of CRS programming, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles.

7. Advocacy experience preferred.

8. Previous experience working with or backstopping emergency programs preferred.

To apply, visit www.crs.org/about/careers

Director of the Unaccompanied Children Program of the Center on Immigration and Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice

Start Date: June 2011

The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to assist leaders in government and civil society, examine justice policy and practice, and improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera has offices in New York City, Washington, DC, and New Orleans, and its projects and reform initiatives, typically conducted in partnership with local, state, or national officials, are located across the United States and around the world. 

Vera seeks a director for the Unaccompanied Children Program of Vera’s Center on Immigration and Justice (CIJ). Since 2005, Vera, on behalf of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, has overseen a national network that provides legal information and pro bono legal representation to detained children facing immigration removal proceedings. As part of this program, Vera subcontracts with 18 legal service providers and other nonprofit organizations around the country. Vera oversees these subcontracts through site visit monitoring and performance measurement activities, and actively provides technical assistance to the subcontractors through a national conference, peer-to-peer training programs, conference calls and webinars, a project website, and practice advisories on various legal topics related to representing and assisting unaccompanied children in the immigration system. The director participates with the CIJ Director and other CIJ managers in leading the center and in developing new projects.

Responsibilities

The director’s duties include the following:

• Ensure the success of CIJ’s Unaccompanied Children Program;
• Manage relations with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, multiple subcontractors, and other stakeholders;
• Assess funding needs and seek adequate government funding of the program;
• Draft and administer a complex budget that includes multiple subcontracts;
• Draft, negotiate, and monitor contracts with multiple subcontractor organizations and consultants;
• Organize and participate in site visits and other site visit monitoring activities;
• Oversee various training and technical assistance efforts, including but not limited to a national training conference;
• Supervise four program staff and collaborate with CIJ research and administrative staff;
• Recruit and train new staff, and help all supervised staff to realize their full potential;
• Write and edit program reports;
• Represent CIJ in public speaking engagements and at professional meetings; and
• Together with other CIJ managers, assist the CIJ Director in running the center.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following:

• A JD degree;
• At least five years of immigration-related experience, including at least two years practicing in immigration court;
• Experience representing children, a strong plus;
• Prior management experience;
• Experience making and supervising budgets and negotiating contracts;
• A desire to effect change in partnership with the government;
• The ability to work with a range of stakeholders, including staff at nonprofit legal service providers and government officials;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Capacity to lead by example and to support career development for supervised staff;
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in Spanish; and
• Willingness to travel outside of New York City.

Salary

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits.

Please submit cover letter and resume.

Online submission is preferred at

http://vera.theresumator.com/apply/Hx2pSP/Director-Of-The-Unaccompanied-Children-Program.html?source=IDEA

However, if necessary, materials may be mailed or faxed to
ATTN: Human Resources / CIJ UAC Director Recruitment
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
Fax: (212) 941-9407

Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
 

No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. The Vera Institute of Justice values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about Vera and the Center on Immigration and Justice, please visit our website at www.vera.org

Assistant Program Officer (Africa) at Mercy Corps.

All applications for this position must be received by: April 6th, 2011

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Established in 1979, Mercy Corps is a non-profit international relief and development organization committed to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Supported by headquarters in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries.

The Africa portfolio is part of the Program Operations Department and is headed by a Regional Program Director (RPD) and two Deputy Regional Program Directors (DRPD). Mercy Corps currently operates in 10 countries in Africa, with plans to further expand the portfolio. Mercy Corps’ programming in Africa encompasses both relief and development work.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Africa Assistant Program Officer (APO) will work with the Africa Senior Program Officers (SPOs) to support the administration of Mercy Corps’ Africa portfolio. The APO is primarily responsible for supporting new and existing grants, directing internal and external program information flows, liaising with other departments within Mercy Corps, coordinating logistics and administrative support to the country programs. 

The APO backstops for the SPOs when needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Administrative and Operational Support
• Maintain adequate records of all documentation and correspondence of grants, ensuring that grant information is entered into the Grant and Information Tracker (GAIT) database, the shared drive and the Digital Library. Track reporting requirements and deadlines of program reports.
• Work with the SPOs to review, edit, assemble, and ensure timely submission of internal and external reports.
• Proactively lead logistical support for field and headquarters teams including consultant requests and new staff hiring, new hire orientation, scheduling needs, etc.
• Handle requests for educational, computer and other materials from field offices, adhering to Mercy Corps procurement policies.
• Work with the Senior Program Officers and other technical resources to monitor current program operations to ensure that quality standards are maintained or improved and that programs adhere to Mercy Corps and donor requirements.
• Manage volunteers and interns with an emphasis on excellence and achievement; encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation.

Communication
• Coordinate with Senior Program Officers to track and manage responses to field offices within 48 hours to all incoming requests.
• Act as a liaison between the field offices and the MC/HQ Human Resources and Recruiting, Resource Development and Finance Departments in responding to fundraising, recruitment, contract, payroll, and other related areas of need.
• Respond to public requests for information on specific Mercy Corps field activities in Africa through verbal and written communication as appropriate and in consultation with the SPOs, and Resource Development and Media staff.
• Assist the Resource Development team in the development of press releases, newsletter articles and other publication materials related to Mercy Corps’ programs in the region. Represent Mercy Corps at public and media events when requested.

Program Development
• Serve as program resource in reviewing, editing, assembling, and submitting final funding proposals, including Requests for Applications (RFAs) from USAID or other donor agencies as required. Prepare final documents for RFAs and grant proposals.
• Research and explore program opportunities in new and existing countries to facilitate Mercy Corps’ expansion in Africa as necessary.

• Provide primary desk officer backstopping responsibilities for the SPOs during absences from HQ.
• Other duties as requested.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Organizational Learning:
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Program Officer

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Africa Senior Program Officers; Regional Program Director and Deputy Regional Program Directors; HQ Program and Technical Support units and departments, including Finance, Resource Development, Material Aid, Public Affairs, Global Emergency Operations (GEO), Procurement, Administration, and Logistics Management (PALM); Mercy Corps counterparts at MC HQ offices in Europe; MC donors and partners.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• BA/S in relevant international development field required; MA/S or equivalent preferred.
• At least two years of NGO or international development industry experience; demonstrated knowledge of relevant sectoral and/or operational areas (agriculture, relief to recovery, access to financial services, health/nutrition, economic development, etc.).
• Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Preference given to candidates with prior work experience in Africa.
• Foreign language proficiency (French or other regional languages) is required.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Assistant Program Officer must be people and detail oriented, have the ability to handle multiple tasks, and be able to work under pressure. Vital skills include writing and editing, communication, and creating and maintaining professional internal and external relationships. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is necessary. S/he must demonstrate the ability to pay close attention to detail, follow procedures, meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team. An exposure to and interest in overseas environments and international development issues is important.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is based in Portland, OR.

This position is part time at 50% FTE (20 hours per week).

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Apply at http://www.mercycorps.org/jobs

U.S. Global Engagement Program Intern at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

U.S. Global Engagement Program seeks to explore and inform on the current state and implications of important bilateral and multilateral security relationships. This is a part-time internship.

The intern’s main responsibilities include:

•Assisting in writing and editing op-ed pieces, articles, and other written products

•Identify experts for Council events

•Administrative support as needed for meetings and other program business

Requirements:

•Graduate student studying international relations, public policy, or journalism

•Knowledge of relevant literature and new media

•Strong computer skills

•Prior experience with editing and writing

Apply to:

Stefanie R. Ambrosio
sambrosio@cceia.org
Carnegie Council
for Ethics in International Affairs

170 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10065

Fax: (212) 752-2432

Program Intern for Russia and NIS at HealthRight International

TITLE: Program Intern for Russia and NIS
BASED IN: Headquarters: New York, New York
REPORTING TO: Senior Program Associate for Russia/NIS
CLASSIFICATION: Full Time or Part Time Volunteer Intern

HealthRight International is a global health and human rights organization working to build lasting access to health for excluded communities.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Intern will support HealthRight’s Russia and Newly Independent States (NIS) programs, through research and writing, as well as general administrative tasks. Under the Russia and Ukraine Senior Program Associate’s supervision and guidance, the Intern’s responsibilities will include the following:
• Review and edit grant reports and proposals.
• Conduct research and compile news items related to the region
• Prepare reports of current events and security issues to share with program staff.
• Draft agendas and take notes at meetings to share with relevant staff.
• Take documents, such as visa applications, to the appropriate agencies, when necessary.
• Provide other program and administrative support as requested by the program team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Must have at least completed sophomore undergraduate year (graduate students welcome – will consider more advanced tasks for graduate students)
• Very strong writing skills
• Detail oriented
• Strong organizational skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Ability to meet deadlines reliably
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Russian language skills

To Apply:
Send CV and cover letter by email to humanresources@healthright.org; by mail: HealthRight International, c/o Human Resources, 80 Maiden Lane, New York, New York, 10038; or by fax to (212) 226-7026. Please include position title in the subject line.

Eleven U.S. Department of State International Exchange Alumnae Among NEWSWEEK's "150 Women Who Shake the World"

In its recent issue, NEWSWEEK magazine honored 150 Women Who Shake the World. Eleven of those women honored are alumnae of the U.S. State Department’s international exchange programs. These extraordinary women are, in the words of NEWSWEEK, “heads of state and heads of household. Angry protesters in the city square and sly iconoclasts in remote villages. With a fiery new energy, women are building schools. Starting businesses. Fighting corruption. Harnessing new technologies and breaking down old prejudices.”


These NEWSWEEK honorees are:


Emma Bonino of Italy: She is a member of the Italian Senate and a former member of the European Parliament. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1980)


Rola Dashti of Kuwait: She led the charge for women’s voting rights in her country and was the first female to cast a ballot. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 2002 and 2003)


Unity Dow of Botswana: She is Botswana’s first female High Court Judge. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1993)


Gabrielle Giffords of the United States: She is a Congresswoman from Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District. (Fulbright, 1993 and American Council of Young Political Leaders, 2001)


Sunitha Krishnan of India: She is co-founder of Prajwala, India and also has been named a recipient of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1998)


Betty Makoni of Zimbabwe: She is founder and executive director of Girl Child Network. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 2001)


Inez McCormack of Northern Ireland: She is the first female president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1990)


Shada Nasser of Yemen: She helped establish the capital city’s first all-female law office. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1998)


Suraya Pakzad of Afghanistan: She is the founder of Voice of Women. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 2008)


Marina Pisklakova-Parker of Russia: She is an activist for the prevention of domestic violence against women. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1995)


Dilma Rousseff of Brazil: She is the first female president of Brazil. (International Visitor Leadership Program, 1992)

Volunteer Legal Advisor at Africa and Middle East Refugee Assistance

Position Description

The Legal Advisor Volunteership is a position of 7.5 months’ duration. Legal Advisors are assigned to work on the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team and are responsible for representing individual refugee status determination cases before the UNHCR in Cairo. Legal advisors manage their own caseload of clients, interviewing them, taking their testimonials, writing legal arguments for appeal/reopening, and accompanying clients to their interviews at UNHCR. Legal advisors are expected to work full-time (35 hours per week).

Please visit www.amera-egypt.org to apply.

Selected volunteers will be expected to begin on July 10th in order to participate in a two-week intensive training program.

This is a non-paid position.

Requirements
• English being the official language of the UNHCR Cairo as well as AMERA’s office, the Legal Advisor must be fluent in both oral and written English. Arabic is an advantage.
• A Bachelors degree in law or an LLM is preferred, but other Masters degrees’ or equivalent experience in a related field are also acceptable.
• A background in law and/or experience working in human rights and/or with refugees and asylum seekers.
• Ability to prepare high-quality testimonies and legal submissions to be submitted to UNHCR.
• Conscientious record-keeping of all actions taken regarding clients’ cases.
• Ability to make necessary referrals to other teams or organizations.
• A positive attitude and sensitive manner when dealing with clients including a range of interviewing skills for dealing with challenging interview scenarios.
• Mature work ethic
• Ability to organize, multi-task, and prioritize workload in order to adequately meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment while working with limited resources.

Responsibilities
• Undertake comprehensive screening of clients at all levels – first instance, appeal and closed file – to assess refugee claim and determine if full legal representation is appropriate.
o If the provision of full legal representation is not appropriate, the provision of legal advice.
 

• Upon commencement of full legal representation, assessment of the additional needs of the client and the making of appropriate referrals to other teams such as the Psychosocial team, the Protection team or the Sexual and Gender Based Violence team.
 

• Full representation of RSD cases including first instance, appeals, closed files, cancellation and cessation. At any given time the caseload should be not less than 5 active (full representation) clients, or more as delegated by the team leader. Functions related to representation of RSD cases include (but are not limited to) the following:
o The preparation of written testimonies
o The drafting of legal arguments/submissions
o Obtaining documents to support clients’ cases such as expert reports, witness statements, etc.
o The preparation of clients for RSD interviews at UNHCR
o Accompaniment of clients to their RSD interviews at UNHCR
o Oral advocacy for clients during RSD interviews at the UNHCR
o Taking detailed transcript of RSD interview proceedings.
o Following up on the status of clients’ cases with the UNHCR through inquires on the clients’ behalf
 

• Undertake country of origin research to support individual claims as well as for general organizational research purposes as per direction from the team leader. Maintain and update own knowledge of the current political and social situations in the countries of origin of AMERA’s clients in order to best provide legal assistance. 

• Maintain good working knowledge of UNHCR guidelines, process and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing training activities and supervision.
• Undertake comprehensive case management practices including maintaining and updating electronic databases and records for each client, and keeping detailed notes of all case work activities.
• Attend and contribute to weekly staff meetings. Take meeting minutes as required.
• Adhere to the Nairobi Code of Ethics and to the AMERA Office Procedural Manual.
• Attend and participate in RSD team meetings, as well as contributing to the formulation of policies and procedures for the team and participating in strategic planning as required.In coordination with the team leader, advocate for clients’ best interests on a case-by-case basis at UNHCR or other organizations.
• Assist the team leader as required with broader advocacy efforts which may include collecting case data, writing reports and case profiles, or preparing other necessary documents.
• As required, provide training to new legal advisors and other staff on legal issues faced by refugees.
• Direct clients to appropriate external organizations to address their specific needs.

Please visit www.amera-egypt.org to apply

Global Peace and Security Intern at Americans for Informed Democracy

Now hiring for *spring* (March-May) and *summer* (May-August). Applicants should specify which session they are interested in (or both). 

The Global Peace and Security Intern will work closely with AIDemocracy staff to support student engagement around peace and security issues including US engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear weapons, US-Muslim relations, and US civil/military balance. Interns work on student outreach, online communications, curriculum development, event planning and partnership development.

Our vision is that every young person in the United States exercises their power to bring about a peaceful, healthy, just and sustainable world. We educate, cultivate and mobilize a network of young people in the US to take informed action around our individual and collective roles as global citizens.

Responsibilities:

• Help students understand the issues. This involves monitoring key conversations, writing blog posts, developing toolkits and fact sheets, etc.;
• Support student mobilization on the issues. This involves supporting student strategy development, member recruitment and events;
• Identify advocacy opportunities and partners;
• Support general planning and execution of events, including our regional and annual conferences in Spring 2010.
• Provide general administrative and logistical support to the Global Peace and Security Program;
• Assist with website and other communications and outreach tasks;
• Provide logistical support to program staff for meetings, conferences and events.

Skills and qualifications:

• Strong familiarity with and interest in global peace and security issues;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Computer and internet competency;
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment;
• Ability to work both independently and in teams;
• Experience organizing students, doing advocacy, or working on social justice issues a plus.

You’ll like this position if you:

• Are inspired to learn more about peace and security issues;
• Believe that students have the power to affect change, and enjoy working with student activists;
• Enjoy coming up with creative ways to educate and mobilize students around issues.

Skills you’ll gain:

• Issue / policy analysis
• Writing
• Organizing
• Leadership
• New media: using blogs, Facebook, etc.

This is a part or full-time position (15-40 hours/week), depending on availability. Term is January – May/June 2011. Position based in our office on Capitol Hill. This is an unpaid position, although Intern will receive a monthly travel stipend and numerous training opportunities.

Please complete online application at: http://www.aidemocracy.org/internship-application/. No phone calls please. Applications accepted on a rolling basis through April 15, 2011. www.aidemocracy.org

Japan Studies Internship at the Council on Foreign Relations

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Department: Japan Studies

Length of Internship: Summer 2011

The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. Founded in 1921, the Council carries out its mission by maintaining a diverse membership, with special programs to promote interest and develop expertise in the next generation of foreign policy leaders; convening meetings at its headquarters in New York and in Washington, DC, and other cities where senior government officials, members of Congress, global leaders, and prominent thinkers come together with Council members to discuss and debate major international issues; supporting a Studies Program that fosters independent research, enabling Council scholars to produce articles, reports, and books and hold roundtables that analyze foreign policy issues and make concrete policy recommendations; publishing Foreign Affairs, the preeminent journal on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy; sponsoring Independent Task Forces that produce reports with both findings and policy prescriptions on the most important foreign policy topics; and providing up-to-date information and analysis about world events and American foreign policy on its website, CFR.org.

The responsibilities of the intern will include (but are not limited to):
• Assisting with research assignments
• Focus will be primarily on Japan
• Providing logistical and administrative support as needed

Qualifications:
• Undergraduate or graduate student with demonstrated background and interest in Japan
• Word processing and Internet research skills
• Strong research & administrative abilities
• Excellent attention to detail & follow-through
• Fluent Japanese language skills so that candidate can conduct research in Japanese.

A modest stipend is offered upon completion of the internship.

Please e-mail, mail or fax a resume and cover letter INCLUDING POSITION NAME, DAYS AND TIMES AVAILABLE TO WORK to the Human Resource Office at the above address. The Council on Foreign Relations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Quality, diversity and balance are the key objectives sought by the Council on Foreign Relations in the composition of its workforce.

US News Article on Law Schools Going Global

Law Schools Go Global

Students now have more options for gaining international legal experience.

By Christopher J. Gearon

Posted: March 29, 2011

As the world moves increasingly toward globalization, America's law schools are offering students more opportunities to immerse themselves in foreign legal systems and international law. Studying abroad is "incredibly valuable," says William Treanor, dean of Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.

Treanor points to how legal questions are increasingly being resolved across national boundaries, whether they involve business transactions, litigation, domestic relations, estate planning, or social justice. Adds Steven Ratner, a professor at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School, "It's simply impossible to be a competent lawyer" without understanding "how law works across borders."

Hulett Askew, a consultant for the American Bar Association's legal education and admissions section, says of foreign study programs, "The growth overall in the last 5 or 10 years has been steady—and even dramatic." In 2009, at least 112 U.S. law schools collectively offered more than 255 such programs, according to the ABA. And though the down economy has slowed growth, about 8,000 U.S. law students still participated in a foreign program in 2009, Askew notes.

 

The most common study abroad opportunities are offered during the summer and are similar to those attended by second-year University of North Dakota law student William Black, 32, of Grand Forks. Last summer, Black completed a six-week program in Prague, Czech Republic, sponsored by the South Texas College of Law.

He then spent a month studying international and comparative law at the St. Petersburg (Russia) Summer Law Institute. The program is cosponsored by the University of Arkansas, Cleveland State University, and University of the Pacific law schools.

"The classroom part is very valuable," but the "opportunities to meet people from different cultures and deal with them is, too," says Black, who was able to apply credits toward his North Dakota law degree.

Like many schools, Georgetown Law offers semester abroad programs, with a dozen locations including Argentina, China, and Germany, as well as a full-year program in Paris. Georgetown graduate Alexis Paddock, 27, of Washington, D.C., spent a semester at the school's Center for Transnational Legal Studies. Opened in 2008, the center brings together students and faculty from more than a dozen other countries to the heart of London's legal quarter.

Partners include Free University Berlin, the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, all of which send students and faculty to the center.

"It's like going to 10 countries" to study, says Paddock, who credits the program with giving her a "greater awareness" of other legal systems and cultures while helping her build a network of contacts around the world.

According to the ABA, about 40 U.S. law schools have semester abroad options. "We offer a variety of opportunities, which we've vetted," says Virginia Gordan, assistant dean for international affairs at Michigan Law. These include for-credit semester programs at Amsterdam Law School, University College London, and Waseda University Law School in Tokyo, among others.

Michigan Law also offers fall "externships" with legal reform agencies in South Africa and winter programs in Geneva with leading U.N. agencies and international nongovernmental organizations. Michigan students can also pursue not-for-credit internships in Cambodia, London, and elsewhere.

The programs aren't for everyone. They can be pricey and may preclude a student from taking work or internship opportunities in the United States, which some fear might set them back in landing a job. But many experts disagree, saying global experience has become a major plus on résumés. Clearly, the thousands of students who enroll in these programs agree.

[Learn more about graduate students studying abroad.]

ABA Section of International Law 2011 Spring Meeting

ABA Section of International Law 2011 Spring Meeting

Event Information
Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 8:00AM - Saturday, April 9, 2011, 10:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Event Link

The ABA Section of International Law, in co-sponsorship with ASIL, hosts its 2011 Spring Meeting, bringing together the world's leading international practitioners (including both in-house and outside counsel), academics, and government officials for four days of outstanding programming, networking, and events. In addition to more than 60 CLE programs across eight program tracks and six mini-tracks, attendees will have a chance to socialize and network at twice daily networking breaks, luncheons with dynamic speakers, and exceptional receptions at the top venues in the city. 

Contact Information
Audrey Lamb, Senior Meeting Planner
lamba@staff.abanet.org
1-202-662-1663

St. John's Center for International and Comparative Law Inaugural Symposium - Challenges to International Law, Challenges from International Law: New Realities and the Global Order

St. John's Center for International and Comparative Law Inaugural Symposium - Challenges to International Law, Challenges from International Law: New Realities and the Global Order

Event Information
Friday, April 1,  2011, 9:00 AM
St. John's School of Law
Belson Moot Court Room
Second Floor
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439

St. John's Center for International and Comparative Law, together with the St. John's Journal of International and Comparative Law and in co-sponsorship with the American Society of International Law, presents its inaugural symposium, which will bring together leading academics, practitioners, and past and present government officials to examine current challenges facing international law through the lens of three areas of regulation: the use of force, human rights, and economic relations. Participants will also explore the United States' role in international law-making and enforcement.

Contact Information
Van McPherson III
Symposium Editor
Journal of International and Comparative Law
van.mcphersoniii08@stjohns.edu

Law and Human Rights Internship with Humanity World International

Pre-Law, Law students and Legal practitioners are qualified to apply for our Law Internship program.

Students from all fields and professionals are welcome to take part in our Human Rights placement program.

Reports and Photos:
Click here to read the experiences of past volunteers and interns. See photos of their activities.
FAQ:Click here to vist our Frequently Asked Questions page. You will find answers to some of the questions on top of your mind.

Group Volunteering:Groups are welcome to volunteer or intern with us in this program. A group normally consists of 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more people. Volunteering or interning in groups brings lots of rewarding experiences to volunteers and interns. Groups of volunteers or interns work in teams and tours are normally very interesting when done in groups. You can volunteer or intern with your friends, family, colleagues or peers.
Your impact:
During your gap year, career or school break, it is a perfect idea to volunteer or intern with Humanity World International (HWI). As a volunteer or intern, you offer your services to people in need of them and in return, you get blessings and appreciation from the people. On top of this, you also get the opportunity to learn about the way of life of the people. There are also many tourist attractions in Ghana, Africa that may be of interest to you.

- Upon successful completion of your volunteer work, you are issued a volunteer certificate and/or letters of recommendation.

- You can earn academic credit with your volunteer work, improve your CV or resume and more.

- We provide you a tour to Africa's historic Trans-Atlantic Cape Coast Slave Castle where you would learn at first hand the happenings during the slave trade, a visit to the Kakum National Park where you would do the canopy walk in the rain forest and a visit to the the Hans Cottage where you would see crocodiles (these places to visit are optional).

Accra: Accra is the capital of Ghana, Africa. It is home to over a million people from all corners of Ghana with a diverse culture. In the central markets of Accra, you can find beads and locally made beautiful clothes with mouth watering traditional food. Most of the population live in the shanty towns - they line the streets selling different types of products in busy traffic areas. Here, you can find anything from chocolates, sachet and bottled water to plantain chips.

HWI Home Base: The HWI Home Base is located in Accra in an area called Teshie-Nungua Estates - it is home to volunteers and interns working on various projects in Accra. The home has basic facilities such as double sized beds, flushing toilet, bath room, kitchen, a hall among others. Here, new friends are made upon arrival of a new volunteer or intern. Our volunteers and interns are very friendly to each other and they go places together - it is a perfect experience for those desirous to meet new people and learn about other cultures and backgrounds as well as share ideas.
Click here to have a look at our accommodation for volunteers and interns.