Friday, March 30, 2012

Advocacy Advisor (NY) at Save the Children

Save the Children is a global child rights organisation with a dual mandate to deliver world-class, quality programming in health, education and child protect and to be the leading INGO for children in emergencies.

Save the Children:

• reaches 50 million children every year

• raises $1.4 billion for children every year

• has 30 national organizations in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia

• works in more than 90 countries and has over 15,000 employees

The role

This role will advocate and communicate for policy change in the United Nations in New York, on Save the Children’s priority issues – emergencies and humanitarian reform, child survival, child protection, and child rights.

Qualifications and experience

Master’s degree is desirable in international relations, development, political science, law or relevant field. Bachelor’s degree is essential.

Proven track record of policy influencing with government and civil society
Strong understanding of the United Nations system and multi-lateral systems
A proven ability to build networks with diverse partners in pursuit of common goals
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, to analyze complex information and offer creative, practical and effective solutions
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills, including an ability to deal with people at all levels with credibility, tact, and diplomacy
Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and an ability to distil large amounts of information for a variety of audiences
Background in one of Save the Children’s priority issues - children in humanitarian and emergency settings, child survival, child protection, child rights, education, legal and rights frameworks
Ability to travel within the US and internationally
Results oriented, with experience in developing and monitoring performance
An ability to work flexibly in a team, and to adjust work plan and priorities rapidly in response to external opportunities
Office management experience would be an advantage
Experience of working in developing countries would be an advantage
Knowledge of a second language would be an advantage
A commitment to the Save the Children Values

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Please note that application for tis role close on 11th April 2012

To Apply please send a CV and covering letter to :jobs.95899.4358@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Researcher on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Human Rights Watch

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
RESEARCHER ON THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Africa Division
(Goma Field Office)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2012

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Researcher to monitor the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This position will report to the Great Lakes Team Leader in the Africa Division.

Responsibilities:
1. Monitor, investigate, and document human rights abuses in DRC (with a focus on eastern Congo) by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others in the field;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies on human rights concerns in DRC as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time;
3. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in DRC;
4. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;
5. Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
6. Work closely with colleague non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
7. Organize and supervise Human Rights Watch’s field office in Goma;
8. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
9. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
10. Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct fact-finding and advocacy missions;
11. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Division; and
12. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications:
Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, history or the social sciences is required.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience working on human rights issues in DRC or in the Great Lakes region of Africa as well as a background in field-based human rights work in the region.

Related Skills and Knowledge:
1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in a timely and sophisticated fashion is required.
2. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
3. Experience working in a politically sensitive conflict environment is required.
4. Ability to efficiently distil information about DRC so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
5. Ability to produce excellent written material under tight deadlines is required.
6. Ability to identify and advise the Africa Division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
7. Ability to respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they may occur, working in close coordination with the senior researcher on DRC and the Great Lakes team, often under tight deadlines.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French are required.
9. Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is strongly preferred.
10. Strong interpersonal skills, in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, UN officials, policymakers, media contacts, and others is required.
11. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is strongly preferred.
12. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
13. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
14. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
15. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.

Other: The Researcher will be based in Human Rights Watch’s Goma office after a period of training of around one month in HRW’s New York or London offices.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Contract Duration: Initial one year fixed term contract. Renewable depending on the availability of continued funding.

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

Contact: Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements, a brief writing sample (unedited by others), and contact information for three references to africajobs@hrw.org. Please use “DRC Researcher Ref AFR-12-1014-D” as the subject of your email.

Law Intern at Catholic Migration Services

Catholic Migration Services provides Immigration, Housing, and Employment legal services to low-income residents of Queens and Brooklyn, NY. Our legal services programs are linked to education, organizing, and advocacy efforts aimed to address social justice issues affecting local immigrant communities. We are seeking applications from rising second and third year law students for summer internship positions. Interns will work with our staff of attorneys, counselors, and community organizers in the following areas:

Immigration: interns will assist clients with the preparation of affirmative filings including family-based petitions, citizenship applications, and renewal of temporary protected status. Interns may also assist attorneys in our representation of individuals facing removal and deportation. Interns will also assist in outreach and advocacy efforts of our organization in relation to immigration reform.

Housing: interns will assist in our representation of low-income immigrant tenants in eviction proceedings and affirmative litigation on behalf of tenants to promote dignified and affordable housing. Interns will participate in outreach efforts including tenant organizing, community meetings and collaborative events with other non-profit community based organizations.

Employment: interns will work primarily in CMS’s new Immigrant Wage Rights Project building the collective power of immigrant workers to end wage theft through popular education, legal representation, and organizing.

All three program areas are currently accepting applications for Law Student Summer Interns. Spanish Language ability strongly preferred, but not required. These positions are unpaid, but CMS will help facilitate Law School credit or stipend.

Interested and qualified applicants may email resume, cover letter, and unofficial law school transcript to Joshua Butnick at cmo.itap@gmail.com

Legal Fellow at the Resettlement Legal Aid Project at St. Andrew's Refugee Services

The Resettlement Legal Aid Project (RLAP) at St. Andrew’s Refugee Services provides legal aid to vulnerable refugees in Cairo, including advocacy, assistance in testimony drafting, and other referral services.

Read more at www.rlap.net.
Vacancy: Legal Fellow
Duties:

Represent refugees in resettlement application process, including appeals and requests for reconsideration with UNHCR and IOM.
Contribute to RLAP’s overall legal advocacy strategy, including evaluating requests for appointments, conducting intake interviews, representing clients, communicating with UNHCR and IOM, and working in conjunction with Program Director & Staff Attorneys to identify and carry out research initiatives that are likely to further RLAP’s mission.
Work with Program Director & Staff Attorneys to recruit, train, and oversee work of volunteer staff. Conduct intensive one week training for new volunteers two times per year.
Review and edit client testimonies and other documents prepared by volunteers, ensuring the highest quality representation for clients, and actionable feedback for volunteers.
Supervise volunteers’ daily work, providing case-specific advice along with general guidance for volunteers without legal backgrounds.
Stay current on refugee issues in Egypt and the home countries of RLAP’s clients and work to maintain an atmosphere of information sharing throughout RLAP.
Work to maintain and develop partnerships with other refugee service organizations in Cairo.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, articulate and comfortable interacting with diverse segments of society. Ideally, he or she will have demonstrated a firm commitment to human rights and refugee issues.
Essential qualifications:

JD or equivalent. 2012 graduates encouraged to apply.
Previous experience with refugees, immigration, human rights, or rule of law.
Excellent legal research and drafting skills.
Proven ability to work as part of a culturally diverse team.
Fluency in oral and written English, Arabic an advantage.
Ability to live and work in a fluid security environment.

Desirable Characteristics:

Experience designing and conducting trainings for non-technical audiences.
Managerial experience or familiarity with the supervision of volunteers.
Broad involvement in the work of human rights institutions at the international and national level.
Flexibility and a sense of humor.
Life and work experience in the Middle East or Egypt.

This is an unfunded position. RLAP will provide a letter of support and any other assistance necessary to secure funding, but it will ultimately be the responsibility of the applicant to do so. This position will offers an opportunity to develop advocacy and leadership skills, while providing meaningful assistance to vulnerable migrants. We are also happy to work to identify additional projects and duties that are of special interest to the successful candidate and fit within RLAP’s mission, advocacy strategy, and client-centered approach.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, two references and brief legal writing sample to applications@rlap.net, with the subject “Legal Fellow.” Please acknowledge in your letter that you understand that the position does not offer a salary.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hofstra Law Launches First ABA Accredited Programs in Cuba and Ecuador

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2012

Hofstra Law Is the First American Law School to Seek ABA Accreditation for
Study Abroad in Cuba, Ecuador

Hempstead, N.Y. — In response to the U.S. government’s recent lifting of the ban on educational travel to Cuba, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has established a Cuba Field Study program to be conducted in Havana during the Law School’s spring break.

Approximately 30 students will participate in the Cuba Field Study: Export Laws and Export Controls, which will run from March 31-April 7. Participating students will stay at the Hotel Ambos Mundos, and classes will be held at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana, the former Supreme Court of Justice building, in Old Town Havana.

“Hofstra Law is excited to be one of the first law schools to take advantage of the government’s endorsement of educational exchange with Cuba, and we hope that our program will provide students with an academically and culturally enriching experience,” said Hofstra Law Dean Nora V. Demleitner. “This expansion of our study abroad offerings also responds to the complexities of the legal field which increasingly demands future lawyers to be prepared for an ever more interconnected world.”

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), Hofstra Law is the first American law school to seek accreditation from the ABA for a study abroad program in Cuba. An ABA inspector will be onsite during the field study to ensure that the program meets all standards set forth for foreign-program accreditation.

“Students have a limited amount of time to soak up as many educational experiences in law school as they can,” said Jeffrey Dodge, assistant dean for global initiatives & multicultural affairs. “Trade regulations between the United States and other countries can change quickly, and as a result there is an increased need for law school graduates to be able to navigate the complex waters of U.S. export laws and controls on behalf of international business clients.”

The Cuba Field Study will be taught by Assistant Professor Juli Campagna, who has studied, practiced and taught law in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Campagna will draw on her background in international business and transactional law to teach students about such U.S. laws as the Export Administration Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the amendments to IEEPA pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act. Students will also learn the key licensing provisions and procedures of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and examine the Trading With the Enemy Act.

“Hofstra Law’s Cuba Field Study is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical legal knowledge as well as to experience a culture that is vastly different from that of a more traditional study abroad program,” said Campagna. “Most of our students have never been to a Communist country before, and the cultural differences between the U.S. and Cuba certainly will add another dimension to their learning experience.”

Demleitner, Campagna and Dodge traveled to Cuba last year as part of a government-sponsored education mission to explore educational exchange opportunities there. This new program is a direct outgrowth of that visit, and as a result of her experience on the ground in Cuba, Campagna has organized a series of field trips and guest lecturers as part of the course.

Hofstra Law is also offering a new Ecuador Field Study: Special issues in International Environmental Law in Otavalo during the upcoming spring break. In this program, students will learn about special issues in international law, such as climate change policy responses, protection of forests and the role transnational corporations play in the creation and resolution of international environmental challenges. Students will also learn about topics specific to Ecuador, such as the high-profile litigation against Chevron for alleged environmental and social harms in Ecuador’s Amazon region, and the rights given to nature in the new Ecuadorian constitution. The course will be taught by Carol Casazza Herman ’84, the visiting practitioner-in-residence in environmental law.

###

The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University prepares passionate students to make an impact in their communities and beyond. Accredited by the American Bar Association and ranked in the top 100 law schools nationwide, Hofstra Law is located on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Along with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program, the Law School offers Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree programs in American Legal Studies (for foreign law graduates) and Family Law.

Assistant Legal Adviser - International Justice at Amnesty International

£34,032 per annum

London
Amnesty International (AI) leads the way in tackling global human rights abuses and challenging impunity for crimes under international law. But we always want to do more. Our campaign for international justice needs the support of expert international legal analysis and it is here that you will play a vital role to help us make a real difference.

About the role
As a member of our international justice team, at least 50% of your time will be dedicated to providing legal advice to our global campaign for international justice, drawing on your knowledge of international human rights, humanitarian and criminal law to provide expert advice on challenging impunity at the global and national level. The rest of your time will involve developing and implementing campaign and advocacy strategies and actions on international justice issues for our movement. You may also represent AI at international meetings and participate in AI missions.

About you
You will have extensive knowledge of international law, especially those aspects of particular relevance to human rights issues and international justice including the work of international criminal tribunals, universal jurisdiction and addressing crimes under international law by domestic justice systems. You will also have sound political judgement and strategic thinking, and be able to use international law to achieve human rights impact. Furthermore, excellent oral and written English are a must; a good working knowledge of Arabic, French, Mandarin, Spanish or Russian is also desirable.

About us

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of over three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The American Bar Association (ABA) Immigration Justice Project Internship

Interns will join a team of attorneys and a paralegal to screen individuals facing removal proceedings at both the San Diego Immigration Court, and at the San Diego Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa. Interns will be responsible for case screening, and research to determine eligibility for immigration relief. Where appropriate, interns may work under the supervision of staff attorney to conduct legal and factual development of a court case. Other responsibilities include communication with families, research and writing and some administrative support.

Interns should have some experience with immigration, human rights or other relevant areas. Coursework or previous internships in this area are preferred. Fluency in a second language is also favored. Interns should have strong organizational skills, writing skills, and the ability to work well with people of various backgrounds. Interns should be comfortable working with individuals with criminal convictions, and visiting a detention facility.

Please submit, by mail or e-mail, a cover letter describing your interest in the position, and your availability, along with a resume, brief writing sample, and references to: Veronica Barba, Director, Immigration Justice Project, 401 B Street, Suite 1700, San Diego, CA 92101 or veronica.barba@americanbar.org. Applications for internships will be considered on a rolling basis.

Monday, March 26, 2012

International Human Rights Attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) seeks an experienced Staff Attorney for its International Human Rights docket. This position involves litigating existing international human rights cases in U.S. courts and international fora, as well as developing new and creative litigation projects in areas such as gender justice and sexual rights, the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, corporate accountability, and militarism. The position will also require the attorney to engage in coordinated education, advocacy and media work.

For more than 45 years, CCR has been dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. CCR grew out of the civil rights struggle in the South and is committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. Specific focuses have included the integration of international human rights and humanitarian law into claims brought in U.S. courts and pressing government and private actors to abide by international law.

In 1980, following prior challenges to U.S. policy or practices in Latin America and Southeast Asia that violated international law, CCR brought and won the landmark Filártiga v. Peña-Irala case, which recognized that the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) provided a basis for non-U.S. citizens to bring claims in U.S. federal courts for serious international human rights violations – including torture. Since 1980, CCR has continued to litigate cases under the ATS, bringing legal claims against foreign officials from Haiti, Guatemala, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bolivia and Israel, and leading the charge in holding non-state actors accountable (in cases such as Kadić v. Karadžić) including multinational corporations (in cases such as Doe v. Unocal, Wiwa v. Shell, Abtan v. Blackwater). CCR has engaged in litigation and advocacy in support of Palestinian human rights and solidarity activism. In addition CCR has brought claims, or supported litigation, in U.S. courts and international fora on behalf of women, children and families subjected subject to gender violence.
Some of CCR’s current cases include: Al Shimari v. CACI and Al-Quraishi v. Nakhla, for the torture and other serious abuse of Iraqi detainees by private contractors in detention centers across Iraq; actions under the principle of universal jurisdiction that seek to hold George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and other high-level officials criminally accountable for their role in torture and war crimes; Murillo v. Micheletti, for the extra-judicial killing of a peaceful protestor and political persecution by the coup regime in Honduras and Bigwood v. DOD and CIA, a Freedom of Information Act case seeking documents from U.S. agencies about their role in and knowledge of the 2009 coup in Honduras; a complaint to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking an investigation of high-level Vatican officials for the widespread rape and sexual violence by priests and others associated with the church.

CCR has a long history of supporting social justice movements, and continues working with and supporting human rights defenders through litigation, including as amici or in litigation FOIA cases, and other advocacy.

CCR seeks to bring cases or undertake advocacy primarily through consultation, coordination and partnership with community and/or grassroots movement groups and allies.

For an in-depth look at CCR’s work, applicants are encouraged to review our website, www.ccrjustice.org, and specifically see our International Law and Accountability and Corporate Human Rights Abuses work at http://www.ccrjustice.org/ourcases.

Job Responsibilities:

Devise, initiate and/or contribute to the development and implementation of litigation strategies before domestic courts, regional and international human rights bodies and within the United Nations system;
Draft and file legal briefs, conduct motion-practice, present oral argument, and coordinate amicus strategies; undertake legal and factual research in areas of international human rights, humanitarian, refugee and criminal law, among others;
Contribute to developing, planning and implementation of community advocacy initiatives and educational materials, including public speaking and writing on subjects related to the docket area;
Provide assistance and advice to CCR’s movement allies, activists, advocates and other organizations;
Media work, including doing interviews, working on press materials, and participating in press strategy;
Assist the Development Department in developing grant proposals and discussing work with donors (some travel may be required); and
Supervise legal workers, legal interns, and fellow(s), as well as build relations with outside lawyers and organizations to broaden the resources of the IHR Docket.

Qualifications:

Minimum of eight years litigation experience, including experience and confidence in complex federal litigation;
A preferred background or expertise in some of the following substantive areas: reproductive justice, sexual rights or gender identity; anti-militarism; corporate accountability; migrants’ rights; environmental justice or other anti-discrimination work; or economic, social and cultural rights, including in the areas of labor, economic justice, and access to housing and health services;
Familiarity and experience with international substantive human rights treaties, laws and instruments and international human rights tribunals and other human rights forums;
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the mission of CCR; creativity in crafting strategies to advance and promote international human rights in CCR’s priority areas;;
Excellent research, writing, and oral communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to effectively initiate and manage complex legal work, including ability to work independently and manage a variety of tasks simultaneously.
Proven ability to work as member of a team;
Excellent client skills and cultural sensitivity; experience working with diverse groups and social justice movements preferred;
Experience with advocacy outside of or in conjunction with litigation;
International experience a plus;
Willingness to travel;
Integrity, collegiality and a sense of humor;
Non-English language skills a plus;
Admission to the New York Bar preferred; if hired, must become admitted to New York Bar.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter explaining their interest in CCR and its IHR and identifying projects the candidate would be interested in pursuing at CCR; resume; writing sample; and, a list of three references to: IHR Search Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights, 666 Broadway, 7^th floor, NY, 10012 or e-mail to ihrsearch@ccrjustice.org with “IHR Attorney Search” in the subject line. E-mail applications are preferred. The position will remain open until filled but applications received before April 11, 2012 will receive priority consideration.

Summer Legal Intern at the Central American Resource Center - DC

CARECEN's immigration legal services program provides low-income Latino immigrants in the Washington metropolitan area with low or no cost, quality legal assistance in a variety of immigration matters, including asylum, U-visas, NACARA, citizenship, permanent residence, family petitions, temporary protected status, and renewal of work authorization documents. Additionally, CARECEN provides general immigration consultations four times a week.

Interns with CARECEN's legal department will assist attorneys with various legal services including client intakes, preparation of immigration applications, drafting of briefs and legal memorandum, translations, and client interviews. Interns will also assist in organizing and hosting community forums and workshops to educate the community about their legal rights, apply for citizenship, etc. Interns will carry their own caseload and work under the supervision of CARECEN's Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellows.

Requirements for the SUMMER Internship Session 2012

Be available full time during the Summer session (mid-May through at least the beginning of August).
Be fluent in both English and Spanish.
Be a current law student at an Equal Justice Works member school.
Have a commitment to public interest law.
Have an interest in or familiarity with immigration law and immigrant rights.
Have the ability to relate to and work with low-income clients, grassroots groups and community-based organizations.
An applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States.

Submit a cover letter, resume and 5-10 page writing sample to Jennifer Frohman at jfrohman@carecendc.org.

NATO Internships on Peace and Security

NATO internships open doors for future peace and security professionals

Have you ever wanted to know how the Alliance works from the inside? On 26 March, NATO began taking internship applications for 2013. Young graduates and research students from a wide range of academic disciplines are invited to apply by 30 April 2012.

As an international organization, NATO is characterised by diversity. It is comprised of people from different backgrounds, cultures, work styles, values and ways of thinking. This is reflected in the Organization’s internship programme, which offers opportunities in various areas, such as political science, international relations, IT, media, finance and human resources.

Charles Andreo, a French-Brazilian, took up his internship with NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division after completing a masters degree in international relations at Bristol University.

“As an intern at NATO you really have to step up your game and be on top of the subjects you are dealing with”, he says. “Also, there is an excellent group dynamic between all interns, generating a vibrant social life in Brussels.”

Charles works in the NATO Countries Section of Public Diplomacy Division and was also assigned to a special team dealing with media operations in connection with the crisis in Libya. “NATO is truly a unique professional environment that stimulates your intellectual capacities and boosts your professional credentials”, he says.

Various opportunities

There is a broad range of possible thematic orientations: former students of graphic design, library science, journalism, law enforcement, aeronautics or engineering might also find a unique opportunity to gain international experience in peace and security. Knowledge of Russian or Arabic is especially welcome.

Barbara Gregori, a graduate in Political Science from Italy was an intern in NATO’s Operations Division.

Barbara says, “this is the best time to join NATO: the Alliance is undertaking a series of reforms to become leaner and more efficient, reshaping itself to cope with new security challenges. Young professionals will have the opportunity to learn, support and contribute to build up this new organisation.”

Having specialised in Afro-Asian affairs and studied Arabic for two years, Barbara then completed a masters in Humanitarian Emergencies. Although already possessing a wealth of experience, she still feels that NATO has a lot to offer interns.

“The internship programme represents a valuable working experience for young professionals with different backgrounds and age, willing to deepen their knowledge on collective defence matters,” she says.

Although some interns stay on at NATO after the internship to complete their assignments or to take up full-time employment, many move on to other international organisations. Whatever their long-term ambitions, the NATO internship experience will surely help them to achieve their goals.

To apply or learn more, visit the NATO Internship Programme page (www.nato.int/internships).

Article from the NY Times on Overseas Internships

Overseas Internships Can Benefit, for a Price

By PHYLLIS KORKKI

AS the world becomes more interconnected, employers are clamoring for global experience in their work forces. So it should come as no surprise that college internships are going global, too.

Such internships can be pricey, because air fare is generally not included, a paycheck is unlikely and it can be hard to arrange them without outside help. But they can offer a window into a different business culture, along with a chance to practice language skills and perhaps earn college credit.

“I think if a student is interested in pursuing any sort of career outside of the U.S., it’s a great idea to immerse yourself in the environment” through an overseas internship, said Lauren Berger, author of “All Work, No Pay” and chief executive of Internqueen.com, an online internship site.

And she doesn’t think you need rich parents to intern abroad. Financial aid could be available, she said, or “students can choose to work hard during the year and save up for something like that.”

Stephen Keil, a sophomore majoring in international relations and minoring in French at Syracuse University, worked full time last summer to save for his fall internship with theCouncil of Europe in Strasbourg, France. The university arranged the internship.

Mr. Keil did research for the council’s Pompidou Group, which combats drug abuse and drug trafficking. He is considering a career in the State Department, so the experience was very useful, he said, “and my French improved greatly.”

During the school year, Syracuse students who study abroad have the option of pursuing internships in addition to taking classes, but their tuition is the same regardless. Beyond tuition, program fees (including housing) range from $5,735 to $7,500, and substantial financial aid is available, said Suzanne Shane, program director at SU Abroad. In summer, students may pursue a full-time internship for credit without taking other courses. For this option, they pay about $1,000 a credit, as well as fees ranging from $2,000 to $3,840 when lodging is part of the package.

In the United States, a debate has arisen over the fairness of unpaid internships. So the idea of not receiving a salary, and in fact paying thousands of dollars more while putting in almost three months of work abroad, may not sit well with some students. But others feel that paying to have internships arranged helps to ensure their quality.

Joe Roma, director of programs for Intrax Internships Abroad, said: “We do a great deal of work seeking host companies that are going to provide value to the student.” Intrax is a for-profit global education company whose internship arm offers positions in Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Intrax’s internship programs cost from around $5,600 to $7,900. That includes placement, visa help, housing, a global skills training course, cultural activities, insurance and individual support, he said. Airfare is extra, and very rarely are students paid. “Some companies offer a stipend; we don’t arrange that,” Mr. Roma said.

Cheryl Miyake, a junior at Stanford majoring in sociology, got an internship in Beijing last summer through Intrax after meeting a company representative at a career fair. She interned for a local company that offers music and English immersion classes to children.

“Not only did I get to travel and work on my Mandarin speaking skills, but I really got to understand what Chinese business culture is like,” she said, gaining a better sense of “guanxi,” a code of building relationships that is important to conducting business.

She was relieved that Intrax handled setting up a work visa, which can be hard to obtain in China, and arranged housing in Western-style apartments.

While in Beijing, she was part of a group of students that took training courses arranged by Intrax. Being able to meet others who, like her, were undergoing a certain amount of culture shock, was helpful, she said.

OF course, students who are already abroad can look for positions on their own. But Ms. Berger advises students to tread carefully. Studying abroad is such a valuable, pleasurable and short-term experience that it could add more stress to work as well, she said. As an alternative, she suggests that students arrange 10 or so informational interviews with professionals while they take classes abroad.

“People have internships on the brain” these days, she said, but it’s important to choose the right time and place for them.

Monday, March 19, 2012

US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Legal Intern Positions

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants seeks a law student to serve as a Legal Intern with the Immigration Clinic in the Albany Field Office.

ABOUT USCRI
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has been helping people flee war and persecution since 1911. USCRI addresses the needs and rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life.

Through its network of resettlement field offices and partner organizations, USCRI provides refugees and immigrants across the United States with the support, services and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and enrich their communities.

The USCRI field office in Albany opened in 2005 and now resettles hundreds of refugee families every year in the Capitol Region of New York State. The largest populations served by the Albany field office are Burmese, Iraqi, Afghan, Congolese, and Bhutanese refugees.

USCRI Albany is accredited by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals and also provides immigration-related legal services. Immigration Clinic is managed by a staff attorney who consults with refugees, asylees, and other low-income immigrants interested in filing family-based immigration applications, applications to adjust to permanent resident status, naturalization applications, and some humanitarian-based immigration benefits. These services are open to any eligible person in the community, whether or not they were resettled by USCRI. In most cases, USCRI charges only nominal fees for its services.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Immigration Clinic Legal Intern will be under the direct supervision of the Immigration Services Coordinator, a licensed attorney. This is an intensive internship designed to provide the Immigration Services Coordinator with skilled assistance on immigration cases and to prepare the intern for future employment in legal, immigration, human rights, or humanitarian fields. By the end of the internship, the intern will have gained valuable experience by working in the following capacities.

The Immigration Clinic Legal Intern will be expected to:

Perform client intake and initial assessment of client legal needs
Assist clients with filling out routine forms
Conduct legal research using various research vehicles, including legal databases, internet sources and interviews
Proofread and edit legal documents
Develop and maintain relationships with other area service providers
Translate and interpret (if needed and possible)
Answer telephones, take messages and route calls; open mail and draft correspondence; respond to written and verbal inquiries
Organize and maintain an electronic and paper filing system
Maintain a professional demeanor and abide by all confidentiality rules

BENEFITS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO USCRI ALBANY INTERNS
All interns have access to a range of benefits during their time at USCRI Albany, including on-the-job learning opportunities and professional development resources. USCRI Albany interns can expect to do the following:

Develop a rich understanding of refugees and refugee resettlement.
Experience immersion in the daily operations in the field office of a multicultural nonprofit organization with a century of experience serving immigrants and refugees across the United States and internationally.
Participate in on-site and online trainings related to both the field of refugee resettlement and skills relevant to any nonprofit setting. Interns can join in weekly webinars offered through the national USCRI network and can access trainings provided by partner agencies.
USCRI staff are available to provide advice on job search in the refugee resettlement field, and will review and provide feedback on interns’ resumes and cover letters.

Many interns also:

Take advantage of the opportunity to network with refugee resettlement sites around the country and other social service agencies in the Albany area.
Gain leadership and/or project management experience through volunteer supervision and program development.
Assist with fundraising activities, including grant writing and special events.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The terms of the internship are the following:
• During the summer, this internship requires a commitment of 10-12 weeks, 15-30 hours per week. Preference is given to candidates who can work 40 hours for 4-6 months.
• During the academic year, this internship requires a commitment of 10-12 weeks, 8-20 hours per week. Preference is given to candidates who can work 10+ hours for 4-6 months.
• Interns are highly encouraged to seek alternate funding, as all USCRI Albany internships are unpaid. Interns are responsible for all living expenses during the internship period.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED

Enrolled in an accredited law school. Preference will be given to individuals with immigration law experience or coursework.
Must speak, read, and write English fluently.
Must have excellent legal research and writing skills
Must have excellent organizational, time-management, interpersonal, administrative skills, and attention to detail.
Must be capable of working in a fast-paced, multicultural office environment; taking initiative; and able to handle multiple assignments at once while meeting deadlines.
Committed to the human rights and general welfare of refugees and immigrants.

DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

Candidates who are fluent in a second language in addition to English are highly desired. Preference will be given to speakers of: Arabic, Burmese, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Karen, Karenni, Nepali, French, and Russian.
Solid understanding of international relations, immigration law, refugee law, administrative law, human rights and public interest legal work.
Experience with victims of torture or torture-related issues.

Advocates for Justice Project Associates

Advocates for Justice wishes to take on a wide variety of legal projects. Each one requires Project Associates -- internship positions -- to perform various tasks, both administrative and on-topic. There are currently five attorneys affiliated with Advocates for Justice who are working on legal matters. (Last summer we had only one.)

Advocates for Justice is seeking up to four (4) interns -- law school students and/or undergraduates -- to participate in a 12-week summer internship in 2012. Anticipated casework includes 9/11 victims making claims to the Victims Compensation Fund under the Zadroga Act, matters pertaining to public education, matters pertaining to exploited workers. Additional cases are anticipated. Please review the Advocates for Justice website: www.advocatesforjustice.net.

Candidates who are serious, detail-oriented, strong writers, and able to work both autonomously and with teams should apply. Candidates with special skills are of particular interest (e.g. - web design and other internship experience, fluency in languages other than English, etc.).

Project Associates may work a flexible schedule totaling to no fewer than 30 hours per week. Work will be performed both within the office and outside of the office. This is a voluntary position that requires a serious commitment. No compensation for the position is available at this time. At this point in time, the position reports directly to the Executive Director. Successful candidates will receive a letter of recommendation based upon their work during the internship.

Project Associates will be required to have their own laptop (with wireless connectivity) and pay for their own unlimited NYC MTA Metrocard (weekly or monthly) and any food or beverages while working. Any other approved expenditures will be reimbursed.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Immigration Legal Services on U.S./Mexico Border - Summer and Fall Legal Internships

Job Description:

Casa de Proyecto Libertad is currently seeking candidates for full-time legal internships for Summer and Fall 2012 at our office in Harlingen, Texas (on the U.S./Mexico border). Interns will work closely with our Legal Defense Program team in providing quality, competent legal advocacy and defense to immigrant families in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. There will be ample opportunity for direct client work, and student will become very familiar with the practical aspects of immigration legal services.

The summer internship will start in late May and end in late August. The fall internship will start in early September and end in early December.

The majority of Proyecto Libertad’s current caseload consists of affirmative VAWA I-360 self-petitions and U Visa applications for survivors of domestic violence and their children. We also represent a small number of detained and non-detained clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Courts. Our legal team is made up of two BIA-Accredited representatives, two legal advocates/paralegals, and a staff attorney. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with all aspects of our work.

Specific duties may include:

Conducting intake interviews of potential clients (usually in Spanish);
Preparing applications for submission to the USCIS and/or the Immigration Court (e.g. completing application forms; preparing client declarations; translating documents; preparing supporting documentation packets);
Conducting legal research, including for cutting-edge "crimmigration" issues;
Drafting internal legal memoranda;
Drafting legal briefs for submission to the Immigration Court (as needed);
Maintaining case files and keeping client informed of case progress and all appointments, hearings, and filing deadlines;
Possibly some court representation (depending on skill and interest).

Qualifications:

Candidates should be law students or recent law school graduates, and must have:

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or immigrants’ rights;
Collaborative disposition and experience working with diverse populations;
Creativity, initiative, and comfort working independently;
Advanced legal research and writing skills;
Fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred;
Some experience and/or coursework in immigration law, federal litigation, or community organizing is a plus.

Preference is given to law students or recent law graduates, but we will also consider others who have an interest and have excellent research and writing skills. Candidates from Texas and/or Mexico and/or other countries (especially Spanish-speaking countries) are particularly welcome.

Organization Description:

Casa de Proyecto Libertad is a non-profit, community-based organization that has a 30-year history of providing direct immigration legal services in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. We work within communities to promote and assist with empowerment for those who are most vulnerable to violence and deportation due to their lack of immigration status. Through our Legal Defense Program, thousands of clients have escpaed abusive households and achieved security in the form of temporary non-immigrant status, Lawful Permanent Residence, and U.S. citizenship.