International Human Rights Internship at Wellspring Advisors

Wellspring Advisors – 2012 Summer Internship, New York, NY
International Human Rights
Wellspring Advisors is seeking an intern to provide research and administrative support to the international human rights program team. Successful candidates will be team players who are also able to work effectively with minimal supervision. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to the program areas and commit at least 15-20 hours per week for 8-10 weeks. There is a modest stipend associated with this internship.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research projects as agreed upon with the program team. This will include analyzing and distilling information in priority areas with a focus on Human Rights Defenders. Specifically, the research will encompass freedom of expression and internet freedom, restrictive NGOs laws and digital tools for the protection of defenders. The research will entail summarizing the salient issues, and mapping NGOs and donors.
• Research and assess nonprofit organizations and foundations that align with Wellspring Advisors’ programmatic and geographic priorities (Africa being one of these);
• Track and compile current events on relevant human rights topics;
• Help to plan and organize meetings and conference calls of relevance to the international programs team; and
• Perform administrative tasks as requested, such as note taking, etc.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree students pursuing a relevant field preferred;
• Previous volunteer or work experience in the field of human rights, grantmaking, or nonprofit management;
• Demonstrated commitment to Wellspring’s grantmaking priorities and the international human rights program; such as human rights defenders; disability rights; justice and accountability; global economy and human rights; sexual orientation & gender identity; women’s rights, etc.
• Excellent English communication skills and analytic abilities;
• Familiarity with research on international and national level policy;
• Experience living or working in a developing country preferred;
• Proficiency on Excel preferred;
• Strong English editing skills preferred;
• Proficiency in French a plus;
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and flexibility;
• Ability to handle confidential client information with complete discretion.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above intership description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The intern may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

About Wellspring Advisors

Wellspring Advisors, LLC coordinates grantmaking programs that advance the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. Our work is rooted in respect for the dignity and worth of every human being and is informed by the following beliefs:

• Social institutions and structures should promote the full realization of human rights and human potential, and should be accountable to these ends.
• The rights of all people are advanced when the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples are protected.
• Social justice movements should employ means that are consistent with their ideals, and should give agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.
• As responsible stewards, we must strive to maximize the impact of our charitable investments.

Wellspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
www.wellspringadvisors.com

How to apply

Send an email to Cecilia Garza at cgarza@wellspringadvisors.com with “2012 Summer Intern, Human Rights Defenders” in the subject line, to which you have attached the following three documents (in one single file):
1. Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications;
2. Current resume with three professional references; and
3. Writing sample (5-page maximum).

Applications must be received by April 27^th, 2012. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Internship will begin in June 2012.