USA: Global Development, Policy and Learning Climate Intern

Jul 12, 2021 | InterAction
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InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with 180+ members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination. 

 To learn more about InterAction's mission, DEI approach, values and more visit the link below: 

 Who We Are - InterAction 

About the Position:

InterAction’s Global Development, Policy, and Learning [GDPL] Team is seeking one highly motivated student or recent graduate to intern remotely with our Washington, D.C. office to support our climate portfolio for the fall.

InterAction’s Global Development, Policy and Learning Team offers internship opportunities to motivated individuals with a passion for global change. Our team advocates for the public policy priorities of InterAction and its members, primarily with the U.S. Congress and executive branch. Simultaneously our Development Implementation Team manages an IFAD-funded advocacy project, working closely with agricultural advocacy organizations in East Africa, manages NGO Aid Map, and supports preparations for the 2020 G7 meeting. Our team portfolio includes work on Food Security and Agriculture, Water, Health and Sanitation, Humanitarian Policy and Practice Advocacy, Climate and Fragility, and Democracy, Rights, and Governance.

A stipend of $1000 will be provided to full-time interns completing the internship (pro-rated for part-time) along with class credits and a robust professional development program which includes workshops, trainings, and educational opportunities. We anticipate the internship lasting from early September through mid-December with flexible start and end dates. 

Responsibilities for the GDPL Climate Intern will include:  

  • Provide meeting preparation support, take attendance and notes, and post-meeting follow-up for InterAction’s Climate Advocacy Working Group, Climate Mainstreaming Working Group, and Environmental Sustainability Working Group, thereby having access to over 170 staff across more than 50 NGOs working on climate change
  • Support InterAction’s advocacy on sustainable finance, specifically green debt relief for countries at-risk of defaulting to institutions such as the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank, in support of a green recovery from COVID-19
  • Conduct research on Members of Congress’ positions and Administration officials’ work on climate change; support annual budget advocacy on climate-related foreign assistance accounts; read and summarize U.S. government policies, reports, and briefs on climate adaptation and mitigation
  • Develop components of a written report on greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in relief and development NGO overseas operations
  • Schedule and participate in partner and Member meetings and calls, providing support as needed
  • Draft monthly Climate Digests, email content that will be received by 300 executive and staff across InterAction’s membership
  • Organize and enter data to support the monitoring of InterAction’s climate program; compile data for internal and Member-facing communications and reporting

During the internship, you can expect to acquire the following knowledge and skills:  

  • Familiarity with advocacy strategy development and implementation in the US and abroad;
  • Experience using a variety of advocacy tactics;
  • Increased knowledge of civil society, public policy, international development, and more;
  • Improved knowledge of how to build working relationships in Washington, DC;
  • Exposure to managing fast-paced coalition politics and trade-offs amongst a large consortium of non-profit organizations;
  • Familiarity with tools available for Congressional research;
  • Understanding of the pressing issues within the non-profit sector vis-à-vis InterAction's members and access to leading member NGOs;
  • Professional development support in the form of informational interviews with staff, feedback on resume, networking opportunities, access to meetings and events, and more.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate: 

  • Master’s degree (or working towards one) in government, public policy, international relations, international development, or another related field;
  • Background experience and/or knowledge in climate change;
  • Able to commit to at least 4 days a week of work (32 hours per week), with preference for those who can work full time (40 hours per week);
  • Ability to write quickly and effectively, and ability to copy edit, sometimes under pressure;
  • Basic knowledge of the legislative process;
  • Self-starter and self-motivated;
  • Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.), Adobe, additional computer skills in Salesforce, graphic design, or related computer programs a plus;
  • Interest or curiosity about policy and the non-profit sector; 
  • Commitment to teamwork, good interpersonal skills, can-do positive attitude, and professional etiquette.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Additional Application Instructions:

Please include a cover letter with your online application application. Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before 7/23/21 are preferred.   

Due to the volume of applicants, only those moving forward with next steps in the recruitment process will be notified.  No phone calls please!