Policy & Advocacy Intern

About the position USCRI’s Policy & Advocacy (P&A) team supports USCRI’s mission by leading the development of the organization’s positions on international and domestic policy. Through research, policy development, advocacy, and coalition-building, the team works to shape equitable systems, elevate refugee and immigrant voices, and drive lasting change locally, nationally, and globally. tP&A works closely with programmatic, international, and communications staff to achieve this mission. This position does not entail providing or assisting with direct client services. This position requires partial in-person work in Arlington, Virginia. Part-time and full-time options are available. The USCRI Policy & Advocacy Intern will support the P&A team by contributing to projects that track domestic and international policy developments, research key issues, develop advocacy strategies, and produce written materials on policy and advocacy topics. Analysts' portfolios include LGBTQ+ refugees, climate displacement, child displacement, trafficking, and refugee resettlement; interns will have the opportunity to advocate on these topics. Strong candidates are passionate about immigration and human rights, and capable of conducting independent research and supporting advocacy initiatives. Individuals with lived experience of displacement are especially encouraged to apply. While the position is unpaid, USCRI is happy to provide support if the intern pursues academic credit with their university. This application cycle is for the Summer intern period (June – August) however applicants can indicate if they would like to be considered for other cycles (Fall or Winter)

Responsibilities

• Assist policy analysts by tracking domestic and international policy changes, researching policy issues and international country conditions, and preparing written materials on policy and advocacy topics.
• Listen to and/or attend advocacy meetings, webinars, governmental hearings, and intergovernmental gatherings;
• Collaborate with policy analysts and communications staff on public education and advocacy strategies.
• Interns who excel in their role will have the opportunity to publish their own materials.
• Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and supervisor(s).

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or law school program. Strong preference for graduate students.
• Experience with policy analysis, research, writing, and editing;
• Ability to work on new, developing projects;
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint);
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively collaborate with people of diverse professional experiences;
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to summarize policy issues for diverse audiences;
• Dedication to uplifting the voices of refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations;
• Demonstrated sensitivity and empathy for the experiences of forcibly displaced populations and people of diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to interpret policy documents, legislation, and data to draw meaningful insights;
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff and collaborators of diverse backgrounds; and
• Dedication to advocating for human rights, an interest in policies affecting refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated interest in social services, human rights, international studies, global health, or displacement studies;
• Internationally based work or courses of study; and
• Proficiency in additional languages.