InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations with a combined donor base of $15 billion annually. Members operate in every developing country and advocate for global change to overcome poverty, exclusion, and suffering by advancing social justice and basic dignity for all. Located in Washington, D.C., InterAction aims to give each of its members the collective power to speak and act on issues of common concern.
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 the organization’s efforts to promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion for the organization and sector for the spring.
As a coalition, InterAction is a convener, thought leader and premier network of NGOs working to eliminate poverty, strengthen human rights and citizen participation, safeguard a sustainable planet, promote peace, and ensure dignity for all people. InterAction also holds itself accountable to its staff, fellows, interns, and hired consultants who contribute immensely to the success of the coalition's work. To be both a better coalition and employer, InterAction is developing and institutionalizing a strategic, comprehensive plan to enhance and promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within the organization, across the coalition, and ultimately throughout the international NGO sector broadly. Guided by principles of inclusion and equity, this internship will support a comprehensive program that promotes diversity among InterAction’s coalition focused on international development, democracy, global health, humanitarian action, and human rights.
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 mid-January through May with flexible start and end dates.
Responsibilities for the DEI Intern will include:
- Attend and summarize relevant events and briefings virtually or on in Washington D.C., and events hosted by InterAction members;
- Provide administrative support for events, meetings, and briefings at InterAction, including scheduling, tracking RSVPs, and developing and distributing materials;
- Contribute to strategy development and implementation of InterAction’s DEI Strategic Plan;
- Research and brief on racial and/or social justice action that affects the international development and humanitarian community;
- Desk research on DEI as it impacts the international development and humanitarian sectors
- Support project management and coordination of D&I Fellowship Program, as well other external and internal components of InterAction’s overall DEI Strategic Plan
- Other duties as desired or assigned.
During the internship, you can expect to acquire the following knowledge and skills:
- Familiarity with strategy development and implementation of a coalition initiative;
- Increased knowledge of INGOs, civil society, 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;
- Understanding of the pressing DEI 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:
- Bachelor’s degree (or working towards one) in international relations, international development, or another related field;
- 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 (5 days/40 hours per week);
- Ability to write quickly and effectively, and ability to copy edit, sometimes under pressure;
- 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 in diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to the non-profit sector;
- Commitment to teamwork, good interpersonal skills, can-do positive attitude, and professional etiquette.
How to apply:
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to policy@interaction.org. The deadline for spring applicants is November 13, 2020. Please put “GDPL DEI Intern – YOUR NAME” in the Subject line of the email.