Founded in 1984, InterAction is the largest alliance of international NGOs and partners in the United States. We mobilize our Members to think and act collectively to serve the world’s poor and vulnerable, with a shared belief that we can make the world a more peaceful, just and prosperous place—together.
In practice, 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. Our members are premier international global development and humanitarian organizations that work in almost every country around the globe and collectively manage more than $15 billion in programs worldwide.
InterAction’s Global Development, Policy, and Learning [GDPL] Team is seeking a highly motivated student or recent graduate to intern remotely with our Washington, D.C. office to support our climate portfolio for a 3-month internship, that can be extended by an additional 3 months.
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, Democracy, Rights, and Governance, and Development Finance.
InterAction’s new Climate Program was borne out of the development and launch of the NGO Climate Compact with 85 NGO signatories committing to three key areas of action – climate advocacy, mainstreaming climate considerations into programs and strategy, and internal environmental sustainability. The intern will support the many facets of the Climate Program.
A stipend of $1,000 will be provided for each 3-month period full-time intern completes (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 January through mid-July with flexible start and end dates.
Responsibilities for the GDPL Climate Intern may include:
· Support InterAction’s three climate working groups (Climate Advocacy Working Group, Climate Mainstreaming Working Group, and Environmental Sustainability Working Group) that meet monthly by providing meeting preparation support, taking notes and attendance, and post-meeting follow-up, thereby having access to and learning from 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 Group, 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 and education new Members of Congress; 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 alongside partner organizations
· Support outreach to Members and partners by scheduling and participating in partner and Member meetings and calls, and drafting communications
· Research and draft content for the monthly Climate Digests, email content that will be received by 300 executives and staff across InterAction’s membership
· Support the planning for any CEO-level engagements on climate, such as the Biannual CEO Roundtable on Climate Leadership
· Organize and enter data to support the monitoring of InterAction’s climate program; compile data for internal and Member-facing communications and reporting, including into a climate resource library
· Other duties as assigned
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;
- Opportunities to meet and build relationships with Member NGO staff;
- 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, or holds a bachelor’s degree and demonstrates commensurate experience;
- Background experience in and/or knowledge of climate change or environmental sustainability;
- 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 and copyedit quickly and effectively;
- Self-starter and self-motivated;
- Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.), Adobe, additional computer skills in Airtable, graphic design, or related computer programs a plus;
- Interest or curiosity about policy and the non-profit sector, especially in the impact of climate change on relief and development work;
- Commitment to teamwork, good interpersonal skills, can-do positive attitude, and professional etiquette;
- Basic knowledge of the U.S. legislative process a plus.
How to apply:
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to policy@interaction.org. The deadline for spring applicants is November 18, 2020. Please put “GDPL Climate Intern – YOUR NAME” in the Subject line of the email.