Research Intern Open Society Institute–New York

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Purpose of Position

The central objective of this internship is to provide participants with practical skills and experience in support of special projects undertaken through the Office of the President. Interns will report directly to the Special Assistant in the Office of the President.

Specific Training Objectives

Based in the OSF New York City office, interns will receive hands-on training and practice in a range of issues, approaches and activities used to advance reform, human rights, and legal capacity of open societies. Duties and responsibilities can include but are not limited to assisting in drafting research questions, the formulation of project work plans and strategies, logistical support and project coordination, and research and writing of research memoranda, reports and studies.

With close supervision and support from the Special Assistant in the Office of the President, interns will gain practice using a variety of research methods and oral and written presentation techniques that support actionable human rights initiatives.  They will acquire, organize and synthesize substantive knowledge on a range of possible topics including transparency and accountability, criminal justice reform, food security, global climate change, and international justice.  Writing and communications experience will be gained by assisting in the drafting of memoranda, inquiry protocols, discussion papers, and reports.  Interns will gain analytical experience by researching assigned topics through the Internet, Lexis/Nexis, foreign source materials, academic studies, expert interviews, Library of Congress materials, and legal and political documents.  Interns will be achieve communication and presentation skills by helping to draft and deliver correspondence, print material and website content, participating in conference calls, and attending relevant meetings with scholars and practitioners from across the public, private and civil society sector.

Position is part-time, 10-19 hours per week.

Education / Experience

Qualified candidates will include creative, proactive individuals with a passion for social justice who are currently enrolled in a graduate-level program and have consistently demonstrated excellence in prior endeavors.  Ideal candidates will have superior communication, interpersonal and computer skills, a demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively, and a demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize vast amounts of complex information quickly. Interns should be able to work independently but flourish in a team environment and relish multi-tasking while remaining attentive to detail.

Program Specific Requirements

Upon acceptance, interns will need to provide a letter from their university indicating that they are receiving credit and/or funding for the internship.

Compensation

Unpaid, lunch provided.

Application Instructions

Please send a letter of interest and resume experience before December 21, 2012, to internships@opensocietyfoundations.org Include the internship code in subject line: RI-OSF.