Policy and Advocacy Summer Internship

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects in 35 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.  The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love their work.  You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Summary:

The Global Affairs and Partnerships (GAP) program at Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking an intern to provide research, administrative, and logistical support to the team’s policy and advocacy activities. GAP helps advance Search's mission by raising awareness about peacebuilding and conflict issues to policymakers.

The intern will report to the Global Affairs and Partnerships Manager. This internship is unpaid.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct desktop research related to US government policies, legislation, and priorities;
• Conduct desktop research on UN resolutions and priorities;
• Attend Congressional hearings and share notes within the organization;
• Assist with the development of policy recommendations and documents;
• Identify and research opportunities around key Search themes;
• Represent Search at relevant meetings in Washington, D.C.;
• Maintain and update knowledge management tools;
• Perform general administrative tasks as needed.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position-holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current student or recent graduate with a degree in International Relations, Conflict Studies, Development, or a related area;
• Written and spoken fluency in English;
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Internet Search Engines).
• The ideal candidate will further exhibit:

Demonstrated interest and experience in US government or UN policy and/or advocacy;

• A self-starting, enthusiastic, and flexible approach to the organization and the position;
• Interest and/or experience in foreign policy, fundraising, and conflict resolution;
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills;
• Excellent attention to detail; and
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (please include the writing sample in the same document as your cover letter) through our Applicant Tracking System at:https://sfcg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=469. Please also include your availability (days and hours/week, as well as start and end dates) in your cover letter. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please clearly state the title "Policy and Advocacy Internship - Search for Common Ground" in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.