Advocacy Intern, Refugee Protection Program 

Fall 2013 Washington, DC 



Human Rights First is a dynamic, U.S.-based advocacy organization that has worked for over thirty years to leverage U.S. law, policy, and influence to promote human rights around the world. 

Human Rights First has a reputation for pragmatic, results-oriented advocacy that is politically astute, grounded in facts, and driven by sophisticated legal and policy analysis. We focus our efforts not on making a point, but on making a difference. We know from experience that human rights progress is more durable when diverse partners work together to bring about change, so we build strategic, non-partisan alliances to support our objectives. We pride ourselves on this practical, inclusive approach. It works. 



Human Rights First values high quality work product, a collaborative and supportive work environment, respect for diverse viewpoints, creative approaches to problem solving, flexibility and adaptability of skills, accountability for results, and commitment to lasting change. 



The task of the Advocacy Intern will be to support the advocacy work of Human Rights First’s Refugee Protection Program, particularly in the areas of asylum, immigration detention, and international refugee protection. The Advocacy Intern will work closely with the entire Refugee Protection Program Advocacy Team to advance program goals and strategic objectives. 

Human Rights First’s Refugee Protection Program is committed to advancing the rights of refugees, including the right to seek asylum. We advocate for access to asylum, for fair asylum procedures, and for U.S. compliance with international refugee and human rights law. We also help hundreds of individual refugees in the United States each year to win asylum through our pro bono Asylum Legal Representation Program. Our advocacy is informed by the experiences of our refugee clients and their pro bono lawyers. 



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 



· Legal, policy, and factual research on issues related to refugees and asylum; · Monitor and attend congressional hearings, markups and floor debates; · Research legislation, legislative history, legislators’ backgrounds and voting records; · Assist staff with written and oral correspondence with partner NGOs and government offices; · Represent Human Rights First at various NGO-government liaison meetings and take detailed notes for Human Rights First staff, as needed; · Provide research and administrative support for and participate in weekly Refugee Protection Program Advocacy meetings; · Provide research and administrative support for and participate in weekly Asylum Working Group meetings, chaired by Human Rights First; · Draft blog posts; contribute to Refugee Protection Program’s Twitter account, ; and · Administrative and other tasks as needed. 



ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 



· Interest in human rights and American policymaking; · Demonstrated interest in refugee, asylum, and immigration issues; · Excellent writing, editing, and research skills; · Excellent communication skills; · Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills; · Capacity to take initiative, prioritize duties, and be a team player; · Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and to work in a professional manner; · Previous work or internship experience in an office environment; · Advanced-level proficiency in a variety of computer software applications (MS Office – especially MS Word XP and Excel). · Savvy with social media tools; and· Sense of humor. 



EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited graduate or law school. 



PAID/UNPAID INTERNSHIP: Unpaid 



START DATE: Late August or Early September 2013 



TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum of 20 hours per week. The internship will run for 10 to 12 week period, starting the end of August/early September. Please specify if you are available part time or full time in your cover letter. 



SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Rolling Basis 



APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Please complete the online application found at our website www.humanrightsfirst.org under ABOUT US / JOB OPPORTUNITIES links. You will be requested to provide: 



· Resume (upload)

· Cover letter (secondary upload*)

· Writing sample (secondary upload*)

· Names and contact details for two (2) references (enter online) 



* After completing the initial application and uploading your resume, please select VIEW PROFILE and UPLOAD ATTACHMENT to upload additional documents. You can also log into your profile from the top of the Job Opportunities page. When logged into your profile, you can upload cover letter, writing sample, and any other relevant documents by selecting UPLOAD ATTACHMENT at the top of the page. Applicants will receive a confirmation email with their username and password once they’ve created a profile. Please keep this information to access your application and make changes at any time. Only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington DC. We build respect for human rights and the rule of law to help ensure the dignity to which everyone is entitled and to stem intolerance, tyranny, and violence. Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff across all programs and departments from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTI people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives help make our advocacy work stronger and more effective.



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