Organization: Asylum Access
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 31 Oct 2015
Asylum Access – Global Policy Intern – 2015/2016 Academic Year
Position Description
Asylum Access is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to realizing refugee rights in the Africa, Asia and Latin America through legal services, community legal empowerment, policy advocacy and litigation. The organization is currently seeking an intern to support major projects in the Global Policy Department.
The policy intern will be report directly to the Global Legal Services Director and participate in cutting-edge advocacy campaigns to support the promotion of refugee rights world-wide. In doing so, s/he will have the opportunity to lead dynamic research projects, work in a relaxed and supportive working environment, develop a solid understanding of the refugee rights and refugee response regime and receive mentoring by leading refugee rights lawyers and advocates.
About Asylum Access’ Global Policy Advocacy
Since its founding, Asylum Access has been a leader in the effort to make refugee rights a reality in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Global Policy Department works with all offices – in Ecuador, Thailand, Tanzania and Malaysia and Panama– on campaigns that push this vision forward every day. In addition, the Oakland office conducts advocacy in the US and on the international stage, to plant seeds of change within major institutions. Key elements of Asylum Access’s policy agenda include:
- Promoting due process in refugee status determination through advocacy at the national, regional and UNHCR level
- Advocating for refugees’ inclusion in international human rights monitoring
- Promoting the role of human rights in refugee response, particularly the role of litigation in protecting refugees from abuse and exploitation
- Focusing on policy change that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of refugees
Asylum Access is a member of Refugee Council USA, the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, the Southern Refugee Legal Aid Network, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network and the International Detention Coalition.
Specific Intern Responsibilities
- Support the ongoing advocacy portfolio projects in completion of major advocacy goals. This will include legal and other research and writing, drafting position papers, editing major publications, authoring articles and blog posts, and other activities in support of advocacy objectives at HQ and in overseas offices.
- This position may include creating content for Asylum Access’s Refugee Right to Work Action Platform.
- Assist in the development of learning tools and trainings in support of overseas staff and local advocacy priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- A student undertaking a J.D., LLB, MA or advanced degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience in related field.
- Genuine interest international human rights, immigration, or refugee law.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Strong initiative and ownership of projects, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively with a high attention to detail.
- Experience in community organizing, training, and / or engagement with refugees, migrants, or other vulnerable populations and/ or with international organizations or outside of the United States.
Hours and Location of Work
Interns are expected to work full time, or part time, 10 – 40 hours a week during the academic year. Ideal candidates will be available for an internship lasting the duration of the academic year, but we will also accept applications from applicants who are only available for an internship during the fall semester.
The Internship is based out of Oakland, CA Headquarters office with the occasional opportunity to work remotely.
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. Interns have access to numerous learning opportunities throughout the internship and are encouraged to pursue their interests during the experience.
How to apply:
Please send a cover letter, résumé, and concise writing sample to Lilia Walsh at apply@asylumaccess.org.
In your email, please list the following items in bullet points:
- Your placement in school (First year JD, recent graduate, etc.)
- Your program and school
- Please specify whether you are available for a Fall Semester or Full Academic year internship, and specify the exact dates of your availability, including your earliest available start date.
- How many hours a week (during business hours) would you be available for this internship?
- Where did you find out about this opportunity? Please list the exact job board, or individual contact
- Please put ‘Policy Intern’ in the subject line.
In your cover letter, please describe your qualifications for the position.
Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until internship position is filled. No calls or visits, please.
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