Coordination & Thematic Intern

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law: IDLO is one of three Consortium Partners delivering the Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law (KPSRL), a vibrant network of experts working to generate, share, interrogate, and apply evidence in the field of security and rule of law. The Platform’s main objective is to improve the learning capacity and knowledge base of its members, specifically decision-makers relevant to security and rule of law policy and programming; it also fosters strategic dialogue between The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dutch and international civil society and research institutions in this thematic area. Throughout the year, IDLO engages in the governance of the Knowledge Platform, contributes to learning and policy dialogues organized by the Platform for the benefit for the security and rule of law community in The Netherlands and internationally, and organizes or co-organizes events and other actions in support of or related to the mandate of the Knowledge Platform.

Customary and informal justice: Given that the majority of justice seekers globally turn to customary and informal justice (CIJ) systems to realize their rights and resolve everyday justice problems, IDLO has concluded that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 target of delivering justice for all cannot be achieved without effective, rights-based engagement with such systems. In recognition of the strategic priority assigned to this area, one of the organization’s eight intra-institutional thematic clusters is committed to promoting an integrated IDLO approach to CIJ. The CIJ thematic cluster links IDLO personnel focused variously on programme implementation, research, and policy advocacy in support of a three-year CIJ Thematic Strategy. It also links IDLO to major international networks engaged with CIJ, notably the global Working Group on CIJ and SDG16+, for which IDLO serves as co-lead. A strong focus on programme development will characterize the work of the CIJ cluster in 2024.

OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Coordination & Thematic Intern will be based in IDLO’s Branch Office in The Hague. The intern will provide support in two main areas: (1) coordination support related to the Knowledge Platform (approximately 55% of time commitment) and (2) technical support related to implementation of the CIJ Thematic Strategy (approximately 45% of time commitment). Under direct oversight of the KPSRL Lead and CIJ Advisor, the intern will be supporting the following duties:

Coordination function (55%)

• Support delivery of tasks related to planning and implementation of KPAC 2024 in Dakar, Senegal, including coordination of communication between IDLO stakeholders and KPSRL Secretariat, programme development, outreach to and liaison with partners and other key interlocutors, logistical arrangements for participants, preparation of materials and presentations, monitoring and reporting, and other tasks as assigned
• Contribute to IDLO direct participation and visibility in KPAC 2024 events in both The Hague and Dakar, including support as needed to the planning and execution of an IDLO-hosted or co-hosted panels or side events
• Draft tweets, social media posts, and other content to increase the visibility of KPAC
• Provide general support to IDLO’s role in the Knowledge Platform, including support to internal coordination such as scheduling and minuting inter-departmental meetings, and coordination of internal consultation or review processes related to the Knowledge Platform
• Perform other similar tasks as assigned by the supervisor

Thematic function (45%)

• Support quality assessment, review, and editing of thematic knowledge products, potentially including quantitative and qualitative data review and analysis, proofreading, referencing review, and layout and design.
• Contribute to development of CIJ-relevant learning initiatives such as internal in-person and online trainings and webinars
• Participate in other external learning and policy events and processes enabling IDLO to assert its thought leadership on CIJ and in related thematic areas
• Curate the CIJ intranet page and digital knowledge repository
• Support coordination, knowledge management, monitoring of relevant research and policy processes, and network expansion for the Working Group on CIJ and SDG16+
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor

Education and professional experience

• Graduate-level degree in anthropology, international development, law, peace and conflict studies, public policy, or a similar field is required.
• Professional experience is not required, but will be considered an asset

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• Working knowledge of French is highly desirable.

Specific knowledge, skills, and competencies

• Self-motivated and with a willingness and ability to learn and to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives
• Strong client-oriented approach and customer service ethic; ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork spirit, able to promote mutual respect and trust and relate to people from different cultures
• Capacity to negotiate and resolve delicate issues in a diplomatic and balanced way
• Good knowledge of MS Office apps and proficient use of other ICT, social media, etc.
• Ability and willingness to travel, if necessary, including to insecure environments
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate

LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

IDLO internship programs are designed to provide a mutually beneficial relationship between IDLO and university students, young graduates, post-graduate students, or persons similarly situated (collectively referred to as interns). IDLO offers interns an exceptional hands-on learning experience in an international organization, and strengthens their awareness, knowledge, and professional networks related to programming, research, and policy influencing in the international development sector. Internships benefit IDLO by allowing participants to contribute their skills and competencies to the realization of IDLO’s mission and strategic goals.

Upon completion of the assignment, the intern is expected to have acquired experience in and understanding of: planning and execution of major international advocacy events; research processes, methods and professional and technical writing in support of international development programming, institutional learning, and policy influencing; current trends in the international development and rule of law fields, and experience in legal and policy analysis of issues related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality, and climate change, among others priority topics; and  working with multiple teams of diverse nationalities, and managing high quality work under tight deadlines. S/he will have been delegated increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy based on satisfaction of performance targets.

IDLO provides all full-time interns with a monthly stipend of €700. Internships are offered for 4 months and are renewable up to a maximum of 6 months. Full-time placements (40 hours a week) are strongly preferred.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application Deadline: July 14,2024