Description

• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project

• Laptop computer, for use both in Mercy Corps DC office and when working remotely on hybrid days
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses

• Congressional Advocacy: direct meetings with key congressional offices, participation in briefings and hearings, review and commenting on draft legislation, active participation in discussions related to the foreign aid budget, and linking Members of Congress who are traveling with our teams in the field.
• Administration Advocacy: meetings with Administration officials, ongoing communication with key partner agencies in the USG, participation in joint consultations and briefings together with partner NGOs in DC.
• Joint work with NGO partners: active participation in Interaction working groups and other coalition efforts organized in DC on priority issues or countries for Mercy Corps, drafting of joint documents, organizing joint lobby days on Capitol Hill.
• Organizing DC visits for visiting Mercy Corps field staff: scheduling meetings for visiting staff and accompanying them to ensure adequate preparation and follow up to these visits.
• Publications: preparing and disseminating policy briefs on key issues, circulating information on Mercy Corps programs to key policy makers, participating in joint documents and sign-ons with other NGOs, working with field staff to draft joint articles on policy-related issues for publication.

• Supporting internal strategizing regarding U.S. federal actions and broader strategic planning for campaigning and advocacy, including research, summarizing reports, briefings, and hearings.
• Supporting the preparation of briefings, presentations, graphics, databases/spreadsheet and memos.
• Improving a robust and principled humanitarian response to the various crises.
• Reviewing, summarizing, and categorizing relevant news articles.
• Contributing to several additional work streams, especially those related to engagement with the Congressional Appropriations process, community resilience, and inclusive development.
• Workstreams related to the Horn of Africa.

• Understanding the linkage between international policy, programming and outcomes in the humanitarian and development field.
• Understanding core elements of the U.S. policy process, including the roles of Congress, USAID, State, and the White House in development policy-making.
• Knowledge of key qualitative and quantitative resources related to US development policy.
• Understanding specific policy issues, as listed above, or according to the interests of the intern.

1. Conduct policy and practice research in support of Mercy Corps advocacy initiatives.
2. Assist in drafting advocacy documents such as reports, briefing notes, talking points, petitions, or factsheets on relevant policy issues.
3. Attend meetings and hearings of interest to Mercy Corps and report back on key issues.
4. Assist in organizing meetings with Congressional offices, Administration officials, and other contacts, and in maintaining a database of key interactions.
5. Review external and internal reports and publications and summarize relevant findings.
6. Assist in communicating policy and advocacy updates to the broader Mercy Corps community through Mercy Corps’ intranet system, weekly newsletter, and website.

• University degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year) from a US minority-serving institution (MSI) in International Relations, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Development, or related field.
• Interest in humanitarian and development issues and policy and advocacy.
• Background in policy, international development, and/or international relations.
• Demonstrated solid writing, editing, and researching skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment.
• Solid computer skills: must be able to work effectively and accurately with MS Word, Excel, Google applications, and email.
• Flexible work attitude: able to work productively in a team environment and independently

Potential qualifications for portfolio-specific interests are below (not required, but preferred):

• Previous Administration or Capitol Hill experience or knowledge of Congressional processes.
• Other specific thematic expertise in any of the areas of focus listed above.

Students interested in this internship should submit a resume and a cover letter. In your letter, you are encouraged to discuss any experiences relevant to the projects outlined. You may wish to describe your career interests (specifically as they relate to policy and advocacy, humanitarian aid, or development) and discuss your previous work and educational experiences demonstrating these interests.

Mercy Corps interns represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps Diversity Statement