Intern, Humanitarian Team

About InterAction

InterAction is the largest U.S.-based alliance of international non-government organizations (NGOs) and partners. Celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, we mobilize our Members to think and act collectively to serve the world’s poor and vulnerable, with a shared belief that we can make the world a more peaceful, just and prosperous place – together. Using our collective voice and convening power, we seek to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change.

Our Members are premier international global development, humanitarian, and sector-supporting organizations that work in almost every country and manage more than $15.4 billion in programs annually. InterAction’s revenue comes from dues, government, private foundation and corporate grants, and fee-for-service programs. Additional information can be found at www.interaction.org.

Position Description

This role will support InterAction’s Humanitarian team across departments. Shelter and Settlements, and Practice.

Position Type

Part-time, up to 24 hours per week, Hybrid and in the DMV. InterAction employees are required to be in office at least two days per week.

Essential Functions

Key functions for each team are listed below:

Shelter Team Support:

• Providing support to the local leadership case study compendium, including initial drafting of 1-2 case study submissions.
• Providing on-site support during the Climate Roundtable, including taking notes for select sessions and assisting attendees with inquiries.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for the Shelter and Settlements Working Group, including writing summaries of the proceedings and facilitating the follow-up of action points.

Practice Team Support:

• Providing on-site support during the Fora Forum Conference, including taking minutes for select sessions; assisting attendees with inquiries; gathering and responding to real-time feedback; and supporting session transitions.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for country-facing working group meetings, including writing summaries of the proceedings and facilitating the follow-up of action points.

Research Support:

• Providing support to research on the Settlements Approach, including the opportunities and challenges agencies face in operationalizing the approach.
• Remaining abreast of current humanitarian issues and events and regularly liaise with program associates and coordinators in view of identify research/knowledge gaps.
• Contributing to amplifying Member advocacy through blog posts and engagement with the broader communications team.

Other tasks as reasonably required by the humanitarian team may be requested.

Learning Objectives

• Understand core elements of the global humanitarian architecture, including the roles of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), global clusters, UN, the NGO community, donor governments and civil society organizations;
• Demonstrate knowledge of technical, thematic, or regional issues related to the work of the humanitarian team;
• Gain experience working in a professional, collaborative team environment;
• Understand the pressing issues within the humanitarian non-profit sector vis-à-vis InterAction’s members and access to leading member NGOs;
• Develop communication, writing, and task/time management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or working towards one) on international relations, international development, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, or another related field;
• Able to commit to up to 3 days a week of work (24 hours per week);
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail;
• Solid writing, editing, and research skills, with the ability to write quickly and effectively;
• Ability to take in a substantial amount of information, potentially on topics the intern is unfamiliar with, and synthesize that information into a digestible format;
• Self-starter and self-motivated;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and contribute positively to a fast-paced and dynamic team environment;
• Commitment to teamwork, a good sense of humor, and curiosity coupled with good interpersonal skills;
• Interest, familiarity, and/or coursework in humanitarian assistance is strongly preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The position does not supervise employees.

Compensation

This will be a paid internship. 10-12 weeks for up to 24 hours/week / $17.50 an hour – DC minimum wage. Start and end dates are flexible. Interns must be located in/have an address in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and have the right to work in the US. InterAction is also happy to administratively support class credit if needed. Please note InterAction is currently in a hybrid work environment, with staff in-office two days a week, and interns strongly encouraged to join when available.

Expected Start Date

On or around September 30th, 2024

Reports to

Program Coordinator, Shelter and Settlements

Travel

minimal

In addition

InterAction is an equal opportunity employer that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. InterAction does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, and individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws.

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period.

InterAction does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of InterAction and InterAction will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to those submitted by September 20th, 2024.

Please submit a cover letter and resume. All applications must be submitted through ADP for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.