Mercy Corps International Paid Internships in the United States

1. Washington, DC – Africa and Peacebuilding Policy & Advocacy Intern

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Washington DC

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  September -December 2019

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:  3-4 months at 30 hours/week

INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Director of Policy and Advocacy

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1500/month stipend

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• Workspace within the Mercy Corp office in Washington, DC
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Travel to/from Mercy Corps Office
• Lodging in Washington DC
• Living expenses
• Laptop computer
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Mercy Corps works in fragile and conflict-affected countries, often where communities are recovering from disaster, conflict, or economic collapse.  With programs in more than 40 countries, and an annual budget of more than $400 million, Mercy Corps is one of the largest relief and development NGOs in the US.

The Mercy Corps Policy and Advocacy team serves as the main interface between Mercy Corps and external partners (particularly the US government) on issues of policy.  The team seeks to advance Mercy Corps’ values and interests by promoting policies that support our mission. We work to inform and shape policy in a number of ways, including:

• 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 travelling 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.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

The Policy and Advocacy team is seeking an intern to support the breadth of the team’s portfolio.  If qualified, the intern may have the opportunity to specialize in one or more areas, though engagement in all areas will be expected. 

All interns should have the following core qualifications: 

• Pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations, Public Policy or related field
• Interest in humanitarian and development issues and policy and advocacy
• Background in peacebuilding and Africa policy
• 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

See Full Details and Application Information Here

2. Washington, DC – Middle East Policy & Advocacy Intern

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Washington, DC

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  September -December 2019 

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:  3-4 months at 30 hours/week

INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Policy Advisor

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1500/month stipend

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• Workspace within the Mercy Corp office in Washington, DC
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Travel to/from Mercy Corps Office
• Lodging in Washington DC
• Living expenses
• Laptop computer
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Mercy Corps works in fragile and conflict-affected countries, often where communities are recovering from disaster, conflict, or economic collapse.  With programs in more than 40 countries, and an annual budget of more than $400 million, Mercy Corps is one of the largest relief and development NGOs in the US.

The Mercy Corps Policy and Advocacy team serves as the main interface between Mercy Corps and external partners (particularly the US government) on issues of policy.  The team seeks to advance Mercy Corps’ values and interests by promoting policies that support our mission. We work to inform and shape policy in a number of ways, including:

• 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 travelling 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.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

The Policy and Advocacy is seeking an intern to support the breadth of the team’s portfolio.  If qualified, the intern may have the opportunity to specialize in one or more areas, though engagement in all areas will be expected. 

All interns should have the following core qualifications: 

• Pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations, Public Policy or related field
• Interest in humanitarian and development issues and policy and advocacy
• Background in Middle East policy
• 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

See Full Details and Application Information Here

3. Washington, DC – Resilience and Climate Change Policy & Advocacy Intern

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  September -December 2019

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:  3-4 months at 30 hours/week

INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Lead, Advocacy & Influence, Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance 

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1200/month stipend

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• Workspace within the Mercy Corp office in Washington, DC
• Training and supervisory support
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Travel to/from Mercy Corps Office
• Lodging in Washington DC
• Living expenses
• Laptop computer
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Mercy Corps works in fragile and conflict-affected countries, often where communities are recovering from disaster, conflict, or economic collapse.  With programs in more than 40 countries, and an annual budget of more than $400 million, Mercy Corps is one of the largest relief and development NGOs in the US. 

Mercy Corps is a member of the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance (ZFRA), a consortium of nine organizations from the public and private sectors with a shared vision that floods have no impact on people’s ability to thrive.  Mercy Corps leads the Influence and Advocacy Workstream of the Alliance that aims to influence government and multilateral actors to improve global, national and sub-national policies and increase investments in climate smart and risk informed development in the developing world.  Additionally, ZFRA is committed to increasing private sector investment in resilience, including through exciting innovative financing opportunities.

The intern(s) will support and participate in the work of Mercy Corps ZFRA team, with a primary focus on supporting advocacy efforts around the:

• UN Climate Action Summit (particularly the Resilience and Adaptation track);
• Global Adaptation Commission and corresponding Adaptation Activities;
• COP 25;
• World Bank IDA Replenishment; and
• Green Climate Fund Replenishment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understanding the linkage between international policy, programming and outcomes in the Climate Change and Adaptation field,
• Knowledge of key qualitative and quantitative resources related to Global and US development policy
• Understanding specific policy issues, as listed above, or according to the interests of the intern

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

We are seeking an intern to energetically support climate change action.

All interns should have the following core qualifications: 

• Pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations, Public Policy or related field
• Interest in climate change, adaptation, disaster risk reduction
• 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

Full Details and Application Here

4. Portland, OR – Emerging Leaders Program Intern

Human Resources  

Description

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, OR

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  September 2019 – April 2020

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:  8 months (flexible)

Minimum: 30 hours/week (flexible) 

Availability: M-F (flexible)

INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Senior Program Officer, Learning & Development  

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $550/month stipend

Mercy Corps responsibilities

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• $550 per month stipend or REED Seeds work study
• Training and supervisory support
• Workstation with computer, internet, and phone access
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Travel to and from Mercy Corps HQ
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  

Mercy Corps’ Emerging Leaders Program

Designed by Mercy Corps and Portland State University’s (PSU) Impact Entrepreneurs and School of Business Administration, the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is an annual training program that develops the management and leadership skills of high performing Mercy Corps national team members. PSU faculty and Mercy Corps leaders are course instructors and upon successful completion of the program, participants earn a certificate of achievement from PSU. The ELP core curriculum consists of four topics, covered during one 3-week in-residence session with approximately 30-35 students; as well as 30 hours of preparatory assignments and some follow-up engagement after the session. 

The Intern will work closely with the ELP planning team to prepare for the 2020 ELP, which will likely be in the Middle East in February/March 2020. Specifically, the intern will help the team to: liaise with PSU instructors and Mercy Corps partners to continue to refine the curriculum for 2020; implement a smooth application and participant selection process; facilitate ELP participants’ engagement leading up to and after the in-residence session; and, identify processes to assess effectiveness of the program and consider next iterations.  The Intern will also assist with logistical and administrative support (from Portland) during the in-residence portion of the ELP, but will not participate in-person in the event.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent writing and communication skill
• Excellent organizational abilities
• Detail-oriented
• Self-starter and independent
• Initiative and the ability to work with others
• Interest in working in a multicultural environment, and with stakeholders in multiple geographies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel
• Interest in education, training and/or evaluation a plus
• Familiarity with Google docs and forms, distance learning platforms and other collaboration tools a plus

Full Details and Application Here

5. Portland, OR – Marketing and Communications Intern

Mercy Corps Northwest

Description

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, Oregon

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:  September 2019 – April 2020    

INTERN SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Communications & Marketing Manager   

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $500/month stipend

Mercy Corps responsibilities

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• Training and supervisory support
• Workstation with computer, internet, and phone access
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Travel to and from Mercy Corps HQ
• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

Mercy Corps is looking for an intern to support the digital marketing strategy of Mercy Corps Northwest. The Marketing and Communications Intern will play an active role in the development of Mercy Corps NW’s online community presence. The intern will work on a team to maintain Mercy Corps NW’s presence on various social media platforms and help to both create and publish content that is relevant to small business owners in Portland, Seattle and Walla Walla, Washington. They will regularly use social media analytics to ensure content is relevant. They will also assist in maintaining Mercy Corps NW’s archive of communications content, including client stories. The Marketing and Communications intern will specifically target specific communities for event promotion and/or ongoing programs.

Project Context

The Marketing and Communications intern will work closely with the Communications and Marketing Manager of Mercy Corps Northwest to identify and respond to specific, prioritized information requests. Specific tasks will include managing social media accounts, developing client stories, and assisting with other communications development.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience and/or interests in writing, content management, and creative communications
• A detail-oriented mindset and desire to expand marketing skillset
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience and/or knowledge using social media platforms and listening tools
• Knowledge of research methods (quantitative and qualitative) is a plus

Full Details and Application Here

6. Washington, DC – Program, Performance and Quality Human Resources Intern

Monitoring and Evaluation

Description

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Washington, DC

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: September 2019 – April 2020  (17 hours/week)

Availability: M-F 9am-5pm (flexible)

INTERN SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION:

Assistant Program Officer

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $750/month stipend

Mercy Corps responsibilities

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• University Credit (if applicable)
• Workstation within Mercy Corps DC office headquarters
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project to be undertaken

Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Living expenses
• Transportation costs
• Maintaining their personal computer which will be used for the internship
• All other costs associated with this internship

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

Mercy Corps alleviates poverty, suffering, and oppression and works to build secure, productive, and just communities in over 40 countries around the world. Our Operations Department supports field-led work that delivers measurable impact. 

The Program Performance and Quality (“PaQ”) team consists of monitoring and evaluation functions, program management, gender integration, and a global data management software (called Tola).  The team’s approach supports both foundational and cutting edge adaptive management approaches to program management, with design, monitoring, evaluation and learning functions as key processes and benchmarks to ensuring evidenced-based decision making for quality program implementation. The team works across a wide spectrum of stakeholders both internal and external to Mercy Corps, as well as diverse technical program approaches and sectors. While the specific roles and responsibilities of this position may evolve over time based on the needs of the team, and the agency, they should include:

• Develop a strategy to help ensure all Mercy Corps team members understand the work of the PaQ and larger Program OperationsUnits using the goal and objectives created by the PaQ Assistant Program Officer (“APO”), for both the PaQ team and the largerProgram Operations Unit
• Develop a framework for the dissemination of materials and resources created for the project
• Collaborate with the People and Strategy department both at HQ and in Field Offices
• Support the APO with developing and editing onboarding packages
• Work with Human Resource Managers in Field Offices to disseminate the materials and resources created through the onboarding project
• Occasionally support targeted communication campaigns, both related to onboarding and other technical areas, to publicize new resources and best practices across Mercy Corps, including webinars, newsletters and communities of practice.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate study in progress or complete (no more than 1 year ago) in Communications, Non-profit Management, Human Resource Management, International Development or a related field.
• Experience working within Human Resources and Communications
• Ability to develop well-articulated, visual presentations or short communications to tell a story.
• Experience and interest in working in cross-cultural settings
• Ability to present projects to peers and others as part of representation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is highly desirable

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• University degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year)
• Self-starter and ability to be managed remotely.
• Flexibility in a non-hierarchical environment.
• Multi-tasker with the proven ability to organize and prioritize competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines
• Flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
• Ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results
• Understanding for diverse cultural, political and religious environments and be able to work successfully in those environments.
• Maintaining a sense of humor in stressful situations.

Full Details and Application Here