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Protection Program Displaced Youth Initiative Intern (Fall 2010)

BACKGROUND: The Women’s Refugee Commission works to improve the lives and defend the rights of refugee and internally displaced women, children and youth.  As an advocacy organization, the Women’s Refugee Commission is dedicated to bringing about systemic changes that lead to greater respect for the rights of uprooted women, children and youth.  The organization strives to effect policy change with broad, worldwide impact. The Women’s Refugee Commission is legally part of the International Rescue Committee, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The Women’s Refugee Commission receives no direct financial support from the IRC.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Intern will provide overall support to the Displaced Youth Initiative. This multi-year global research and advocacy initiative aims to increase attention and support for comprehensive education and job training programs that help prepare young women and men for life during and after displacement. In partnership with displaced youth, we are mapping existing services and innovative practices; identifying gaps, needs and priorities of the displaced youth; and recommending strategies to meet educational and job training needs.

PRODUCTS AND ACTIVITIES (will include some or all of the following):

  1. Conduct desk research and analysis on lessons learned from innovative education and job training programs for youth.
  2. Participate in the development and maintenance of a new monitoring and evaluation system to capture progress toward meeting advocacy objectives for the Displaced Youth Initiative.
  3. Assist in organizing a domestic field visit focused on refugee youth who have resettled to the United States. Activities include: background research on resettlement figures, local economy and youth serving organizations in location (New York or Chicago TBC); outreach to contacts; coordinate schedule and draft sections of report, as appropriate. 
  4. Co-manage the Women’s Refugee Commission’s Youth Advisory Group, comprised of young people from conflict-affected countries to help guide and inform the initiative. 
  5. Assist with research, follow-up advocacy and dissemination of field reports, including most recent report on Southern Sudan.
  6. Participate in preparations of a high-level policy roundtable on youth and education organized by the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies Minimum Standards.
  7. Attend meetings as a representative of the Women’s Refugee Commission, taking notes and summarizing relevant information in written form.
  8. Research prospective donors for the initiative.
  9. Contribute to a database of organizations and actors working on youth-related issues for advocacy and networking purposes.
  10. Assist with administrative duties, including drafting letters, editing reports and other activities as required.

        REQUIREMENTS:

        • Excellent research, data collection, analysis and writing skills.
        • Strong background in relief and international development, with knowledge of and interest in conflict-affected populations, youth, education and livelihood activities. 
        • Experience working with young people and/or in developing countries a plus.
        • Excellent communication and computer skills.
        • Comfortable taking initiative and working with minimal supervision. Team player.
        • Academic qualification: minimum  Bachelor’s degree

        REPORTS TO: Jenny Perlman Robinson, Senior Program Officer – Children and Youth Women’s Refugee Commission

        POSITION: Protection Program’s Youth Intern – Fall 2010

        LOCATION: New York, NY

        TIMEFRAME: 3 months/part-time

        START DATE: Early Sept 2010

        **Please note that this is an unpaid internship**

        To apply please submit a resume and 3 page writing sample via e-mail to:
        Abigail Gacusana, Program Coordinator
        E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        Please make sure to indicate “Youth Internship” on the email subject, otherwise your application may not be considered.
        No phone calls please

        The Women’s Refugee Commission considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
        The Women’s Commission is an equal opportunity employer.