Advocacy Intern for Human Rights for Refugees

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About Asylum Access

Asylum Access is a leading refugee human rights organization headquartered in Oakland, CA with substantial operations in five countries plus partnerships in additional countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Asylum Access is the only global organization working to make human rights a reality for refugees in first countries of refuge. Our unique combination of five integrated strategies provides grassroots assistance and changes the legal landscape for refugees and their host communities. By helping refugees assert their rights, we are putting power back into their hands. Our work transforms the traditional approach of endless humanitarian handouts to a sustainable solution that gives refugees the tools to provide for themselves and make choices about their own lives.

Asylum Access envisions a world where refugees are seen as people with rights, not just people with needs. Asylum Access believes that by empowering refugees to assert their human rights, we can create effective, lasting solutions for refugees around the world.

Position Description

This position plays a vital, team-based role creating content and executing on strategy. Effective movement-building for a nonprofit organization demands a clear, strategic articulation of organizational goals and methods as well as dissemination of our work through various media. The Advocacy Intern will have the opportunity to support our advocacy agenda in the realms of human rights for refugees, particularly the right to work legally, live safely, and move freely.

Projects may range from micro-level support to advanced strategic support for research, planning and execution on advocacy projects and their internal coordination. All tasks will develop creative problem-solving skills and require development of effective real-world solutions. The advocacy intern will participate in cutting-edge refugee human rights movement-building while working in a relaxed and supportive working environment and receiving professional mentoring from leading refugee rights lawyers and advocates. We strongly encourage interns to explore their interests within the realm of communications and take on ad-hoc projects that align with their personal or professional goals.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Duties may include but are not limited to

• Assist the Advocacy Director with both special projects and with daily tasks
• Conduct research and strategic analysis regarding global and national policy and legal rights for refugees worldwide
• Write correspondence and create content pertaining to upcoming, ongoing, or potential advocacy initiatives
• Provide digital support and maintenance for advocacy related website(s)
• Draft content for advocacy reports and briefing papers
• Contribute to strategic conversations about campaigns and initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal advocacy and/or political campaigns at international, national, or local level
• Ongoing tracking of or research into the political response to the refugee crisis
• Ability to write professionally and concisely to a variety of audiences
• Ability to balance multiple deadlines and diverse projects
• Ability to take initiative; self-motivated
• Strong attention to detail
• Genuine interest in learning how an international nonprofit operates
• Experience working with diverse individuals and groups; cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Ability to solve problems creatively in real world scenarios

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in international human rights and/or refugee rights and/or related topics
• Strong research skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups. Candidate should be culturally sensitive
• Basic working knowledge of Gmail, Google Drive, Ms Office and related tools (Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Hours and Location of Work

This position will require 10-20 hours of work per week, based out of Asylum Access’s office in Oakland, CA. Some remote work is a possibility but will be negotiated on an individual basis. Schedule and hours are somewhat flexible and official committed hours and work time will be formalized between the selected candidate and the position supervisor.

Compensation

This is a part-time, unpaid internship.

Application Instructions

Send your resume and cover letter to apply@asylumaccess.org , along with a concise writing sample. In your cover letter, please describe your reasons for applying, relevant qualifications, and how you learned about the position.

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants in need of accommodation during the interview can contact HR at apply@asylumaccess.org.