Research Intern

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Innovative Human Rights NGO Seeks

Research Intern

Position Description

Asylum Access is a leading global refugee human rights organization. Headquartered in Oakland, California with substantial operations in three countries plus partnerships in additional countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Asylum Access works to make human rights a reality for refugees in first countries of refuge.

Our unique combination of policy advocacy and legal empowerment creates conditions in which refugees can better live safely, move freely and work legally. By helping refugees assert their rights, we put 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 supports the Executive Director in research, drafting and publication of policy, academic, and opinion writing and presentations. Current projects include an interdisciplinary academic book drawing from law, social science and policy praxis; academic articles on a variety of topics; and blog posts. Additionally, public presentations and opinion articles and pitches are likely to arise on an ad hoc basis. Finally, policy research memos will support the work of the Executive Director and the entire executive team.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with Asylum Access's Executive Director, and to further develop their already-strong research and writing skills while gaining familiarity with the refugee and human rights fields.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Duties may include but are not limited to

• Conduct desk research on refugee law, refugee response field, and human rights topics
• Review legal or political analysis and synthesize findings
• Write, revise and or edit drafts of public statements or internal information memos
• Liaise with other Asylum Access leadership to solicit comments on drafts or organizational positions
• Provide logistical support related to dissemination of public statements

Preferred Qualifications

• Legal/ Human Rights Background preferred
• Have demonstrably excellent writing skills
• Experience with legal analysis
• Knowledge of sub-saharan Africa, and eastern African refugee situations specifically
• Excellent verbal communication and listening skills
• Familiarity with emerging discourse in refugee rights

Required Qualifications

• Research competency: ability to conduct desk research online and cross check multiple sources
• Information literacy: apply sound reasoning in data analysis and research methods
• Ability to work remotely, and periodically on-site with supervisor and/or team
• Interest in international human rights and/or refugee rights and/or related topics
• 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.)

Dates, Hours and Location of Work

This position will require to work 20-40 hours per week with time split between the office in downtown Oakland, CA and remote work. The spring internship period is generally January through May, and the summer internship is generally May-August, but can start earlier or end later depending on the applicant’s circumstance. Specific dates will be agreed upon during the interview and acceptance.

Compensation

This is a part- or full-time, unpaid internship.

Application Instructions to Candidates

Please send a resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to apply@asylumaccess.org with the subject line "Research Intern". 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.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information about our organization, visit www.asylumaccess.org