Public Policy & Congressional Engagement Internship

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

InterAction’s Global Development, Policy, and Learning [GDPL] team is seeking a highly motivated student or recent graduate intern with our Washington, DC office to support our development and policy work for the spring semester.

InterAction’s Global Development, Policy, and Learning Team offer internship opportunities to motivated individuals with a passion for global change. Our team advocates for the public policy priorities of InterAction and its members, primarily with the US Congress and the executive branch. Our team portfolio includes work on Food Security and Agriculture; Water, Hygiene and Sanitation; Budget and Appropriation, Civic Space, Humanitarian Policy and Practice Advocacy, Climate and Environment, and Children and Youth.

Position Type

Full-time

This is a full-time position based in Washington D.C. InterAction maintains a hybrid work environment and employees are eligible to telework three days a week and required to work in the office two days a week. There is an expectation that employees will be based in the Washington D.C. region.

Essential Functions

• Attend and summarize hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, working group meetings, and events hosted by InterAction members
• Provide administrative support for meetings and briefings at InterAction and on Capitol Hill including scheduling, tracking RSVPs, and developing and distributing advocacy materials
• Contribute to strategy development, advocacy outreach, and coalition/member engagement
• Research and brief on legislative action that affects the international development community
• Other duties as desired or assigned

Skills and knowledge acquired during internship

• Familiarity with advocacy strategy development and implementation in the US and abroad
• Experience using a variety of advocacy tactics
• Increased knowledge of civil society, public policy, international development, and more
• Improved knowledge of how to build working relationships in Washington, DC
• Exposure to managing fast-paced coalition politics and trade-offs amongst a large consortium of non-profit organizations
• Familiarity with tools available for Congressional research
• Understanding of the pressing issues within the non-profit sector vis-à-vis InterAction’s members and access to leading member NGOs
• Professional development support in the form of informational interviews with staff, feedback on resumes, networking opportunities, access to meetings and events, and more

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or working towards one) in government, public policy, international relations, international development, or another related field
• Able to commit to at least 4 days a week of work (32 hours)
• Ability to write quickly, clearly, and effectively, and the ability to copy edit
• Basic knowledge of the legislative and election processes
• Experience and/or basic knowledge about congressional appropriations processes is a plus
• Self-starter and self-motivated
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe
• Interest or curiosity about policy and the international non-profit sector
• Commitment to teamwork, good interpersonal skills, can-do positive attitude, and professional etiquette

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to commit to full-time (40 hours)
• Computer skills in Salesforce, graphic design, data management/analysis or related computer program

Supervisory Responsibilities

The position does not supervise employees.

Compensation

Interns will be paid according to D.C. minimum wage ($17.50 per hour as of July 1st). We anticipate the internship lasting from late January through April with flexible start and end dates. The internship duration is 12 weeks.

Expected Start Date

January 2025

Reports to

Coordinator, Government Relations

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

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