Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship: Global Policy Forum - Policy & Advocacy intern
Organization Name: Global Policy Forum
Intern Role/Title: Policy & Advocacy
Organization Website: globalpolicy.org / globalpolicywatch.org
Address: 333 E 46th Street, #7F NY, NY 10017
On-site/ Hybrid/ Remote Format: Hybrid or Remote (pending UN meeting modalities)
Length of Internship: 35hrs/week for 8 weeks (280 hours total)
Compensation: $19.00/hour - total of $5,320.00
About the Organization: Global Policy Forum (GPF) is an independent policy watchdog that monitors and reports on United Nations activities and developments in multilateral affairs. GPF is convinced that active civic participation is needed to defend and strengthen rights-based multilateralism and international governance institutions. It scrutinizes global policymaking and promotes accountability and civic participation in areas related to social justice, sustainability, human rights, peace and security, and international law.
Human rights and justice-based global agreements are amongst the primary tools to address xenophobia, authoritarianism and unilateralist trends that threaten peace, development and sustainability.
Position Overview: In this internship, the selected individual will gain experience in the non-profit policy and advocacy community working in and around the United Nations in New York. The intern will work directly with Global Policy Forum on monitoring meetings at the UN, completing research, and writing policy analysis. However, they will also participate in various Civil Society networks and coalitions, working with individual all around the world in the lead up to key UN processes like the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the General Assembly.
No two days are the same in this role! Some days may involve multiple coordination and strategy calls with other organizations GPF works closely with, while other days may involve independent research, writing or work, and other days will involve attending UN meetings. The prospective intern is expected to be able to work well independently and take initiative on our small but ambitious team. The intern will work directly with GPF's Program Director and will plug into a variety of projects across the organization varying from challenging corporate interest in decision-making processes to promoting and supporting Global South voices in key UN processes.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
•Monitor deliberations and negotiations at the United Nations related to Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, Financing for Development and the Reform of the United Nations (UN).
•Attend formal and informal sessions at the UN headquarters in NY, meet with diplomats and UN officials to inform civil society organizations (CSOs), taking detailed notes and compiling briefing summaries
•Support Global Policy Forum's annual side events during the High Level Political Forum(HLPF) in July through logistical support, planning and reporting
•Share relevant meeting outcomes, upcoming meetings etc. with the Social Watch Network through Global Policy Forum's joint project, Global Policy Watch. This project aims to equip local and grassroots civil society organizations with information from the United Nations to better engage in advocacy efforts at the local and national level
•Support on/write articles and notes to be distributed on the Global Policy Forum/Global Policy Watch website and social media channels
•Support fundraising efforts by developing issue area one-pages for the various issues Global Policy Forum works on
•Conduct extensive research projects on specific issues and/or UN processes ahead of the UN General Assembly meetings in September
Preferred Skills:
•Strong research and writing experience, preferably on topics related to international relations public policy, or sustainable development
•An ability to work quickly, under pressure, and with strong attention to detail
•Social media fluency, specifically Twitter
•Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite (Drive, Slides, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
•Self-directed and able to work without supervision
•Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas
The Ideal Candidate Is:
•Has strong knowledge of the United Nations and its procedures and policy processes
•Has academic background in human rights, international law and international politics
•Can take notes effectively and quickly, capturing meeting notes in a transcription-style
•Has strong writing and research skills, with an ability to digest complex and technicalinformation
•Is able to work independently and make decisions quickly when direction is notavailable
•Should have an interest in international policymaking and the United Nations!