WAR CHILD POLICY and ADVOCACY ASSISTANT (INTERNSHIP)

Application Deadline:18.00 Friday 19th November
Interviews held:7th December
To start:Must be available from 3rd January 2011

Background

War Child is looking for an exceptional intern to support our policy and advocacy work. The Policyand Advocacy Assistant will build on our new Advocacy strategy and use this to engage stakeholders and advocate for War Child’s issues. The role will also involve working from within the Houses of Parliament, networking with key individuals and creating opportunities for War Child.

The successful applicant will:

Conduct desk research and write briefing papers on specific issues such as the current political climate, issues affecting girl soldiers,international legal frameworks

Build relationships and seek opportunities with key government departments and individuals

Manage projects from opportunities that arise, to raise awareness of our issues with politicians and the government

Attend numerous meetings on behalf of War Child including coalitions of civil society organisations

Keep up-to-date on developments in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, andAfghanistan and develop policy recommendations accordingly

Working arrangements:

We would need commitment for a minimum of 6 months. Ideally we would like someone 5 days a week, but will consider 3/4 days a week.

This role would be based in War Child’s offices in KentishTown, London.

This is a voluntary position, with a lunch allowance and travel costs provided (within the M25 area).

Person specification:

Essential: / EXPERIENCE
  • Conducted desktop research including summarising vast quantities of information
  • Proven independent, pro-active approach to work
  • Ability to work in a small team and contribute to it achieving objectives

KNOWLEDGE
  • Knowledge of international development issues particularly related to conflict
  • Basic understanding on the UK political system

SKILLS
  • Analytical thinking
  • Excellent written communication
  • Confident verbal communicator with people from different levels of hierarchy
  • Ability to network and form new relationships
  • Excellent organisational abilities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable: / EXPERIENCE
  • Previous role(s) in development organisation(s)
  • Post-graduate qualification in development, international relations, politics or related field
  • Some experience of working with Parliamentarians or other advocacy work

KNOWLEDGE
  • Knowledge of child rights and child protection issues
  • Good knowledge of UK parliamentary system
  • Knowledge on current issues in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Central African Republic and Yemen

You will be expected to have read our child protection policy. This policy is a fundamental expression of our values and so you will be asked questions about your views on it, if you are interviewed.

Due to the high volume of applicants and our limited capacity, we will unfortunately only be able to reply to shortlisted candidates.

To be considered:

  • To be considered you must have the right to live and work in the UK.
  • Please send your CV and brief covering letter, which outlines how you meet the person specification, to