The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 50 countries and 28 US cities to restore safety, dignity, and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the US ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
SCOPE OF WORK: This internship offers an excellent opportunity for a current undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate, to gain hands-on experience in public policy, research, and advocacy within an international humanitarian organization. The Policy Intern will support the IRC's efforts to understand policy developments affecting refugees, immigrants, and other displaced populations, with a particular focus on issues relevant to Kansas and the broader region.
Working closely with IRC staff, the Policy Intern will conduct policy research, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, analyze relevant policies, prepare written materials, and support community engagement and advocacy initiatives. The intern will contribute to efforts to strengthen the organization's understanding of the policy landscape and communicate how policy decisions affect the communities IRC serves.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Policy Research and Analysis: Research federal, state, and local policies affecting refugees, immigrants, and other newcomer populations, including resettlement, health care access, employment, education, housing, and integration services.
• Legislative Tracking: Monitor legislative proposals, regulatory changes, executive actions, and other policy developments relevant to IRC programs and the communities it serves.
• Policy Briefs and Reports: Assist in drafting policy briefs, background memos, issue summaries, talking points, and reports to communicate key findings and inform organizational priorities.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and organize quantitative and qualitative information to support policy research, identify emerging trends, and assess the potential impact of policy changes on newcomer communities.
• Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Research relevant policymakers, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and information sharing.
• Advocacy Support: Assist with preparing materials for policy meetings, community briefings, stakeholder convenings, and advocacy initiatives, as appropriate.
• Policy Landscape Mapping: Identify existing policies, programs, and resources that affect refugee and immigrant integration in Kansas and the surrounding region.
• Internal Coordination: Collaborate with IRC staff across programs to gather information, understand community needs, and connect policy developments with the organization's direct service work.
• Additional Projects: Provide support for other policy, research, and advocacy initiatives as needed and as feasible.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Gain practical experience in public policy research, legislative monitoring, and policy analysis within a nonprofit and humanitarian organization.
• Develop an understanding of federal, state, and local policy processes and how policy decisions influence refugee resettlement, immigration, and newcomer integration.
• Strengthen research, critical thinking, data interpretation, and professional writing skills through the development of policy briefs, reports, and other written materials.
• Learn how nonprofit organizations engage with policymakers, government agencies, community partners, and advocacy networks.
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between public policy, direct service delivery, and the needs of refugee and immigrant communities.
• Gain exposure to the policy challenges and opportunities affecting IRC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration programming.
• Build skills in stakeholder research, policy communication, and evidence-based decision-making.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or a recent graduate.
• Students pursuing degrees in public policy, political science, public administration, public health, international relations, sociology, economics, nonprofit management, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and communicate findings clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in immigration, refugee resettlement, humanitarian assistance, social services, or public policy.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with a team, and seek guidance when needed.
• Commitment to the IRC's mission and the principles of dignity, inclusion, and equitable access to opportunity
Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or be a recent graduate.
- Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and communicate findings clearly and concisely.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Interest in immigration, refugee resettlement, humanitarian assistance, social services, or public policy.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a team.
- Commitment to the IRC mission and the principles of dignity, inclusion, and equitable access to opportunity.
- Degree in public policy, political science, public administration, public health, international relations, sociology, economics, nonprofit management, or a related field.
What We Do
The International Rescue Committee is a global humanitarian organization that provides emergency relief, health care, and support to refugees and people affected by conflict and disaster.
