Advocacy Intern - Summer 2023
The HALO Trust, United States
Job Description
Advocacy Intern
Hybrid: Remote (with option to work in office), and in-office work twice a week
Duration: June 12th - August 31st 2023
Type: Part-time, 15 hours per week
Paid: D.C. minimum wage ($15.20 per hour)
Reports to: Head of Congressional Affairs amp; Strategic Engagement
The HALO Trust (USA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in the removal of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), with projects in 30 countries and territories employing over 12,000 people. HALO’s Washington, DC office works with government partners, international agencies, foundations, and private donors to increase awareness of the impact of landmines and ERW on post-conflict communities and to raise funds to support HALO’s teams working overseas.
The DC office is seeking an enthusiastic intern for the summer interested in US politics and international affairs to support HALO’s Congressional engagement. These activities will support direct advocacy to Congressional offices, assist with expansion of partnerships, and help support HALO’s grassroots advocacy program.
Key responsibilitiesinclude:
- Drafting impactful e-newsletters, concise memos, updates on advocacy activities, infographics, and aesthetically pleasing briefing materials (in Canva) on issues relevant to mine action for Congress, partners, and for internal use,
- Submitting FOIA requests to attain key information from government agencies,
- Tracking hearings, legislation, and Congressional updates in legislative database,
- Supporting HALO-hosted events, and representing HALO at in person and virtual briefings and events and inputting notes and contact data into database,
- Supporting public communication about HALO’s advocacy work by drafting advocacy updates for HALO’s website, compiling/editing photos, and drafting social media posts as needed,
- Support grassroots advocacy efforts through helping to recruit and educate advocates (especially students), create grassroots campaigns and related social media content, and implement stewardship plan,
- Inputting and managing various data in Quorum, and other organizational databases,
- Calling Congressional offices to acquire updated staff information as needed,
- Performing analysis on advocacy efforts to improve outcomes,
- Conducting light research/fact-finding on current events and other related topics,
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications / Skills:
Given the responsibilities associated with this role, this position is best suited for a graduate student or recent graduate from an undergraduate institution with some related professional experience. Applicants should possess a positive attitude and be highly organized, flexible, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with a strong interest in the non-profit and international development/humanitarian sector. We are looking for the following:
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- An outgoing personality when it comes to performing cold outreach to organizations/individuals and speaking to groups on behalf of HALO’s mission
- Strong leadership and ability to take initiative
- An exceptional work ethic
- Fast learner and thrives in fast-paced work environment
- Proficiency in social media, Microsoft Office suite, Canva
- A keen understanding of writing styles appropriate for communicating to Congressional offices, grassroots advocates, stakeholders, busy HALO staff, and the general public
- Prior experience conducting Congressional advocacy or working in a Congressional office a plus
Benefits
What’s in it for you?
The position offers valuable insight into working in advocacy, Congressional relations, the non-profit sector, and humanitarian work. This role will provide the opportunity to conduct direct and meaningful work that will significantly impact the department’s ability to achieve goals and will make a difference in the lives of families across the globe. Given the length of this internship, tasks may evolve as the intern becomes more experienced with HALO.
Applicants must possess U.S. citizenship given role requirements.
For more information about The HALO Trust, please visit our website at www.halotrust.org.
The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both divers