HRT Intern

Job Posting Organization:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to those in need, particularly in situations of conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion. Established in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries, employing a diverse workforce that includes local medical, logistical, and administrative staff. The organization is committed to providing humanitarian assistance based solely on need, without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. MSF also advocates for the rights of patients and speaks out about the challenges faced by those it serves. MSF USA is one of 24 sections that support the global movement, focusing on staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications, and values diverse backgrounds and experiences in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The HRT intern role is designed to provide support to the Humanitarian Representation Team (HRT) while allowing the intern to gain practical experience in research, diplomacy, and advocacy. This position is ideal for individuals interested in the social mission of MSF and seeking meaningful experience within an International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The intern will assist in various projects within the Programs Department, contributing to the overall mission of MSF by supporting medical humanitarian programs. The role involves engaging with stakeholders, conducting research, and assisting in advocacy efforts, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the operational and strategic aspects of humanitarian work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for conducting research on humanitarian actors and topics, summarizing reports, and performing literature reviews based on academic publications. They will attend and summarize external meetings relevant to the team's work, assist in preparing briefing documents for advocacy and policy engagements, manage contact databases, create shareable content for stakeholders, and compile internal updates, including contributions to the Program Department newsletter. Additionally, the intern may be assigned occasional administrative tasks and other responsibilities as needed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the HRT.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or be progressing toward a higher degree in a field related to the work of the HRT, such as international relations, policy, law, or global and public health. A genuine interest in medical humanitarian aid and the mission of MSF is essential, along with a demonstrated interest in international work, whether personal, professional, or academic. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, and candidates should exhibit creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to explore new topics. Excellent attention to detail, strong writing and proofreading skills, and the initiative to work independently in a fast-paced environment are crucial. Knowledge of US politics, the UN system, policy development, and international humanitarian actors is desirable, as is experience in academic research and literature reviews. Familiarity with CRM tools is an asset but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree or progress toward a higher degree in a relevant field such as international relations, policy, law, or global and public health. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with the complex issues faced by MSF and its humanitarian mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in performing academic research and literature reviews, which is a must for this role. While specific professional experience in the humanitarian sector is not explicitly required, any relevant experience that demonstrates a commitment to humanitarian work or international relations will be beneficial. The intern should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and be prepared to engage with various stakeholders.

Languages:
English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in French and/or Spanish is strongly preferred. This linguistic capability will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and access a broader range of resources and information relevant to MSF's work.

Additional Notes:
This internship is based in Washington DC and may be offered on-site or in a hybrid format. The organization does not provide relocation assistance or visa sponsorship for this position. MSF USA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages individuals from underrepresented communities in the humanitarian aid sector to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and maintaining a safe and respectful workplace, free from harassment and discrimination.