Internship: Monitoring and liaison - US Congress

The IPU is the global organization of parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 179 national Member Parliaments and 13 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments become stronger, younger, gender-balanced and more diverse. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world. Twice a year, the IPU convenes over 1,500 parliamentary delegates and partners in a world assembly, bringing a parliamentary dimension to global governance, including the work of the United Nations and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The IPU will engage an intern based in Washington, DC to follow and report on debates and activities in the US Congress, assist with communications with Members of the House and Senate and support IPU work to re-engage the US Congress in the IPU.

Within delegated authority, tasks will include:

• Following work of committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Gender Equality and identify possible entry points for IPU
• Support bilateral parliamentary engagement (US with other parliaments) assisting with missions of foreign parliamentary delegations to Washington
• Reviewing biographies of members of the US Congress with an eye to interests and work on issues aligned with IPU (democracy, climate change, health, women, youth representation, human rights, trade)
• Reviewing biographies of Ambassadors to the US for parliamentary experience
• Conducting background research and compiling issue briefs and targeted messages
• Preparing and delivering information packages to members of Congress
• Assistance with IPU events or meetings at the Capitol (in person or virtually), including post contact follow-up information
• Managing contacts for future engagement

You will gain experience:

• Following and reporting accurately on discussions and events at the US Congress
• Communicating with IPU staff in NY and Geneva, and with parliamentarians in the US and around the world
• Planning and managing a parliamentary contact program to raise visibility
• Engaging with the US Congress members and staff

Requirements:

• Graduate with a BA or MA in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Development Studies or related field; current students who can demonstrate consistent availability will be considered.
• Fluent in English, proficiency in an additional language (French, Spanish) an asset
• Exceptional organization skills and keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of US politics and operations on the Hill
• Ability to work independently and produce reports in a timely fashion
• Strong networking skills

Timeline:  Flexible, ideally starting in February 2021. The internship will run for three months and can be extended for another three months

Note: Only candidates with legal residence (green card, work visa) or equivalent authorization to pursue remunerated internship in the USA will be considered

Location: Virtual internship, based in Washington DC area

Reporting: The Intern will work under the supervision of the IPU Office at the United Nations, New York

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week (with flexibility)

Remuneration: A monthly allowance of US$1500