About InterAction: 

InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination. 

About the Project: 

In March 2018, InterAction formalized its CEO Pledge on Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment by and of NGO Staff, calling on nongovernmental organization CEOs to lead the international humanitarian and development sector in making change. To date, more than 140 CEOs have signed on and the number continues to grow. In February 2019, InterAction commenced a three-year project, From Pledge to Action. The project’s goal is that through a combination of policy, guidance, training, and practice, InterAction and its members will adopt a culture of prevention, response, and support in the face of sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) of staff, and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) of beneficiaries by staff or associates of NGOs, thus making our offices and programs safer spaces for individuals and communities alike.    

Position Summary: 

The From Pledge to Action Project is looking for an energetic, reliable, and organized intern with a passion for preventing sexual exploitation and abuse to provide support to ongoing From Pledge to Action initiatives for Fall 2022. This is a unique opportunity to learn about a growing field of work within the international humanitarian and development sectors. In this position, you will be expected to assist with event planning, research, and writing. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the unique work that our members are doing to prevent SEAH within their organizations. 

Interns will be paid according to D.C. minimum wage ($16.10/hour) and will also have the opportunity to benefit from a robust professional development program which includes workshops, trainings, and educational opportunities. We anticipate the internship lasting from early September through mid-December with flexible start and end dates. This position is part-time. Hours are flexible, but we anticipate it will be about 20-25 hours a week. 

Applicants must be located in/have an address in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and have the right to work in the US. We are currently operating on a hybrid model, so interns will have the option to come into the office with staff if desired. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assist the From Pledge to Action team in planning our first annual “PSEA Day of Action.” This includes helping us develop a social media strategy, writing blog posts featuring members, and helping to coordinate a panel of PSEAH experts. 
• Support the From Pledge to Action team with planning our 2022 Safeguarding Workshop. This is an in-person event that will convene sector partners to share ideas and discuss challenges that remain in PSEAH.  
• Write blog posts about PSEAH. 

• Assist with writing case studies about the work that our Members are doing to prevent and respond to SEAH. 
• Prepare materials for distribution at meetings and events. 
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned. 

During the internship, you can expect to acquire the following knowledge and skills: 

• Understand the key principles of SEAH including power dynamics, organizational culture, survivor support, and community engagement.  
• Demonstrate knowledge of effective SEAH prevention and response strategies. 
• Increased knowledge of the international humanitarian and development sectors. 
• Understanding of the challenges that remain to preventing SEAH within the humanitarian and development sectors. 
• Professional development support in the form of informational interviews with staff, feedback on resume, access to meetings and events, and more. 

• A unique opportunity to network with staff from InterAction Member organizations at our in-person Safeguarding Workshop in November. 

Qualifications:  

• Available to work about 20-25 hours a week. Please note that this is flexible, and we are willing to work with the right candidate to find a schedule that fits their needs. 
• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate program in a relevant field. Recent graduates are also eligible to apply. 

• Solid writing, editing, and research skills with a strong attention to detail. 
• Strong interest in and understanding of related topics such as preventing sexual and gender-based violence strongly preferred. 
• Past event planning experience is a plus. 
• Commitment to InterAction’s mission and values. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. 

Other Duties:  

To Apply:  

Please e-mail your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to jobs@interaction.org with subject line containing title From Pledge to Action Intern Application.    Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before August 15th are preferred.  Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  

All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period. Due to the volume of applications, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls Please!