Internship: Global Programmes, 2024 (Washington DC)

Search for Common Ground is the largest dedicated peacebuilding NGO in the world, with operations in 30 conflict-affected countries across the globe, and headquarters in the USA and in Belgium.

Search Belgium is an international AISBL with 30 staff based in our Brussels office. Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative approaches.

In order to achieve this, we apply the Common Ground Approach in all our work. Position Summary The Cross-Regional Programs team at Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking a full-time intern from September 2024 to February 2025 to provide programmatic and administrative support to the , a global project focused on women, peace and security (WPS), implemented across eight countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Central Asia, Guatemala, Lebanon and Yemen) - and including a global Rapid Response Fund (RRF) mechanism.

The project provides specific funding and technical assistance to local women-led groups to grow and sustain local capacities for peacebuilding.

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic intern to provide significant programmatic and administrative support to the Global Women, Peace, and Security Rapid Response Fund and other critical tasks pertaining to the project.

This role is crucial in supporting our efforts to respond swiftly to the evolving needs of Women Led Organizations (WLOs) in various country contexts.

As an intern, you will be integrally involved, working closely with the rapid response team to ensure effective coordination and streamlined management of the fund’s activities.

The key responsibilities of this position are outlined below.

Key Responsibilities

Active Participation and Review (50%) : Conduct initial reviews of new applications according to the RRF assessment criteria.

Regularly attend check-in meetings with implementing partners, briefings, roundtables, selection committee panels, and other relevant events.

Critically take detailed notes and share insightful summaries and action points with the team, ensuring everyone is up-to-date and informed.

Core Administration and Logistics support for RRF (20% ) : Offer extensive logistical and administrative assistance for the daily management of the Fund.

This encompasses a range of support activities including the following : Classify and organize new applications as per Search's internal procedures, and regularly update the RRF tracker with recent inquiries and applications.

Translate applications received in languages other than English using advanced translation software to ensure accurate understanding and effective communication.

Maintain proper and well-organized filing of these documents on our digital drives and systems, ensuring that all translated documents are accurately catalogued and easily accessible and assist in managing documentation process.

Monitor the RRF email, respond to inquiries and provide initial guidance to Women Led Organizations (WLOs) interested in applying to the RRF.

Research and Monitoring (15%) : Conduct comprehensive research on recent contextual shifts, policies, legislation, and evolving priorities in the realm of Women, Peace, and Security in WINS target countries.

This includes diligent monitoring and regular updating of crucial country-specific data, ensuring the team is informed of significant changes.

Adaptive Project Involvement (15%) : Engage flexibly in a variety of essential tasks as required, showcasing adaptability and commitment to the project’s diverse needs.

Desired qualifications

• Currently pursuing or having completed a degree in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, Political Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research, especially in areas related to Women, Peace, and Security as well as familiarity with conducting contextual analysis in international settings.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in WPS.
• Capacity for critical analysis and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to classify, track, and manage large volumes of information and applications.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in handling various tasks and adjusting to shifting priorities and needs.
• Keen attention to detail, especially in monitoring and updating crucial data.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, willingness to take initiative, be proactive in participating in meetings and events, and actively engage in all aspects of the project.
• Awareness and sensitivity to different cultures and contexts, especially in international settings.
• Fluency in English and French, written and spoken, is essential, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the RRF target countries is beneficial (Arabic, Spanish).
• Commitment to 32-38 hours per week

$ - $ an hourWe are expecting this internship to be full-time and for a duration of 6 months, exceptions to this can be discussed during the recruitment process.

Supervision The intern will be part of the Global Programmes Team and will be supervised by the WINS Program Director, with a strong dotted line to the Rapid Response Fund Program Associate.

Working conditions Usual office environment in Washington, DC. Search currently has a policy requiring at least 2 days per week presence in the office.

Application process The deadline for applications is August 5th, 2024. Please submit your CV and motivation letter through our online application portal Lever.

Indicate clearly in your motivation letter if you are available full time for 6 months, or would like to suggest an alternative arrangement.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and Search reserves the right to identify a suitable candidate ahead of this deadline.

Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please note that we are unfortunately only able to consider applicants that currently hold the right to work in the USA