Policy and Advocacy Intern

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.  

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.  

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency. 

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.  

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

 

About the job 

Reporting directly to the DRC’s Policy and Advocacy Specialist, the Policy and Advocacy Intern is a key supporting position in the DRC team. The Policy and Advocacy Intern will support the development of expert policy guidance for messaging and advocacy with key stakeholders on pertinent issues in Lebanon, DRC’s strategic positioning, technical development and quality implementation of advocacy work in Lebanon.  

 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

 

• Support the development and implementation of the DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy.  

• Support the development of talking points, top-line messages and advocacy tasks for the DRC Lebanon team.  

• Support the advocacy specialist to inform DRC to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies. 

• Support in organization of key advocacy opportunities and events. 

• Draft and support the development of advocacy products (e.g. policy briefs, infographics, social media posts, thematic papers)  

• Research prominent protection issues in Lebanon and effective advocacy messages and examples that can be applied to the context in Lebanon based on DRC’s priorities

 

About you 

To be successful in this role we expect you to Tertiary qualifications in human rights, social sciences, psychology or related discipline. Moreover, we also expect the following:

 

Required  

• Some prior experience working in advocacy on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues. 

• Experience of influencing and advocacy work including lobbying, policy development and information provision in humanitarian issues. 

• Excellent skills in writing and research 

• Some knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law 

• Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills across diverse cultures 

• Full proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

 

Desired:  

• Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous

 

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:   

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

 

We offer 

Contract length: Internship 

Level:  Unpaid 

Duty Station: Beirut  

Start date: June 2018

 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Interns; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

Application process 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email to Dolene Khairallah will not be considered.

 

Closing date for applications: 31st of May 2018 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.