Localisation Research Intern - Netherlands, The Hague

Description

Please note that a cover letter is required for this position. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

INTERNSHIP TITLE: Localisation Research Intern

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: The Hague

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  4 months, starting November 2023

HOURS PER WEEK: 3 days/24 hours per week

INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Joanne Glover & Marina Antunovic

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: The Hague: € 50 per day (up to €500 per month)

Mercy Corps responsibilities

For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project

Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Mercy Corps works with a range of European donors who have advanced their localisation policies over the recent years, with some introducing specific (mandatory) guidelines and others providing strong recommendations regarding equitable partnerships with local and national organisations. Mercy Corps in Europe is working on synthesising donor policies and requirements in order to feed this information into internal discussions on partnerships and make available to programme teams working on the development of proposals for European donors.

The Localisation Research Intern will conduct in-depth research on the localisation policies of major European donors, including the European Commission (EC), the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the Dutch Government, the German Government, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the French Government, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The research shall focus on partnerships with local/national actors outlined in these policies. This role requires a keen understanding of international relations, humanitarian aid, and development policies in the European context.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The intern will gain an in-depth knowledge about European donor policies and practices and Mercy Corps’ internal policies and programmes focusing on the subject of equitable partnerships and working with national and local partners.
• The internship offers opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
• Access to Mercy Corps extensive learning resources.
• Mentoring by MC SIP and compliance teams.

DELIVERABLES:

• Conduct comprehensive research on the localisation policies of specified European donors.
• Prepare detailed summaries and reports highlighting the key elements, strategies, and impact of these policies.
• Compare and contrast the approaches of different donors, identifying commonalities, differences, and trends.
• As requested, assess Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures against the specified European donor policies
• Engage with relevant stakeholders, including policy-makers and practitioners, to gather insights and perspectives on the policies under study.
• As requested, collate and summarise networks’, peer agencies and others’ documents on localisation (European focus).
• Attend meetings, seminars, or webinars related to localisation and donor policies, as requested.
• Collaborate with the broader Mercy Corps team to integrate findings into larger projects or initiatives.
• Present findings to and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing efforts, as requested.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s or master’s program in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• A keen interest in the European donor landscape and international development/humanitarian aid frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in English. Additional European languages are an advantage.

Mercy Corps interns represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps Diversity Statement

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organisation with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme**.** We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Mercy Corps Global: https://www.mercycorps.org/

Mercy Corps Global Headquarters: 45 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, Oregon 97204

Mercy Corps Europe: europe.mercycorps.org

Mercy Corps Europe Headquarters: 96/3 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX

In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience, and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.

Closing date for applications: 23 October 2023

Keywords

Localisation ResearchEuropean donorspoliciespartnershipsinternational relationshumanitarian aiddevelopment policies