Peace, Conflict, and Governance Research Intern

**Applications will be received through COB 8/30/22 or until 100-150 applications have been received. US work authorization or valid international student visa is required for consideration.

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION**: Washington, DC or Remote

DATES OF INTERNSHIP:  Up to 8 Months (September 2022 - May 2023)

HOURS PER WEEK: Full Time (Approximately 25-40 Hours/ Week)

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $2600 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 the supported project(s)

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 organization 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’ Research and Learning team is dedicated to producing compelling, relevant, and rigorous research that supports Mercy Corps’ mission and programming.

In the coming months, the Research and Learning team is working to implement and disseminate a number of research studies on issues connected to the intersection between peace, conflict, and governance. The Research and Learning team seeks to recruit an intern to provide support to specific projects requiring greater support with qualitative research and the communication of evidence to policy stakeholders.

The Peace, Conflict, and Governance Research Intern’s primary role will be to support the Research and Learning team in advancing priorities under the research agendas on peace, governance, and conflict, including supporting with qualitative data collection and analysis for a project focused on cataloging and understanding how Mercy Corps programs adapted community mobilization programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition, the intern will help the team to communicate the findings of Mercy Corps research studies on Peace, Conflict, and Governance to practitioners and policymakers by helping to design and implement e-mail dissemination campaigns and other strategic communications.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

​​Through the internship, the intern will acquire:

• Experience in qualitative research methods on topics related to peace, conflict, and governance
• Experience with strategic communication of research products
• Exposure to NGO/donor coordination
• Experience with development of research products (briefs, reports, analysis plans)

DELIVERABLES:

The intern is expected to provide support to the team in a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting with qualitative data collection and analysis

• Supporting strategic dissemination of research products through e-mail campaigns and other channels,

• Conducting desk and literature reviews on topics related to peace, conflict, and governance,

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year).
• Interest, experience, and/or coursework in policy analysis, international development, political science, conflict studies, development studies, anthropology, sociology, global health, communications, gender studies, or related fields.
• Interest, experience, and/or coursework in qualitative research methods such as interviewing, focus groups, and case studies.
• Interest and/or experience using Dedoose or other qualitative analysis software.
• Interest and/or experience using Mailchimp or other e-mail marketing platforms.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English, and an interest in communicating about data and evidence to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Proficiency or Fluency in French preferred.
• Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit your résumé/CV, along with a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this internship and highlighting any relevant experience or interests

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 organization 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.

As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and providing a safe working environment, Mercy Corps has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for US interns based in Mercy Corps US HQ offices. Interns must be fully vaccinated per CDC requirement or have an approved exception, either (1) sincerely held religious convictions, or (2) a disability that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and comply with regular testing, within 10 business days of starting.  Failure to comply may impact your internship.

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

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

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.

WEB SERVICES: Interns are automatically provided a Mercy Corps email address, as well as access to The Hub, Workplace, and the Digital Library_._