United States of America: BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS INTERNSHIP

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations with members operating in every developing country. Located in Washington, D.C., InterAction aims to give each of its members the collective power to speak and act on issues of common concern.

InterAction’s Public Policy team advocates for the priorities of InterAction and its members, primarily with the U.S. Congress and executive branch. The team helps coordinate the policy positions of InterAction members in working groups and initiatives.

InterAction’s Public Policy Team is seeking a highly motivated graduate student or recent graduate to specifically support our work advocating for the U.S. foreign assistance budget.

Responsibilities for the Budget & Appropriations Intern will include:

• Work closely with InterAction’s members to prepare an annual alternative federal budget proposal for FY 2021;
• Coordinate multiple drafts of the alternate federal budget proposal:
• Research and analyze the U.S. foreign assistance budget, appropriations legislation, and supporting materials;
• Research and analyze foreign assistance programs and policies to help justify budget requests and policy;
• Attend and summarize meetings, briefings, and hearings;
• Provide administrative support including scheduling, tracking RSVPs, developing and assembling materials, supporting staff in preparing refreshments, and ordering catering, and;
• Other duties as assigned.

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

• Improved knowledge of how federal policy is made;
• Familiarity with advocacy strategy development and implementation;
• Increased knowledge of the budget and appropriations process on Capitol Hill and within the administration;
• Exposure to managing coalition politics and trade-offs amongst a large consortium of non-profit organizations; and
• Familiarity with tools available for Congressional research.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, English, Communications, History, Journalism or a related field preferred;
• Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in a related field;
• Interest in U.S. government processes, specifically budget and appropriations
• Able to commit to at least 4 days a week of work (32 hours per week), with preference for those who can work full time (40 hours per week);
• Strong research and writing skills;
• Quick learner;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Able to reconcile comments and edits to the same document from multiple editors and synthesize a compelling finished product.
• Self-starter and self-motivated;
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines;
• Commitment to teamwork, good interpersonal skills, can-do positive attitude, and professional etiquette.

To apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter and writing sample of no more than three pages to policy@interaction.org. The deadline for Fall applicants is September 30, 2019 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until then**.** Please put “Budget & Appropriations Intern Fall – YOUR NAME” in the Subject line of the email.