Communications and Development Internship

INTERN: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict is seeking an intern to work between 15 and 20 hours per week starting June through late August 2015, with the possibility of extension. This position is based in New York City.

ORGANIZATION: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict (Watchlist) is an NGO network that monitors and reports on violations against the security and rights of children and adolescents in specific situations of armed conflict. Watchlist uses this information to urge action by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, other UN agencies and appropriate governments. Watchlist also provides support to local NGO partners in areas of conflict to build sustainable, grassroots monitoring, reporting and advocacy networks related to violations against children in armed conflicts. Watchlist is a fiscally-sponsored project of the Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) organization.

In the Communications and Development capacity, the intern will work on Watchlist’s ongoing communications related initiatives, as well as conduct some prospect research towards Watchlist’s fundraising efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the implementation of Watchlist’s overall communications strategy with respect to educating public audiences on children and armed conflict issues; this involves using all of Watchlist’s media tools (website, social media, smartphone application, listserves, and newsletter)
• Assist the Development Officer with the drafting of email blasts, letters of inquiry, and additional correspondence and mailings with regard to fundraising.
• Perform research towards prospecting donors towards Watchlist’s fundraising efforts (using Google and The Foundation Directory online), and support special communications projects geared towards development (i.e. developing and implementing social media strategies for special crowdfunding initiatives)
• Perform background research and related tasks towards updating the content of Watchlist’s Smartphone Application on Children and Armed Conflict
• Assist with other communications-related special projects and administrative tasks as necessary

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate student in international affairs, politics, communications, nonprofit management, journalism or related field
• Strong research, writing and web skills
• Strong interest in issues related to children and armed conflict, media and communications, research, human rights advocacy, and the United Nations system
• Demonstrated ability to work on team projects and independently
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and familiarity with common social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter)
• Knowledge of WordPress and Mail Chimp a plus
• Foreign languages (French and Arabic) a plus

HOW TO APPLY:

Internships are unpaid, but available for school credit. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Please email your résumé and cover letter to:

Bonnie Berry, Program Manager
bonnieb@watchlist.org