Paid Internship OSI - The Open Society Institute London, United Kingdom

International Advocacy
Open Society Foundation–London
Application Deadline: June 26, 2011
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism.  Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.  Each foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.  
The International Advocacy Director’s office, based in Hammersmith, London, provides strategic support and coordination to Open Society Foundations advocacy initiatives at the international and regional level. Currently a team of 6 full time staff including the director, there is a need for a graduate-level intern to support the team’s work internally and externally.
The Open Soceity Foundations are offering a 3-5 day/week internship for the duration of 5 to 6 months starting in July 2011.  The successful candidate will be working at the OSF-London office in Hammersmith, London, and will work under the supervision of the senior advocacy officer for South Asia and Middle East issues.
The internship:

• is an opportunity for a young graduate to gain work experience and increase their understanding of open society issues (such as human rights, justice, democracy, good governance, etc);
• gives the intern an insight into the work of the Open Society Foundations and their advocacy work in particular;
• provides exposure to research, programmatic and administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• prepare relevant presentations, briefing notes, meeting reports and other factual and analytical documents, sometimes at short notice
• assist with desk research on a range of regional and thematic topics, including South Asia, the Middle East, migration and minority rights
• managing and expanding contacts databases for UK and Brussels based networks
• attend internal and external events on request and prepare minutes on request
• assist with logistical and administrative tasks
• perform other related duties at the request of team members as required, often under remote management

Qualifications

• minimum undergraduate degree in the field of international affairs or politics
• proven ability to search, synthesise information and produce succinct, accurate written briefs
• previous experience within a charity environment, human rights related experience and knowledge about the regions/countries in the Open Society Foundations’ remit are desirable
• computer literate, with a good knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office package
• fluent spoken and written English required; Arabic language skills would be desirable
• self motivation, a responsible work ethic, meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of professionalism

Start Date

As soon as possible

Duration

3-5 day/week; approximately 6 months

Compensation

This internship meets minimum wage requirements

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter before Sunday, 26 June 2011, to: recruitment-IA@osf-eu.org. Include code in subject line: IA/INTERN
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and an interview and written test will be performed.
No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.