Africa Policy & Advocacy Intern

Oxfam America • Washington, DC

15h

About The Position

The Strategy & Insights Hub (S&I Hub) brings together Oxfam America’s core functions in strategy, planning, design, monitoring, evaluation, learning, storytelling, research, and internal partnership-building. This includes collaboration with Oxfam’s Global South affiliates, as well as country, cluster, and regional offices across the Oxfam Confederation. The Hub works closely with other teams within Oxfam America and in the Confederation to strengthen efforts to fight inequality and advance Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and injustice. The purpose of this position is to support the implementation of the Africa Policy & Advocacy strategy with respect to the U.S. Government. This plan is jointly developed by Oxfam in Africa and Oxfam America. It includes background research, advocacy and policy support, coordination, administrative and operational support as well as learning and exposure opportunities. The intern selected for this role is expected to undertake this internship for course credit. Oxfam is a rights-based, research-driven development and humanitarian organization working with partners in more than sixty countries, uniquely positioned to challenge and spotlight the human decisions and policies that often exacerbate, rather than reduce, poverty and inequality. Through advocacy, programming, and campaigning alongside partners, Oxfam contributes to meaningful change by linking local realities with global influencing agendas. The organization is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and racial justice.

Requirements

• Must be a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public policy, international relations, African studies, Economics, Development Studies, Global Affairs or related field.
• Experience with independent research and synthesizing large amounts of information into policy memo or briefs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to proofread and format documents accurately.
• Demonstrated interest in international development, humanitarian issues, U.S. foreign policy, Africa policy, economic justice, or advocacy.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment.
• Follow Oxfam research process, protocols, and guidelines.
• Perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect.
• Become familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals as well as feminist principles, racial justice and safeguarding policies.
• Demonstrate coachability to ensure the internship supports the individual’s professional and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background research on policy and advocacy issues to inform Oxfam’s policy and advocacy positions, synthesizing findings into concise policy briefings, memos, talking points, and other formats.
• Assist in preparing materials for advocacy efforts targeting the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch agencies, Development Finance Institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Support the organization of advocacy events, webinars, and Congressional meetings.
• Support coordination efforts between Oxfam America and Oxfam in Africa, as well as with external stakeholders, to ensure effective and sustained communication, including tracking activities and maintaining visibility across efforts to promote coherence and alignment.
• Provide logistical and administrative support, including scheduling meetings, coordinating event logistics, formatting and proofreading documents, and helping manage internal knowledge systems.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and events to build understanding of policy, advocacy, and organizational processes.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree