IRC Wichita Policy Intern Spring 2027

International Rescue Committee • Wichita, KS

11d

About The Position

The Policy Intern will support the International Rescue Committee’s work to understand policy developments affecting refugees, immigrants, and other displaced populations, with a particular focus on Kansas and the broader region. Working closely with IRC staff, the intern will conduct policy research, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, analyze policies, prepare written materials, and support community engagement and advocacy initiatives. The role contributes to the organization’s understanding of the policy landscape and helps communicate how policy decisions affect the communities IRC serves.

This internship is intended to provide a current undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate, with hands-on experience in public policy, research, and advocacy within an international humanitarian organization. Learning opportunities include public policy research and analysis, legislative monitoring, policy communication, stakeholder engagement, and understanding the connections between public policy, direct services, and refugee and immigrant communities.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or a recent graduate.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and communicate findings clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in immigration, refugee resettlement, humanitarian assistance, social services, or public policy.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with a team, and seek guidance when needed.
• Commitment to the IRC's mission and the principles of dignity, inclusion, and equitable access to opportunity.
• Adherence to IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct and IRC policies on safeguarding, conflicts of interest, fiscal integrity, reporting wrongdoing, and protection from retaliation.

Nice To Haves

• Students pursuing degrees in public policy, political science, public administration, public health, international relations, sociology, economics, nonprofit management, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Research federal, state, and local policies affecting refugees, immigrants, and other newcomer populations, including resettlement, health care access, employment, education, housing, and integration services.
• Monitor legislative proposals, regulatory changes, executive actions, and other policy developments relevant to IRC programs and the communities it serves.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, background memos, issue summaries, talking points, and reports.
• Collect and organize quantitative and qualitative information to support policy research, identify emerging trends, and assess the potential impact of policy changes on newcomer communities.
• Research policymakers, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and information sharing.
• Assist with preparing materials for policy meetings, community briefings, stakeholder convenings, and advocacy initiatives, as appropriate.
• Identify existing policies, programs, and resources affecting refugee and immigrant integration in Kansas and the surrounding region.
• Collaborate with IRC staff across programs to gather information, understand community needs, and connect policy developments with direct service work.
• Support other policy, research, and advocacy initiatives as needed and as feasible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed