INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Advocacy intern (curricular – full remote)
Code: SR-00-9771
Duty station: Remote modality
Starting date: 16/06/2025
Contract duration: 6 months (3 days a week)
Reporting to: Geneva Representative and Policy advisor
Functional Supervisor: n/a
Supervision of: n/a
Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
As a humanitarian organisation that has grown over the past years, INTERSOS has prioritised its operational activities along with building the capacities to deliver its core humanitarian activities today implemented in 23 Missions.
INTERSOS started to increase its advocacy over the past 4 years, with INTERSOS becoming more proactive in leading or contributing its advocacy efforts to collective advocacy through ICVA or other NGO platforms. Furthermore, the organisation-wide reality check exercise conducted in the course of 2020/21 have strongly identified and confirmed the need for INTERSOS to enhance its advocacy efforts – globally, regionally and at country levels. Given its unique position in the humanitarian scene, and with various streams of protection work potentially generating huge amount of data, INTERSOS needs to find the way to utilise it to speak up about issues it observes in its operations. This could be done using data from protection monitoring activities, or various case management work that tackles sensitive protection issues such as S/GBV, lack of access to services by marginalized groups or some other important issues that are of concern to forcibly displaced communities. In its new three-year strategic plan, INTERSOS plans to step up its advocacy approaches.
As the West Africa region, and in particular Sahel, is currently under the spotlight, with increasing humanitarian needs and complex access dynamics, the focus of internships will be to advance INTERSOS advocacy content in Sahel. In particular, the intern will directly support one of INTERSOS Mali and Burkina Faso program, involving an important advocacy component related to localisation, equitable risks sharing and access.
General purpose of the position
The intern will work closely with the Geneva Representative and Policy advisor. The Advocacy Intern will support the INTERSOS’s advocacy activities in the Sahel region, with a particular focus on advocacy activities related to the equitable risk sharing and localization of aid project in Mali and Burkina Faso. The intern will assist in research, analysis, and the development of advocacy materials to promote these key themes within relevant policy spaces. S/he will also support the field team in external coordination and planning of advocacy events (conferences, webinars etc). This position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in international advocacy and contribute to positive change in the Sahel.
Main responsibilities and tasks:
Advocacy Message Development:
Conduct research and analysis on the Sahel context, with a focus on Mali and Burkina Faso, to inform advocacy messaging.
Develop compelling advocacy materials (e.g., policy briefs, talking points, presentations, social media content).
Support the creation of targeted advocacy campaigns for specific audiences (e.g., policymakers, donors, civil society).
External Engagement:
Support the Mali program team in coordinating with local and national partners on advocacy initiatives.
Assist in the planning and execution of advocacy events, such as conferences, webinars, and workshops.
Represent the NGO at relevant meetings, as required.
Internal Coordination:
Participate in NGO meetings and discussions related to Sahel advocacy.
Provide timely and accurate readouts of meetings and discussions to the Regional Department and other relevant internal stakeholders.
Collaborate with program staff in Mali and Burkina Faso to gather information and ensure effective coordination of advocacy efforts.
Knowledge Management:
Contribute to the development and maintenance of knowledge resources related to advocacy.
Stay informed about current events, policy developments, and best practices in advocacy.
Required profile and experience
Education
- Ongoing Master degree in Economics, Political Sciences, International Cooperation and Development, other (related to Humanitarian Aid) subjects.
Professional Experience
- Previous volunteering and/or internship experiences in non-profit organisations will be evaluated positively.
Professional Requirements
- Competent in research, analysis, and writing
Languages
- Fluent in English and French.
Personal Requirements
- Good communication skills
- Highly dynamic and proactive
- Passion and interest for international cooperation and humanitarian work
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.