Rule of Law Internship

About the World Justice Project:

The World Justice Project (WJP) was launched in 2009 to promote justice and the rule of law globally. It is best known for its WJP Rule of Law Index, the world’s leading source on the performance of 143 countries in relation to absence of corruption, open government, civil and criminal justice, fundamental rights, and other rule of law standards. Drawing on the Index methodology, WJP also undertakes in-depth studies on specific countries and topics, such as access to justice, criminal justice, environmental governance, and corruption. The WJP puts this data and research into action to strengthen the rule of law through convening, engagement, and support of a global network—including through the biennial World Justice Forum and World Justice Challenge. At a time when the rule of law is facing fundamental challenges throughout the world, the WJP’s mission to strengthen respect for justice, peace, and fundamental rights is more pressing than ever. For more information, please visit www.worldjusticeproject.org.

The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index team is seeking to fill one full-time intern position at the WJP’s office in Washington, DC. The term of the internship will be limited to one year with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time staff position based on performance and project need. This is a current vacancy, with an immediate start. The Rule of Law Index Intern will be based in Washington, DC, and will report to the Rule of Law Index team Senior Program Associate.

Primary Responsibilities and Projects:

The Rule of Law Index Interns will spend up to 75% of their time providing crucial support for the WJP’s annual Rule of Law Index research project, which explores the extent to which 140+ countries and jurisdictions adhere to the rule of law in practice. The main responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the primary data collection process for the Qualified Respondents’ Questionnaire (QRQ) expert surveys administered in 143 countries for the annual WJP Rule of Law Index report. This includes survey design and maintenance, survey administration, data collection, management of expert contributors, and management of online data collection platforms and CRM databases;
• Maintain engagement with our network of experts through the WJP WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups.
• Contribute to the data validation, research, and copy editing of the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index and other thematic reports;
• Undertake rule of law research and analysis as necessary.

The candidate chosen for this position will also spend a portion of their time providing general research assistance as needed to WJP’s portfolio of global research initiatives. These assignments may include:

• Conducting background research or literature reviews on relevant topics, including environmental justice, judicial independence, and/or rule of law in the United States.
• Assisting with report production tasks, including preparation of report content, coordination of email outreach, preparation of draft presentations, and general proofing and data review.
• Participating in project development calls with team leads.

Qualifications:

This position is open to graduates (B.A.) with relevant experience. All applicants should have strong attention to detail and writing and research skills. International experience and foreign language skills are preferred. The ideal candidate will have completed coursework in international affairs, social sciences, journalism, economics, policy studies, regional studies, or pre-law.

Successful applicants will be highly motivated individuals with a strong academic track record, an enthusiastic interest in the rule of law, and commitment to WJP’s mission and principles (www.worldjusticeproject.org). Preference will be given to students who possess the following skills and experiences sought for this internship:

• Strong professional writing, copy editing/proofing, and communication skills;
• Experience conducting qualitative research and/or performing general desk research;
• Administrative support experience;
• Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform or other large contact databases;
• The ability to manage large datasets (strong skills in Microsoft Excel preferred);
• Experience conducting professional correspondence;
• English fluency is required; fluency in an additional language (including Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish) is a plus;
• The ability to work independently as well as in group settings, the ability to manage their own workload, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work under deadline pressure.

Location:

The internship will be based in the WJP’s Washington, DC headquarters at 1156 Fifteenth Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. The WJP maintains a hybrid in-office/remote work schedule, with all members of the WJP team expected to work at least 60% of their scheduled hours from the WJP’s D.C. office. Each intern’s individual in-office/remote schedule will be confirmed with their supervisor at the start of the internship.

Equal Employment Opportunities

WJP values diversity and inclusion in the workplace and complies with all relevant laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunities.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of the job, this person will frequently be required to use finger dexterity as well as sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading on a computer screen. This person may need to remain seated for long periods of time, have the ability to perform repetitive motions, grasp objects, including a writing instrument, stand, communicate verbally and hear well enough to detect nuances, and receive detailed information. This person may be required to walk, push or pull objects, bend, squat, reach, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for extensive reading. WJP is committed to making reasonable accommodations to support the employment of people with disabilities.

Working Conditions:

The work conditions described here are representative of those an intern may encounter while performing this job. This person will typically work indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels.