Advocacy & Policy Internship (Spring 2026)

About MADRE

Founded in 1983, MADRE is an international human rights organization that transcends geographies and generations to deliver sustainable gender, racial, climate, and disability justice. We foster a world where women and girls, and other marginalized groups, fully participate in shaping policies and decision making, their expertise and leadership is recognized and upheld, and they equitably hold power and resources within their communities.

MADRE’s unique approach prioritizes and centers the grassroots partners in our far-reaching global networks. We focus on building long-term relationships with the local leaders who are experts in their own communities’ needs. Together, we pursue a holistic approach to change, integrating grantmaking, capacity bridging, and advocacy to achieve gender, racial, climate, and disability justice.

Learn more about MADRE’s work at: https://www.madre.org/.

Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

MADRE believes in investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Internships provide a platform for emerging leaders to develop critical skills, gain exposure to global issues, and build a network of like-minded individuals. Our hope is that these experiences empower interns to become lifelong advocates for women's rights and social justice.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and are committed to advancing the rights of women and girls, an internship at MADRE is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world.

Join us in the journey to create lasting change and contribute your skills, passion, and energy to the global movement for women's human rights. Together, we can make a difference.

Position Summary

MADRE seeks an intern to work alongside our Advocacy & Policy team to implement human rights and gender justice campaigns.

Position Description

Under the supervision of MADRE’s experienced policy experts and human rights attorneys, the Advocacy & Policy Intern will support MADRE’s Advocacy & Policy Team in implementing human rights and policy advocacy campaigns guided by locally-led feminist, grassroots civil society and social justice movements, in order to build a feminist future rooted in care, peace, accountability and repair. These campaigns focus on transformations within: (a) national law and policy in the countries of our partner organizations, (b) international arenas of human rights and criminal law, and (c) US foreign policy.

Core Responsibilities

Interns will support the Advocacy & Policy Team by:

• Conducting research and producing memoranda and reports and briefings in relation to MADRE’s thematic issue areas, including women, peace and security; sexual and gender-based violence; rights of LGBTQIA+ people; climate justice; and rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples in conflict and disaster settings among others;
• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on developments and trends in US foreign policy and key international policy and decision-making spaces with a view towards MADRE’s advocacy and policy goals;
• Following and supporting our work in UN processes, including the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the High-level Political Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), UN Security Council debates, and others as necessary;
• Providing limited administrative and logistics support to the Advocacy & Policy team as required.

Qualifications

• Currently attending or recently graduated from a master’s degree program or law school is highly preferred. Preference will be given to graduate students, but undergraduate students with strong applications are also welcome to apply;
• Demonstrated interest in and understanding of women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and gender justice;
• Demonstrated interest in international and regional human rights mechanisms and/or a demonstrated interest in US foreign policy;
• Strong research, analysis, writing, and communications skills;
• Detail-oriented and able to deliver assignments on time;
• Passionate about MADRE’s mission, committed to teamwork, and achieving results;
• Proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking) in Arabic, , French, or Spanish is highly desired but not required.

Working Conditions:

This internship requires eligibility to work in the United States and is fully remote.

Compensation

Total compensation: $3,600

Duration: 12 weeks

Hours/week: 15 hours

(This comes to a minimum hourly rate of $20/hour.)

Total compensation: $3,600

Duration: 12 weeks

Hours/week: 15 hours

(This comes to a minimum hourly rate of $20/hour.)