Intern - Humanitarian Diplomacy

The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Through the IFRC and the work of its 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 16.5 million active volunteers, the network reaches 160 million people. The Delegation of the IFRC to the UN represents the IFRC and its National Societies at the UN. The Delegation to the UN is the main interface between the IFRC and UN headquarters, with responsibilities spanning from: 1). Providing policy guidance to UN Member States and UN agencies on humanitarian contexts and thematics, 2). Profiling IFRC at the UN through events and speaking opportunities at UN conferences, 3). Developing partnerships with UN Member States and UN agencies to create policy and operational opportunities and 4). Advocating for the interests of the most vulnerable and ensuring humanitarian considerations are taken into account in UN fora.

The intern will:

1. Gain experience in humanitarian diplomacy,
2. Understand the International Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement and see how the UN works in practice,
3. Contribute to IFRC’s representation at the UN,
4. Enhance expertise in the areas of humanitarian affairs (disaster, health, migration, and protection), and international relations.

Responsibilities of the intern include:

1. Follow selected discussions of the UN General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and Security Council, summarizing and formulating action points for use by the IFRC Secretariat and operational actors. Discussion topics will include (but not be limited to):
   1. Coordination of humanitarian affairs
   2. Global Partnerships
   3. Disaster Risk Reduction
   4. Health
   5. Migration
   6. Protection
2. Conduct research and produce reports pertaining to the work of the main bodies of the UN and other relevant matters.
3. Assist in the preparation and production of statements to be delivered to the UN General Assembly by the IFRC. Provide input on matters of substance and editing.
4. Observe selected negotiation processes pertaining to UN resolutions and support the NYD’s efforts to influence outcomes and advocate for humanitarian priorities.
5. Undertake digital communications and administrative tasks as needed and support the varied work of the IFRC delegation to the UN as it arises (i.e. creating and maintaining databases, drafting correspondence, and processing requests for information).
6. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.

The IFRC requires all interns to possess the following qualifications: currently enrolled in graduate studies or recently graduated from international relations, humanitarian assistance, political science or a related field; proven interest in humanitarian and development assistance as well as international relations, stellar oral and written communication skills; experience in communications and social media; ability to communicate complex concepts simply and succinctly to a variety of audiences; good attention to detail; and willingness to work in a small team and a dynamic environment, requiring flexibility, efficiency and autonomy.

The intern should be available starting end of summer. The minimum commitment is for 2-3 days a week for a minimum of four months (through 31 December 2026), with possible extension. The IFRC offers paid internship positions at $110 USD/day, paid twice per month. All positions at the delegation are taxable, unless exempt under double-taxation rules.

The intern must have a valid U.S. visa and social security number. The IFRC is unable to provide or assist with visas for foreign applicants. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the sole responsibility of interns themselves.

How to apply?

Please send a resume and cover letter to Newyork.delegation@ifrc.org by 7 July at 11:59pm ET. Only full applications sent to Newyork.delegation@ifrc.org will be accepted. In your cover letter, please list your availability (i.e. days per week and length of internship).

The intern should be available starting end of summer. The minimum commitment is for 2-3 days a week for a minimum of four months (through 31 December 2026), with possible extension. The IFRC offers paid internship positions at $110 USD/day, paid twice per month. All positions at the delegation are taxable, unless exempt under double-taxation rules.

The intern must have a valid U.S. visa and social security number. The IFRC is unable to provide or assist with visas for foreign applicants. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the sole responsibility of interns themselves.