Africa Policy & Advocacy Intern
Oxfam America
8 hours ago
Fellowship
On-site
Washington District of Columbia United States
Company Description
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.
Job Description
COORDINTES WITH
The Strategy & Insights Hub (S&I Hub) brings together Oxfam America’s core functions in strategy, planning, design, monitoring, evaluation, learning, storytelling, research, and internal partnership-building. This includes collaboration with Oxfam’s Global South affiliates, as well as country, cluster, and regional offices across the Oxfam Confederation. The Hub works closely with other teams within Oxfam America and in the Confederation to strengthen efforts to fight inequality and advance Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and injustice. As part of this work, the Hub is collaborating with Oxfam’s Policy & Practice teams and Oxfam in Africa to shape policy priorities aimed at protecting human rights, advancing peace and security, strengthening the quality and quantity of foreign assistance, promoting local humanitarian leadership, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the United States and Africa, particularly on issues such as critical minerals.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To support the implementation of the Africa Policy & Advocacy strategy with respect to the U.S. Government, this plan is jointly developed by Oxfam in Africa and Oxfam America. It includes background research, advocacy and policy support, coordination, administrative and operational support as well as learning and exposure opportunities. The intern selected for this role is expected to undertake this internship for course credit.
As a rights-based, research-driven development and humanitarian organization working with partners in more than sixty countries, Oxfam is uniquely positioned to challenge and spotlight the human decisions and policies that often exacerbate, rather than reduce, poverty and inequality. Through advocacy, programming, and campaigning alongside partners, Oxfam contributes to meaningful change by linking local realities with global influencing agendas. The organization is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and racial justice.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct background research on the policy and advocacy issues outlined above to help Oxfam stay informed on U.S. policy developments and relevant trends across the African continent. Synthesize findings into concise policy briefings, memos, talking points, and other formats as needed to inform Oxfam’s policy and advocacy positions.
•Advocacy & Policy Support: Assist in preparing materials for advocacy efforts targeting the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch agencies, Development Finance Institutions, and other key stakeholders. Support the organization of advocacy events, webinars, and Congressional meetings.
•Coordination: Support coordination effort between Oxfam America and Oxfam in Africa, as well as with external stakeholders, to ensure effective and sustained communication. This includes tracking activities and maintaining visibility across efforts to promote coherence and alignment.
•Administrative & Operational Support: Provide logistical and administrative support, including scheduling meetings, coordinating event logistics, formatting and proofreading documents, and helping manage internal knowledge systems.
•Learning & Exposure Opportunities: Participate in a range of internal and external meetings and events, to build understanding of policy, advocacy, and organizational processes.
POSITION EXPECTATIONS
•Position should involve approximately between 8 and 10 hours a week as a course credit.
•Follow Oxfam research process, protocols, and guidelines.
•Perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect.
•Become familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals as well as feminist principles, racial justice and safeguarding policies.
•Demonstrate coachability to ensure the internship supports the individual’s professional and personal development.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
•Must be a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public policy, international relations, African studies, Economics, Development Studies, Global Affairs or related field.
EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES
•Experience with independent research and synthesizing large amounts of information into policy memo or briefs.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Strong attention to detail and ability to proofread and format documents accurately.
•Demonstrated interest in international development, humanitarian issues, U.S. foreign policy, Africa policy, economic justice, or advocacy.
•Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
•Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment.
PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional Information
Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities upon request.
Safeguarding & Conduct
Oxfam America is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all. We have zero tolerance for any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, or misconduct. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory references and appropriate pre‑employment checks in line with Oxfam America’s Safeguarding Policy. As a participant in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), we may request information from previous employers regarding findings or investigations related to SEAH‑related misconduct.
Recruitment Fraud Warning
Oxfam America never requests payment, bank information, or personal financial details from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.
E‑Verify
We are an E‑Verify employer.
For more information:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.
Job Description
COORDINTES WITH
The Strategy & Insights Hub (S&I Hub) brings together Oxfam America’s core functions in strategy, planning, design, monitoring, evaluation, learning, storytelling, research, and internal partnership-building. This includes collaboration with Oxfam’s Global South affiliates, as well as country, cluster, and regional offices across the Oxfam Confederation. The Hub works closely with other teams within Oxfam America and in the Confederation to strengthen efforts to fight inequality and advance Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and injustice. As part of this work, the Hub is collaborating with Oxfam’s Policy & Practice teams and Oxfam in Africa to shape policy priorities aimed at protecting human rights, advancing peace and security, strengthening the quality and quantity of foreign assistance, promoting local humanitarian leadership, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the United States and Africa, particularly on issues such as critical minerals.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To support the implementation of the Africa Policy & Advocacy strategy with respect to the U.S. Government, this plan is jointly developed by Oxfam in Africa and Oxfam America. It includes background research, advocacy and policy support, coordination, administrative and operational support as well as learning and exposure opportunities. The intern selected for this role is expected to undertake this internship for course credit.
As a rights-based, research-driven development and humanitarian organization working with partners in more than sixty countries, Oxfam is uniquely positioned to challenge and spotlight the human decisions and policies that often exacerbate, rather than reduce, poverty and inequality. Through advocacy, programming, and campaigning alongside partners, Oxfam contributes to meaningful change by linking local realities with global influencing agendas. The organization is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and racial justice.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct background research on the policy and advocacy issues outlined above to help Oxfam stay informed on U.S. policy developments and relevant trends across the African continent. Synthesize findings into concise policy briefings, memos, talking points, and other formats as needed to inform Oxfam’s policy and advocacy positions.
•Advocacy & Policy Support: Assist in preparing materials for advocacy efforts targeting the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch agencies, Development Finance Institutions, and other key stakeholders. Support the organization of advocacy events, webinars, and Congressional meetings.
•Coordination: Support coordination effort between Oxfam America and Oxfam in Africa, as well as with external stakeholders, to ensure effective and sustained communication. This includes tracking activities and maintaining visibility across efforts to promote coherence and alignment.
•Administrative & Operational Support: Provide logistical and administrative support, including scheduling meetings, coordinating event logistics, formatting and proofreading documents, and helping manage internal knowledge systems.
•Learning & Exposure Opportunities: Participate in a range of internal and external meetings and events, to build understanding of policy, advocacy, and organizational processes.
POSITION EXPECTATIONS
•Position should involve approximately between 8 and 10 hours a week as a course credit.
•Follow Oxfam research process, protocols, and guidelines.
•Perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect.
•Become familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals as well as feminist principles, racial justice and safeguarding policies.
•Demonstrate coachability to ensure the internship supports the individual’s professional and personal development.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
•Must be a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public policy, international relations, African studies, Economics, Development Studies, Global Affairs or related field.
EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES
•Experience with independent research and synthesizing large amounts of information into policy memo or briefs.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Strong attention to detail and ability to proofread and format documents accurately.
•Demonstrated interest in international development, humanitarian issues, U.S. foreign policy, Africa policy, economic justice, or advocacy.
•Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
•Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment.
PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional Information
Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities upon request.
Safeguarding & Conduct
Oxfam America is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all. We have zero tolerance for any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, or misconduct. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory references and appropriate pre‑employment checks in line with Oxfam America’s Safeguarding Policy. As a participant in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), we may request information from previous employers regarding findings or investigations related to SEAH‑related misconduct.
Recruitment Fraud Warning
Oxfam America never requests payment, bank information, or personal financial details from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.
E‑Verify
We are an E‑Verify employer.
For more information:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish