Job Description

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please visit our official website at  www.refugees.org 

OF TEAM

USCRI’s Policy & Advocacy (P&A) team supports USCRI’s mission by leading the development of the organization’s positions on international and domestic policy. Through research, policy development, advocacy, and coalition-building, the team works to shape equitable systems, elevate refugee and immigrant voices, and drive lasting change locally, nationally, and globally. P&A works closely with programmatic, international, and communications staff to achieve this mission.

This position does not entail providing or assisting with direct client services. This position requires partial in-person work in Arlington, Virginia. Part-time and full-time options are available.

POSITION

The USCRI Policy & Advocacy Intern will support the P&A team by contributing to projects that track domestic and international policy developments, research key issues, develop advocacy strategies, and produce written materials on policy and advocacy topics. Analysts' portfolios include LGBTQ+ refugees, climate displacement, child displacement, trafficking, and refugee resettlement; interns will have the opportunity to advocate on these topics. Strong candidates are passionate about immigration and human rights, and capable of conducting independent research and supporting advocacy initiatives. Individuals with lived experience of displacement are especially encouraged to apply.

While the position is unpaid, USCRI is happy to provide support if the intern pursues academic credit with their university.

This application cycle is for the Summer intern period (June – August) however applicants can indicate if they would like to be considered for other cycles (Fall or Winter)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist policy analysts by tracking domestic and international policy changes, researching policy issues and international country conditions, and preparing written materials on policy and advocacy topics.
• Listen to and/or attend advocacy meetings, webinars, governmental hearings, and intergovernmental gatherings;
• Collaborate with policy analysts and communications staff on public education and advocacy strategies.
• Interns who excel in their role will have the opportunity to publish their own materials.

Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and supervisor(s).

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or law school program. Strong preference for graduate students.
• Experience with policy analysis, research, writing, and editing;
• Ability to work on new, developing projects;
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint);
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively collaborate with people of diverse professional experiences;
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to summarize policy issues for diverse audiences;
• Dedication to uplifting the voices of refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations;
• Demonstrated sensitivity and empathy for the experiences of forcibly displaced populations and people of diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to interpret policy documents, legislation, and data to draw meaningful insights;
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff and collaborators of diverse backgrounds; and
• Dedication to advocating for human rights, an interest in policies affecting refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED)

• Demonstrated interest in social services, human rights, international studies, global health, or displacement studies;
• Internationally based work or courses of study; and
• Proficiency in additional languages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to type, read, and listen or to adaptive typing, reading, and listening programs.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Don’t meet every requirement? We believe that all people are capable of great things, and we are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within this job description.

TO APPLY:

Applications are due April 10, 2026. We are dedicated to reviewing all candidates but cannot provide a personalized response to everyone. We anticipate making a hiring decision by April 24th, 2026.

Candidates must submit a resume to apply. In place of a cover letter, please submit a document [max 500 words] with an answer to the following question:

Describe a humanitarian or human rights issue facing the world today. What would you want stakeholders to understand about the issue that they currently don't?

Upon receiving a request for an interview, candidates should be prepared to submit a brief writing sample (1-2 pages), an unofficial transcript, and two academic or professional references.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.