International Relations Internship

The international relations department at B’Tselem is responsible for both resource development and international advocacy, and the prospective intern will be able to gain experience in both of these, as well as gaining insight into the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories(oPt) and the operation of a major human rights organization.

In terms of advocacy, B’Tselem maintains and cultivates relationships with diplomats stationed in Israel and the oPt, as well as with leading international agencies and NGOs. In this capacity, B’Tselem conducts briefings and field visits with a broad range of influential officials, including ambassadors, consuls and political officers, aimed to inform them and raise awareness of human rights and IHL violations in the oPt. B’Tselem also regularly responds to requests for information from embassy staff and other organizations and is invited to meet visiting dignitaries. In addition, B’Tselem briefs various visiting groups such as international study or volunteer programs and church missions.

In terms of fundraising, B’Tselem raises over $2.2 million annually, and has an excellent reputation with a high degree of name recognition amongst the communities that traditionally fund it—primarily European government and church/development agencies and large foundations with a specific interest in human rights in the Middle East (European and US). B’Tselem receives a relatively small amount of funds from small and medium-sized donors – both individuals and smaller, family foundations, including from progressive Jewish foundations.

Intern duties:

  • Managing the international relations department CRM: Adding new contacts, researching additionalcontacts abroad (in think tanks, governments, UN mechanisms, foundations etc.), managing subscriptions and categories, updating information and other tasks.
  • Researching grant opportunities in foundations by studying their priorities and international work.
  • Writing short project proposals for small foundations.
  • Assisting in organizing briefings and field visits for diplomats.
  • Routine administrative tasks – as needed.

Required skills and qualifications:

  • Strong commitment to human rights work.
  • Good knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • University studies in relevant field (such as human rights, international relations, conflict resolution, peace studies, political science, diplomacy and Middle Eastern studies).
  • Excellent skills in Englishare a must. Additional languages are an asset.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • Web research skills.
  • CRM skills – a strong advantage.

This is a full-time position based in Jerusalem, offered for a minimum of three months.

In order to apply, please send the following forms, along with your resume, to Danya Cohen, International Relations Officer:

B’Tselem Internship: Terms and Conditions

  • Applicant must provide their own health insurance while in Israel. The intern will submit a copy of the personal health insurance form upon the start of the internship.
  • B’Tselem cannot provide housing for applicants.
  • B’Tselem does not provide financial support (plane tickets, salary, etc.) for its volunteers and interns.
  • Applicants will not claim or be given employee status with B’Tselem at any time.
  • The responsibility of attainment of a proper travel visa to Israel, sustainment, its renewal (if needed), and any other dealings with Israel’s border and immigration authorities rests solely in the hands of the applicants. Applicants commit to providing only accurate information to the Israeli authorities.
  • B’Tselem will provide training and proper guidance when necessary during the program.
  • B’Tselem reserves the right to end any intern’s or volunteer’s program at any time for any reasonable reason. Interns will not be entitled to any compensation or refund in the event that their work with B’Tselem ends.
  • B’Tselem will reimburse interns for their travel expenses on public transportation, within Israel and the oPt, for their work at B’Tselem.

I request that B’Tselem consider my application to intern at B’Tselem. I have read the above paragraphs and understand that placement is not guaranteed. If I accept an internship or volunteer placement, I agree to carry out my responsibilities with the outmost seriousness and fulfill my responsibilities in the time and manner agreed upon.

With my signature below, I hereby declare that I agree to the terms of this statement.

______

NameDate

B’Tselem International Relations Intern Questionnaire

Name
Age
Nationality
Email
Internship Dates
Hours a week

Language Proficiency: (From 1 – Excellent; to 5 – Poor)

Writing / Speaking / Reading Comprehension
English
Hebrew
Arabic
Other?

Computer skills: (From 1 – Excellent; to 5 – Poor)

Online research
Microsoft Office
Basic programming
CRM software
Website management
Ability to learn new computer programs
Other?

Please list any further specific skills you have: (From 1 – Excellent; to 5 – Poor)

Writing
Editing
Photography
Graphic design
Grant writing
Research
Event management
Other?

Please rate your preferences between the following duties: (From 1-Most Wanted; to 5-Least Wanted)

Managing mailing lists in the CRM
Researching fundraising opportunities
Assisting in organizing briefings and field visits
Writing short project proposals

Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 pages):

  1. Where does your interest in human rights and the Israel-Palestinian question come from?
  2. Why do you want to intern at B’Tselem’s international relations department? What are your long term goals?
  3. What relevant education/course work do you have?
  4. What relevant experience do you have? What can you contribute personally?
  5. What are your expectations from the internship? Would you be happy helping with administrative/technical work at the office?
  6. Other information you would like to add?

THANK YOU!

B’Tselem’s International Relations Team

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