US Project Intern

Responsible to: / US Project Coordinator
Conditions of service / 2-3 days a week
3 to 6 months
Remuneration: / Expenses (Travel to-and-from the office and lunch are reimbursed up to $20/day)
Location: / New York, New York
Application requirements: / Please send to
-CV
-Cover letter, explaining how you meet the person specification and the needs of the job description, not more than 2 typed A4 pages.
Closing date: / 24 August 2014 at 11:00pm EST

About Orchid Project

Orchid Project believes that a worldwide end to female genital cutting (FGC) is entirely possible. Orchid Project works in three ways:

  • Shape the dialogue and advocate for prioritization and resources the end FGC
  • Communicate the scale and impact of FGC and how it is ending
  • Support the efforts of organizations working towards abandonment in practicing countries

Orchid Project was founded in 2010 by Julia Lalla-Maharajh, now CEO, and became a charity in the UK in April 2011. In Fall 2014 Orchid Project is beginning activities in the US, based in NYC, and is seeking an intern to support our Project Coordinator's work here.

The Role of the US Intern

Contributing to Communications

The overarching goal of the communicationswork-stream is to raise awareness about FGC (among potential stakeholders in addition to the general public), and serve as an information hub about the practice. Orchid Project strives to provide accurate and non-sensational information. The commsteam aims to highlight the positive efforts being made to end FGC, communicating a message of hope.

Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:

  • Edit and update the Orchid Project website to cater to a US-based audience.
  • Keep abreast of US-based news articles on FGC and analyze current trends.
  • Write blogs on a wide range of topics (including intelligent analysis on current events in the FGC world, important dates, upcoming events, Orchid Project progress/accomplishments).
  • Create PowerPoint presentations for use by Orchid Project staff in diverse contexts and occasions.
  • Attend external meetings with staff and network with potential stakeholders.
  • Contribute to event planning and logistics.

Contributing to Advocacy and Influencing

The overall goal of the advocacy work-stream is to advocate to governments and influential decision-makers to accelerate a global end to FGC. We use the most appropriate advocacy actions and actors for whichever issue we may be working with. It’s also to work together with actors and decision-makers at every level – from grassroots, through to regional, national and international actors.

Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:

  • Contribute to and help develop long-term advocacy projects and goals.
  • Contribute to more reactive research required by the organization (i.e. research on specific people and organizations by writing short one-page briefs).
  • Draft letters to be used for influencing and advocacy purposes.
  • Contribute to writing and editing for Orchid Project reports if needed.

Contributing to Research

The overall goal of research at Orchid Project is to provide the organization with information about the practice of FGC in various contexts, and the stakeholders involved. It’s also to provide detailed information and intelligent analysis on current trends, and relevant theories.

Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:

  • Conduct research on US policy developments on FGC and intersecting issues (e.g. child/forced marriage, VAWG, etc.).
  • Conduct research on funding opportunities and key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with partners and other institutions to gather sound and accurate information.
  • Present findings to Orchid Project staff via presentations and internal reports.
  • Contribute to writing and editing for Orchid Project reports and background for the website if needed.