Global Trade Watch Intern – Washington, DC

Organization: Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch

Job Title: Global Trade Watch Intern

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: Unpaid, We expect that interns be able to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Our internships generally follow the academic calendar (beginning and ending with each semester,) but there is some flexibility within that. We request a least an 8-week commitment, though interns may request to remain longer than one semester.

Position Dates: August – December

Application Deadline: Send in ASAP

Posted On: July 10th, 2012

Organization Overview

The mission of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch division is to ensure that in this era of globalization, a majority have the opportunity to enjoy America’s promises: economic security, a clean environment, safe food, medicines and products, access to quality affordable services such as health care and the exercise of democratic decision-making about the matters that affect their lives.

Public Citizen started working on globalization and ‘trade’ issues in 1991 when we recognized that we needed to do so simply to remain effective with respect to the public health, consumer safety, environmental and economic justice goals Public Citizen had promoted over decades. Motivating this strategic initiative was our realization that today’s international commercial agreements, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), implementing the current corporate-led form of globalization were no longer mainly about trade. Rather these far-reaching agreements were backdoor delivery mechanisms for expansive enforceable policies designed explicitly to limit governments’ role in regulating the economy and to eliminate many of the public interest safeguards Public Citizen and like-minded organizations and activists had won over decades.

Since its inception in 1995, GTW has been a leader in popularizing the trade debate by connecting seemingly arcane “trade” policies to peoples’ everyday experiences – and helping people make a difference in the future of “globalization” by giving them the tools they need to educate their communities, hold Congress accountable for policy choices, and hit the streets to protest. For more information, please see our website: www.citizen.org/trade or www.tradewatch.org

Description

Interns are an integral part of the Global Trade Watch team. A Global Trade Watch internship can include research assistance, assisting with grassroots organizing, media outreach, and working with U.S. and international nongovernmental organizations. Interns are also likely to assist lobbying efforts and attend Congressional hearings. All interns are expected to do administrative support work, but they are generally assigned to specific projects according to their interests and qualifications, and often have the opportunity work closely with staff on these projects. Applicants fluent in foreign languages, particularly Spanish, are especially encouraged to apply, as we do a great deal of grassroots work with organizations from other countries.

Capabilities:
Well organized and willing to learn; ability to work on a team, perform well under pressure, and adapt to rapidly changing situations.

Conditions:
Walking two flights of stairs and several blocks to and from congressional offices. Nonsmoking workplace.

Qualifications

Research, writing and computer skills necessary. Prior study and/or interest in the environment, international trade, globalization, economics, law/pre-law, and/or social justice desirable, as well as an awareness of current events. Familiarity with office procedures helpful. This internship is intended primarily for undergraduate students.

How to Apply