IIHA Communications Internship

Communications Intern

Supervisor: Summer Lily Egan, Communications Officer
Duration of internship: 2 months
Start/End date: June 3 - August 9
Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid
Location: Rose Hill Campus, Fordham University

Background | 2001

The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) was created at Fordham University to forge partnerships with relief organizations, publish scholarly works, hold training courses and host symposiums related to humanitarian affairs. The Institute enables humanitarian workers to develop relationships with the University and the international communities here in New York City, in addition to being a center open to the entire Fordham University community.

The Institute offers an academic base for the study and development of international health, human rights and other humanitarian issues, especially those that occur in periods of conflict.

At a time when terrorism and war are at the forefront of world affairs, the Institute trains humanitarian workers in the critical skills needed to aid in crisis situations. The Institute identifies fundamental needs and uses its talents, contacts, and resources to define practical solutions and initiate dialogue, understanding and cooperation among people and nations divided by war.  Please visit the IIHA website for more information. 

About the Internship

In order to serve as a bridge between academia and the field, the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) uses a multi-platform communications strategy to reach its students, alumni, friends, and extended networks around the world. Through its robust communications network, the IIHA endeavors to raise awareness about current issues in the humanitarian sector; inform students, alumni, friends, and extended networks about jobs and internship opportunities; and spread the word about IIHA humanitarian training programs.

The Communications Intern will work under the close supervision of the Communications Officer in order to support the IIHA in its mission to increase its online presence and continue to effectively reach its networks worldwide.

The internship position will offer the student the opportunity to learn, develop and sharpen professional communication skills and will also allow the student to gain a better understanding of how to tailor content and adjust organizational strategy to meet the needs and interests of a diverse and multicultural audience.

This is an unpaid internship and we ask that all interns commit at least 15 – 20 hours a week.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communications Intern will provide overall communications support by committing to the following: 

  • Social Media
    • Design and gather information for social media content related to IIHA programs, IIHA faculty and staff, Humanitarian Fault Lines podcast, and current world events. Below is a list of our social media channels and how the IIHA uses each one: 
    • LinkedIn: alumni, podcast, and Fordham events 
    • Instagram: Overall IIHA important announcements 
    • Facebook: Alumni and family of Fordham students
    • X: Podcast (i.e., resharing previous guest’s posts) and announcements
    • YouTube: Interviews of faculty and class recordings 
  • Podcast
    • Add content to the podcast’s webpage and ensure an organized layout.
  • Events
    • Assist with the preparation and running of events such as our gallery opening.
  • Writing
    • Gather information for and help edit the IIHA newsletter.
    • Write a weekly blog post on Medium. This task will require interviewing IIHA staff and faculty. 
  • Summer Projects
    • Assist with the design and implementation of our interior design project and staff wall of shame. 
    • Organize research, documents, lists, reports, and marketing materials.  
    • Analyze data and create visuals and/or reports that display the information neatly and concisely. 

This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes there may be day-of tasks or team projects that will require your assistance. 

Desired Qualifications of the Intern

  • University student or recent graduate, preferably in the field of communications or international relations. 
  • Computer skills (MS, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and social media). 
  • Strong research, data analytics, and writing skills. 
  • Ability to work in a team - oriented environment. We expect team members to ask questions, take initiative, and be an active participant in day- to- day conversations and projects. 
  • Willingness to learn new things.
  • Familiarity with current international affairs, the UN, WFP, IOM, and additional aid and academic affiliated organizations (i.e., IHSA, NOHA, etc.). 
  • Familiarity with international humanitarian law. 
  • Familiarity with top reporting and media organizations such as PassBlue, The New Humanitarian, NYT, NPR, etc.

How to Apply

Placements are limited. If you are interested in this position please email your resume and a short cover letter to Summer Lily Egan, Communications Officer, at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at [email protected].

If you have a specialized skillset that you would like use and that is not covered in this internship description, please highlight as such in your email.

Please note that this internship is in-person. Thank you and we look forward to reviewing your application!