The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to monitor the status of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief abroad, as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments, and to give independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

INTERNSHIPS

Only currently enrolled students are eligible for internships with USCIRF. 

Communications Intern:

• Maintains and expands database of media, non-governmental organization, think tank, academia, and religious contacts
• Posts on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook
• Helps update website
• Helps prepare materials for distribution to the public and press, including press releases, policy briefs, newsletters, and reports
• Creates daily press clips for distribution
• Helps organize and provide logistical support for events such as press conferences, public hearings, and speaking engagements
• Provides general administrative support as needed

Eligible candidates should have:

• At least two years of undergraduate study completed
• Experience with Social Media such as Twitter and Facebook
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign and other publishing programs
• Willingness to do administrative work
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Willingness to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Interest in human rights and foreign policy
•  Excellent writing and editing skills

Government Relations Intern:

• Tracks foreign policy statements, human rights legislation, and relevant policy publications
• Attends and reports on Congressional hearings
• Reviews relevant government agency websites and publications daily
• Researches actions taken by and platforms of Members of Congress and Congressional committees and organizations
• Provides general administrative support as needed

Eligible candidates should have:

• Completed at least 3 years of undergraduate coursework or be enrolled in a graduate program
• A passion for foreign policy and human rights
• Excellent writing and comprehension skills
• Willingness to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Excel 

Policy Department: Legal Research Intern

• Conducts research on a variety of international human rights and comparative law topics, as assigned

• Law students with coursework or experience in constitutional law, international affairs, human rights, religious affairs, or a related field
• Familiar with legal research techniques and the Microsoft Office suite
• Ability in Arabic is helpful, but not required
• Interested in the field of international human rights

Policy Department: Regional Policy Analysis Intern

All applicants must specify what region they are applying for in the cover letter and in the subject line of emailed applications.

• Researches a variety of international religious freedom and human rights issues, with a focus in one or more of the following world regions:
  • Africa
  • East Asia
  • Europe and Central Asia
  • Middle East
  • South Asia
• Assists in preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events
• Possesses demonstrable knowledge of a particular world region
• Attends meetings at the Commission with international visitors and other groups interested in the Commission's work
• Attends and reports on public hearings and other events around D.C. on issues relevant to the Commission's work
• Assists with administrative duties, as needed

• At least three years of undergraduate study completed with coursework or experience in public policy, international affairs, political sciences, human rights, religious affairs, government affairs, or a related field.
• Academic background in the desired world region(s) of study 
• Willingness to do administrative work.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge of Microsoft Access is a plus.
• Fluency in a foreign language (particularly Mandarin Chinese, Russian, or Arabic) is preferred.

Office of Legal Counsel: Legal Intern

USCIRF’s Office of Legal Counsel is seeking current law students (2L, 3L) to assist with researching and analyzing statutes, regulations, rulings, opinions, and legal decisions; and drafting legal memoranda on issues related to USCIRF’s operations. 

Successful applications will possess strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills; and will demonstrate an interest in administrative and/or public interest law. Membership on an academic journal or law review is preferred, but is not required.

Administrative Intern: 

Eligible candidates should have:

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Willingness to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Interest in human rights and foreign policy
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 

Tasks will include regular office duties and occasional exposure to religious freedom activities on and around the Hill.

Only currently enrolled students are eligible for internships with USCIRF.

Most internships are part-time (20-30 hours) and all are unpaid. Course credit is available. Although the Commission does not provide housing or moving expenses, a transportation stipend may be available. 

To apply for an internship, please e-mail, fax or mail a resume, 3-5 page writing sample, 2-3 references and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you would like to intern at the Commission. All applicants must specify the internship and semester in both the cover letter and the subject line of emailed applications.

Internship Program

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
732 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
(PH) 202-523-3240; (FAX) 202-523-5020        
(EMAIL) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The application deadlines for each semester are as follows:

Fall/Winter Semester: September - December
Application Deadline: July 1st

Spring Semester: January- May
Application Deadline: November 1st

Summer Semester: June - August
Application Deadline: March 1st