United States of America: Legal Intern

Project Description:

About IFES: The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) supports citizens’ right to participate in free and fair elections. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions.

As a global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by:

• Providing technical assistance to election officials

• Empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process

• Applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle

Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries, from developing democracies to mature democracies.

Project Description:

With elections worldwide becoming more litigious, there is rising pressure on election management bodies (EMBs), tribunals, and courts to resolve politically charged disputes and avoid the destabilization of political transitions. With a view to strengthening election dispute resolution systems, IFES is conducting a two-year research project examining open justice mechanisms and comparative electoral jurisprudence.

*IFES is seeking a part-time fall intern to support the development of an online compendium of case law on specific categories of electoral disputes. The internship position is paid and will require a commitment of 8-12 hours per week.*Job Responsibilities:

The Electoral Justice Legal Intern will directly support the creation of the online jurisprudence compendium, which will help to illuminate how legal frameworks are being interpreted and applied to election disputes in different countries. The general duties will include:

• Assisting with the collection and analysis of case law on electoral disputes from different countries;
• Providing legal research, writing, and editing support for the web-based compendium;
• Maintaining research project files and records; and

• Performing other duties as assigned.Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college/university, or recently graduated no more than a year at time of application (concentration in international affairs, political science, or women’s and gender studies preferred).

• Law student or recent law school graduate;

• Extensive research and writing experience;

• Familiar with the Bluebook citation system;

• Experience in comparative law and/or the area of elections and political processes is a plus;

• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required; and

• Foreign language skills a plus.

Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Self-motivated;
• Detailed oriented and organized;
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing; and
• Collaborative, team oriented individual.

Applying:

Please apply with your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample.

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

careers@ifes.org