Communities Internship Program, Asia Intern

Accountability Counsel strives to create a world where people and our planet are prioritized over profits; powerful institutions are responsive to the needs of communities; and the global financial system respects human and environmental rights. We hold trillions of dollars in international investments accountable to human rights and environmental standards. We work alongside communities whose rights, livelihoods, and environment are under threat. Case by case, and investor by investor, we shift power to communities to build a more just financial system.

We work toward change through three programmatic approaches. Advocates in our Communities program provide grassroots legal support and assist communities to use accountability offices effectively; our Research team delivers concrete research and tools for the movement for accountability more broadly; and our Policy team advocates for accountability offices that are accessible, transparent, and fair tools for justice. Our respect-based approach underlies all that we do: internally, it guides how our team treats one another, and externally, it ensures that marginalized people, particularly women and girls, are included as full participants in community-led strategies seeking accountability.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Communities Internship Program, Asia Intern.

We are seeking an intern to accompany the Communities program in the Asia region to secure their environmental and human rights when negatively impacted by international investments. This internship is suitable for current or recently graduated students, with knowledge in international law; development and economics; public policy; and/or environment and human rights. The internship is expected to last six months, with a commitment of approximately 15 hours per week. This internship provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to enrich their knowledge and skills in international financial institutions and independent accountability mechanisms with the aim to address environmental, social and human rights harms from international financiers that operate in Asia. 

The Intern will be integrated into our Communities team with a focus on our work in Asia. Their work will include research, brief-writing, legal analysis; communications work including blog and article writing, social media engagement, and media monitoring; supporting workshops, capacity building, and network building activities; and advocacy support to community partners. 

Applicants are required to have excellent communication, research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Applicants must be fluent in English and Thai. 

The internship is expected to last six  months, with a commitment of approximately 15 hours per week. Full-time employment with Accountability Counsel should not be expected at the end of the internship. The internship is based in Bangkok, Thailand; the Intern will be expected to work from the office at least part-time.

WHO YOU ARE

• Personally committed to Accountability Counsel’s mission and values and respect-based approach. You believe in the agency of communities around the world to protect their human rights and environment. You are committed to meaningfully partnering with those communities and disrupting the systems of power, privilege, and injustice that undermine their rights and interests.
• A current graduate or recently graduated student that is committed to centering the voices of communities in struggles for social and/or environmental justice. You are a current or recently graduated student with experience in international law; development and economics; public policy; environment and human rights. This internship is well-suited for graduated students in law, political science, economics, and communications.
• Deeply grounded in the Asia region. You have knowledge of the socio-political and economic context and civil society landscape of countries across the Asian continent. You are based in Bangkok, Thailand, at least for the duration of the internship.
• A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport and trust across lines of difference, both internally and externally. You have a high degree of empathy, patience, and ability to work among diverse coalitions, including across different languages and timezones.
• A clear communicator. You have excellent written, verbal, research, and analytical skills, including the ability to review and evaluate technical information related to international financing and related policies. You ask thoughtful questions, share information that others require, and seek out guidance and support when necessary.
• At home in a lean, but collaborative nonprofit environment working at the cutting edge of international environmental and human rights law, with the ability to stay both focused and nimble in the face of change.
• You appreciate the value of working in a healthy environment (or workspace, whichever communicates better) and take steps towards preserving, promoting and protecting a healthy workplace.
• Fluent in Thai, with fluency or advanced language proficiency in English.
• Proficient in IT skills including email, G Suite, and Microsoft Office. Skills in graphic design and multimedia productions will be given special attention.

HOURS AND LOCATION

The internship is expected to last six months, with a commitment of approximately 15 hours per week. Full-time employment with Accountability Counsel should not be expected at the end of the internship. The internship is based in Bangkok, Thailand; the Intern will be expected to work from a co-working space in central Bangkok at least part-time.

This position will require close communication with Communities team members, and regular communication with the rest of our global team, with varied time zones. This position may offer the opportunity to travel within Thailand.

COMPENSATION 

This role is an internship, not employment. Compensation will be provided by way of stipend in the range of USD $500-600 a month (depending on expenses and need). In addition, we will provide reimbursement for modest costs associated with the internship, including transport, telecommunications, work-related travel, and equipment. Team members, including interns, are encouraged to take every other Friday off (Wellness Fridays), as part of our commitment to team wellbeing.  

Accountability Counsel is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other prohibited category. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all qualified persons to apply for this position.