Advocacy and Legal Intern/Fellow (Washington DC)

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit and nongovernmental organization with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians in conflict zones. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and work with armed actors and relevant institutions to strengthen their resolve and capacity to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.  

About the Position

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is seeking fall 2026 legal and policy fellows, interns, or externs, in Washington, DC to work with CIVIC’s US Program. CIVIC’S U.S. advocacy focuses on civilian harm from U.S. military operations and civilian harm issues arising from U.S. arms sales. U.S. advocacy also involves engaging with the Executive Branch, Congress, and the public to advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict areas. CIVIC leads several coalitions of policy advocacy organizations, and interns will have the opportunity to get an in-depth picture of the DC advocacy landscape.

Key Responsibilities
Interns will be integrated into the team and will support, among other tasks:

• research and analysis of existing and new laws and policies (including on US security assistance and civilian harm response, in particular);
  
• research on conflict contexts connected to U.S. use of force or arms sales;
  
• drafting of policy analysis, advocacy materials, and occasional communications materials;
  
• preparation for speaking engagements;
• participation in coalition meetings and advocacy; and
• any other task as assigned

Requirements/Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from, a Bachelor’s (BA/BS), graduate, or law degree program.
• BA/BS degree; current MA/MS or law students preferred.
• Strong interest in US foreign policy, civilian protection, international humanitarian law and/or international human rights law, is preferred. Interest in national security law and/or legislation would be an asset.
  
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to take notes and to accurately summarize conversations, meetings, and events
• Strong qualitative research and analysis skills
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions
• Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner
• Demonstrated attention to detail, flexibility, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving skills
• Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team and to work within multiple deadlines and timeframes
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs (especially Word and Excel)
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the position. CIVIC is unable to provide current or future visa sponsorship for this position.

Additional Details 

The position does not include compensation and must be completed for university credit through an internship or externship course, or alternatively, through an externally provided stipend.

The internship or externship is part-time, based in DC, and on a hybrid work schedule. Internships and externships are intended for current graduate or law students.

A fellowship would be full-time, based in DC, and on a hybrid work schedule. Fellowships are intended for recent law school or graduate school graduates with an externally provided stipend.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the start date is flexible in August or September to accommodate academic and bar preparation schedules.

Application Deadline: August 5, 2026 

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email invitation from TestGorilla to submit their resume. Please complete this step promptly to ensure your candidacy is fully considered.

CIVIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOO) committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by agencies other than its approved partners.