Job Description

The American Bar Association Rule of Law International Development Internship Program

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is pleased to consider applications for its International Development Internship Program. ABA ROLI serves as the international development wing of the American Bar Association, and seeks to promote justice, economic opportunity, and human dignity through the rule of law. ABA ROLI seeks interns to assist headquarters staff with a wide variety of the day-to-day support functions that are pertinent to the operations of an international NGO. International Development internships are available to undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as recent graduates, depending on current staffing needs. Dates and daily schedules may be flexible in response to departmental needs, and correspond roughly to academic terms for spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Terms of the Program:

Interns and fellows for ABA ROLI will work with staff of their assigned division to gain an understanding of international development programs and international rule of law issues. In general, ABA ROLI offers International Development and Legal internships, which differ somewhat in their expected responsibilities and desired applicant profiles. International Development openings will support various aspects of program implementation for DC-based regional and support teams, while Legal openings will be more heavily research-based and tailored toward graduate and law students.

Although these are unpaid positions, interns at ABA ROLI are eligible for a wide variety of perks and learning opportunities including:

• Transportation reimbursement up to $15.00/day
• Field trips to D.C. legal destinations such as the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Supreme Court and Library of Congress
• Brown-bag lunches with ABA ROLI staff and guest speakers

Qualifications:

While the hiring needs of each individual opening may differ, ABA ROLI generally requires the following qualifications for all International Development Internships:

• Undergraduate, MA/JD students, or recent graduates seeking relevant degrees in international affairs, international development, or related subject areas;
• Strong commitment to public interest law and/or international development, as evidenced by relevant experience and coursework;
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Proficiency with MS Office;
• International development experience highly desirable but not required;
• Knowledge of foreign languages is a plus.

Asia Program Intern

• Key Responsibilities: Conduct necessary research projects for program staff on rule of law issues in Asia and in support of Division-wide business development efforts; Monitor political, economic, and security developments in the region and produce regular status briefs; Assist with proposal research and writing efforts; Support management of current programs in ABA ROLI’s priority issue areas; Develop outreach and communication materials.
• Preferred qualifications include: Fluency in an Asian language, Strong written and verbal communications skills in English, Degree in law or international development (completed or under completion)

How to apply: To apply, please submit an updated resume and cover letter indicating your Spring availability. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABA ROLI is a non-profit program that implements legal reform programs in over 50 countries around the world. ABA ROLI has an annual budget of over $40 million and nearly 500 professional staff working abroad and in its Washington, D.C. office. ABA ROLI’s host country partners include judges, lawyers, bar associations, law schools, court administrators, legislatures, ministries of justice and a wide array of civil society organizations.

For more information about what we do at ABA ROLI please visit: https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/about.html