Youth activism internship Job title: Reports to: Team: Location: Youth activism intern/trainee (5 days per week; 9 month, fixed-term contract) Local groups officer Activism London About Global Justice Now Global Justice Now is a democratic social justice organisation working, as part of a global movement, to challenge the powerful and create a more just and equal world. We mobilise people in the UK for change, and act in solidarity with those fighting injustice, particularly in the global south. We have a history of campaigning with activists, civil society organisations and social movements across the world on a range of issues, from opposing water privatisation to demanding a just solution to the climate crisis. We put pressure on decision-makers, organise public opposition to harmful policies, and produce robust research which shows there are alternatives to corporate-led globalisation. We are playing a leading role in the movement against undemocratic trade deals (such as TTIP and CETA), campaigning against corporate power and building solidarity with migrants and refugees. Our main office is located in south London, and we also have small offices in Edinburgh and Manchester. Activism team Global Justice Now s local groups and activist structures are the heart of the organisation. The activism team supports this network with advice, a regular newsletter, briefings and promotional materials. It also organises national events, our AGM and more regional campaigning events. Our latest organisational strategy makes bolstering our activist network a central goal, alongside contributing to wider movement building. This means the team is playing an increasingly ambitious role in seeking to make our network more diverse, and to grow in ways that doesn t just involve setting up traditional local groups. Our youth network is part of this. 1
Apart from this post, the activism team consists of: A head of activism who manages the team; A local groups officer; An activism officer based in Manchester; And events and activism assistant; A campaigns officer; A campaigns assistant. The team also works closely with staff in our Scotland team who undertake similar work with a specific Scottish focus. About the position The internship is a fascinating look into the NGO world, and it allows you to develop your skills as an activist in a supportive environment. The youth network is particularly exciting. Working alongside young people is fun, and having been recently created, the youth network allows you to have a certain degree of flexibility in trying new things. Although it s an activism internship, you will get to learn about campaigning and communications as well, which is very useful. Melissa Cespedes del Sur, youth activism intern 2016-17 You will be part of, and learn about, the different elements of the work of Global Justice Now. Following an induction to Global Justice Now and the office, you will split your time to provide support for activities across our work. You ll spend around three days a week focusing on supporting the development of our youth activist network; Approximately one day on activism team work generally; And one day on providing general support to the day-to-day running of the organisation. Global Justice Now s youth network was established in autumn 2016 and currently has six local groups. It includes students and non-students and has a national co-ordination structure. It is an integral part of Global Justice Now, but also has autonomy in terms of what it decides to focus on. Over the past year the network has organised actions and events spanning Global Justice Now s campaigns, and held a national gathering, We Rise, attended by over 150 young people. As youth activism intern you will work closely with the activists to make sure that the network runs smoothly, developing a series of campaign resources, communications and support mechanisms as required. As well as experiencing life in our activism team, you will undertake specific projects and tasks, provide administrative support and attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.. There will be some opportunities to visit Global Justice Now s youth 2
activist groups around the country, to visit Manchester and/or Edinburgh where we have activism staff and to take part in a range of external events. You will be given job-specific training in our systems and processes throughout your time with us. By the end of nine months, you should have gained skills and experience in a range of campaigning, event organisation and administrative work and be able to work at the level of a campaigns or events assistant. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnicity, but as members of ethnic minority groups are currently under-represented in the organisation and the campaigning sector, we would particularly like to encourage applications from black and ethnic minority candidates. Appointment will be based on merit alone. Job description This is a description of the types of work likely to be undertaken with supervision from the team 1) Youth activism support work Undertake research to support the development of the youth network; Support the strategic development of the youth network by participating in regular planning and coordination meetings; Deal with basic requests from young activists and ensure more complex enquiries are responded to by the team; Manage the youth network s presence on Facebook and other appropriate platforms Support youth activism national meetings (by booking meetings, writing agendas, facilitation etc.); Support the proofreading, sub-editing, production and distribution of materials such as leaflets, briefings and our activist newsletter; Ensure the widespread distribution of campaign materials to existing and potential youth activists; Occasionally write articles, leaflets and online content where appropriate; Work with the team on logistics and publicity for the organisation s youth activism events; Help organise stalls at youth activism events and our presence on demonstrations; Help the team to foster greater diversity in our activist network, especially in terms of age and ethnicity; Assist in training our youth activism groups in campaigning skills; 2) Activism team support work Undertake tasks relating to logistics, publicity and admin for public events as delegated; Support the design and dispatch of the regular newsletter for the activist network; Assist with the support of the activist network, including responding to group enquiries; Helping to organise and staff stalls at events and major conferences; 3
3) Administrative work for Global Justice Now Share administrative tasks with assistants, such as reception duty, answering telephone calls, handling post, checking incoming emails, dispatch services and order processing, arranging meetings and taking notes. Respond to information requests from supporters, in conjunction with assistants, and distribute materials to supporters Undertake specific administrative tasks for staff as may be required You may also be asked to help with any other activities related to Global Justice Now s objectives. Person specification Experience Some experience of activism No other specific experience is required, but demonstrating how your passion and experience supports the commitment, knowledge, skills and understanding we require for the post will be an advantage. Knowledge, skills and understanding Essential Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms IT literacy (including knowledge of Word, Excel, email and social media) Good interpersonal skills Ability to prioritise work effectively and meet deadlines Attention to detail Desirable Interest in global politics and social justice issues Involvement in youth-orientated voluntary activism or in community work Experience of organising meetings Connections with groups representing those from marginalised backgrounds Personal qualities Essential Interest in developing a career in campaigning Commitment to Global Justice Now s values and aims The ability to work flexibly and as part of a team A can-do approach to work 4
Respect for Global Justice Now s equal opportunities policy Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends Main conditions of service Salary and grade Based on the London Living Wage, the salary for this position is 17,745 per year, pro rata for nine months plus non-contributory pension. Working week 35 hours (5 days a week). Occasional evening and weekend work will be expected, for which time off in lieu will be given. Global Justice Now operates a flexi-time system. Annual leave Full time staff get 25 days holiday plus bank holidays during a full year. During the nine months of this internship you would therefore get 19 days holiday, plus all bank holidays which fall in this period. In addition the office is closed between Christmas and New Year. 5