US Project Intern
Responsible to:
Conditions of service
Remuneration:
Location:
Application requirements:
Closing date:
US Project Coordinator
2-3 days a week
3 to 6 months
Expenses (Travel to-and-from the office and lunch are
reimbursed up to $20/day)
New York, New York
Please send to justine@orchidproject.org
- CV
- Cover letter, explaining how you meet the person
specification and the needs of the job description, not more
than 2 typed A4 pages.
24 August 2014 at 11:00pm EST
About Orchid Project
Orchid Project believes that a worldwide end to female genital cutting (FGC) is entirely possible. Orchid
Project works in three ways:
 Shape the dialogue and advocate for prioritization and resources the end FGC
 Communicate the scale and impact of FGC and how it is ending
 Support the efforts of organizations working towards abandonment in practicing countries
Orchid Project was founded in 2010 by Julia Lalla-Maharajh, now CEO, and became a charity in the UK in
April 2011. In Fall 2014 Orchid Project is beginning activities in the US, based in NYC, and is seeking an
intern to support our Project Coordinator's work here.
The Role of the US Intern
Contributing to Communications
The overarching goal of the communications work-stream is to raise awareness about FGC (among
potential stakeholders in addition to the general public), and serve as an information hub about the
practice. Orchid Project strives to provide accurate and non-sensational information. The comms team
aims to highlight the positive efforts being made to end FGC, communicating a message of hope.
Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:
 Edit and update the Orchid Project website to cater to a US-based audience.
 Keep abreast of US-based news articles on FGC and analyze current trends.
 Write blogs on a wide range of topics (including intelligent analysis on current events in the FGC
world, important dates, upcoming events, Orchid Project progress/accomplishments).
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Create PowerPoint presentations for use by Orchid Project staff in diverse contexts and
occasions.
Attend external meetings with staff and network with potential stakeholders.
Contribute to event planning and logistics.
Contributing to Advocacy and Influencing
The overall goal of the advocacy work-stream is to advocate to governments and influential decisionmakers to accelerate a global end to FGC. We use the most appropriate advocacy actions and actors for
whichever issue we may be working with. It’s also to work together with actors and decision-makers at
every level – from grassroots, through to regional, national and international actors.
Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:
 Contribute to and help develop long-term advocacy projects and goals.
 Contribute to more reactive research required by the organization (i.e. research on specific
people and organizations by writing short one-page briefs).
 Draft letters to be used for influencing and advocacy purposes.
 Contribute to writing and editing for Orchid Project reports if needed.
Contributing to Research
The overall goal of research at Orchid Project is to provide the organization with information about the
practice of FGC in various contexts, and the stakeholders involved. It’s also to provide detailed
information and intelligent analysis on current trends, and relevant theories.
Listed below are some potential tasks for the intern:
 Conduct research on US policy developments on FGC and intersecting issues (e.g. child/forced
marriage, VAWG, etc.).
 Conduct research on funding opportunities and key stakeholders.
 Collaborate with partners and other institutions to gather sound and accurate information.
 Present findings to Orchid Project staff via presentations and internal reports.
 Contribute to writing and editing for Orchid Project reports and background for the website if
needed.