Telco Policy Internship

Deadline: Rolling application

About the Organization Access is an international human rights organization dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of users at risk around the world. With offices in Brussels, New York, Washington DC, Santiago, and Tunis, we combine innovative policy, user engagement, and direct technical support, and work globally with activists, civil society, and policymakers to build technical capacity and advocate for open and secure communications for all.

The Telcos and Human Rights Policy Initiative and Internship

A policy internship at Access is your chance to join our policy team working on emerging threats to digital rights and to connect with our global network of internet policy makers.

The Telco Policy Internship is led by Policy Counsel Peter Micek and focuses on creating a rights-respecting telecommunications environment for citizens the world over.

During this internship, you’ll be working on key issues in the telco sector, such as greater transparency and countering government surveillance. The Telcos and Human Rights policy initiative encourages businesses to directly consider risks to privacy, free expression, and access to information as important factors that affect both the human rights of users and also the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Telco Interns can expect the following responsibilities, tasks and experiences:

• Gain specialized knowledge and learn about the crossroads of business and human rights, including corporate social responsibility and sustainable investing. 
• Work with stakeholders that include telco companies, regulating bodies, the investing community and civil society groups.  
• Develop guidance on human rights policies and practices for the world’s largest telecoms. 
• Research, write, and edit policy briefs and position papers (with your name on them!) 
• Prepare external and internal advocacy materials and write blog posts 
• Attend and contribute to our team meetings and gain insight into how international NGOs work 
• Become part of this discussion, to learn and contribute to our work and shared goals 

Qualifications

Ideally, candidates are enrolled in a university (or a recent graduate) of law, political science, international relations, sustainable business or with a technology background.

Being well organized, motivated, and reliable will also help your application. So will proven research and writing skills and fluency in a foreign language, but if you only speak English, that’s fine too.

Interns will ideally work out of our amazing New York City Office. However, due to our love of the internet, we’re happy to talk virtually and applicants will be considered from locations worldwide.

Time Commitment and considerations

• One full academic term (usually 3 to 4 months) 
• A minimum of 16-20 hours per week, more negotiable 
• Start date ASAP 
• This internship is unpaid, but we’ll gladly offer academic credit and assistance where possible. 

Application Requirements

To apply, send a copy of your CV, a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, and two references (only one may be academic) to jobs@accessnow.org.

Please place “Telco Intern – [Your Name]” as the subject line.