Government Relations & Advocacy Internships and Fellowships – June 2026 Field Office Deployment
Who We Are: International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission (IJM) leads global efforts to protect vulnerable people from violence. Indeed, our team comprises over 1,200 professionals working across more than 30 offices worldwide. Together, therefore, we commit to rescuing millions, protecting half a billion, and making justice unstoppable. This global mission includes robust Government Relations Advocacy Internship and Fellowship opportunities.
We are a global community that supports one another. Furthermore, we value how we work as much as the results we achieve, providing professional excellence with joy and celebration to all we serve.
The Opportunity: Expanding Global Impact with a Government Relations Advocacy Internship
For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered protecting vulnerable populations from violence. In fact, in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects consistently reduced slavery and violence by 50% to 85% for very large populations in poverty. Consequently, as a result, as we expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking Government Relations & Advocacy Interns & Fellows. This includes a unique opportunity for a Government Relations Advocacy Internship.
These roles offer the chance to build relationships with policymakers on behalf of IJM field offices. This involves, crucially, building political will and securing foreign aid to confront violence against the global poor. Additionally, moreover, you will mobilize and grow IJM’s constituency to advocate for our policies. Depending on your experience level, therefore, responsibilities may include:
-
Drafting training content and providing logistical support for NGO Trainings.
-
Assisting in the evaluation and upgrading of NGO Training content.
-
Developing content for Community Relations programs and campaigns.
-
Maintaining Community Relations documentation and tracking monthly targets.
-
Helping to plan and implement Advocacy team events.
-
Providing administrative support to the community relations team’s activities.
-
Representing IJM at NGO Network and Government Network meetings when necessary.
Positions may be available in: Accra, Ghana; Bucharest, Romania; Lima, Peru; Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Salvador, El Salvador; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Manila, Philippines; Cebu, Philippines. Please note, however, that not every position will be available in every office.
The program duration is 12 months, specifically from June 2026 to May 2027.
Remote Government Relations & Advocacy Internships
Qualifications and Skills for Government Relations Advocacy
Internship General Qualifications and Required Skills:
-
Holds a Bachelor’s degree.
-
Possesses strong organizational and administrative skills.
-
Demonstrates attention to detail.
-
Knowledge of Microsoft software and Windows is strongly preferred.
-
Fluency in Spanish is required for Latin America offices.
Fellowship General Qualifications and Required Skills:
-
Has 3+ years of prior work experience or a Master’s degree. Furthermore, a background in Government or Community Relations is preferred.
-
Shows proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Windows XP.
-
Possesses experience networking with International and National NGOs, CBOs, faith-based communities, and local government.
-
Fluency in Spanish is required for Latin America offices.
Critical Qualities
We seek candidates who demonstrate:
-
A mature orthodox Christian faith.
-
Humble and resilient character.
-
A commitment to pursuing excellence.
-
Cultural awareness and appreciation for difference.
-
A strong service ethic.
-
Innovative problem-solving abilities.
-
Capability to build trust and strong partnerships with others.
-
Courage in pursuing opportunities and challenges.
-
Tenacity in achieving goals.
-
Professional demeanor.
Application Process
To apply, please upload your Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.
*What is a statement of faith? A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. You can either incorporate it into your cover letter or submit it as a separate document. It should include, at a minimum, for instance, a description of your spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, study) and your current fellowship or place of worship.
IJM upholds strict safeguarding principles and maintains zero tolerance for violations of its Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Consequently, as a result, candidate selection is based on technical competence. Specifically, therefore, recruitment, selection, and hiring criteria include assessing the candidate’s value congruence and conducting thorough background checks, police clearances, and reference checks.
At IJM, we commit to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status, or political ideology to apply. While we welcome everyone, we truly believe this work is God’s work, not our own, and we practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That is why, crucially, under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section 702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we legally require all employees to practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
IJM requires a background check, police clearance, and thorough review of references as part of an employment offer and/or employment contract.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary focus of the Government Relations & Advocacy Internships and Fellowships? A1: These roles focus on building relationships with policymakers and mobilizing IJM’s constituency. Ultimately, therefore, the goal is to build political will and secure foreign aid to confront violence against the global poor, supporting IJM’s mission to protect 500 million people from violence worldwide. An International Advocacy Fellowship (synonym for the keyphrase) provides this unique opportunity.
Q2: What is the program duration and when does it start? A2: The program lasts 12 months, running specifically from June 2026 to May 2027.
Q3: Where are these internships and fellowships located? A3: Positions may be available in various IJM field offices, for example, Accra (Ghana), Bucharest (Romania), Lima (Peru), Guatemala City (Guatemala), San Salvador (El Salvador), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), and Cebu (Philippines). However, it is important to note that not every position will be available in every office.
Q4: What are the key differences in qualifications for Interns vs. Fellows for these Government Relations Advocacy opportunities? A4: Interns generally require a Bachelor’s degree and strong administrative skills. Fellows, on the other hand, need 3+ years of prior work experience or a Master’s degree, often with a background in government or community relations, and experience networking with various organizations.
Q5: Is a Statement of Faith required to apply? A5: Yes, a Statement of Faith is required. It should describe your Christian faith and its relevance to your involvement with IJM, including spiritual disciplines and your current fellowship or place of worship. This reflects, therefore, IJM’s organizational values and legal requirements under Section 702 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.