About KIND
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.
Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.
Position Summary
KIND’s Global Policy and Advocacy team seeks an intern to support global advocacy to advance protections for unaccompanied children. The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship. The anticipated start date for this internship is May 26, 2026. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 10-12 weeks for approx. 20 hours/week. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work-study and funding from external sources is welcomed.
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Essential Functions
- Policy assessment: Participates in observing government implementation of KIND-supported policy initiatives.
- Policy analysis: Assists in the development of recommendations for KIND’s future policy work.
- External engagement: Joins coalition meetings and other convenings with external partners and shares summaries with Policy team members.
- Research Support: Participates in research and presentation planning, as needed.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Currently enrolled in or having graduated from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
- Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
- Experience and interest in working on global policy issues related to children, immigration and/or asylum preferred.
- Ability to commit to approx. 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks during Summer of 2026.
- Ability to work within an office environment (hybrid) and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, Microsoft Teams, and email with KIND's team.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.
- Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
- Experience working and communicating in a remote environment preferred but not required.
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Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified.
Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.
Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.
