Housing Policy Summer Associate

: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. IRC's Resettlement, Asylum, & Integration (RAI) unit works to create opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to survive and thrive in the U.S. and Europe through a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at five core outcomes: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education and Power. In its Oakland Housing Department, the team works to place eligible clients in permanent housing, advocate for affordable housing options, and collaborate with local property managers to identify new housing options. The Housing Policy Summer Associate will be an integral part of the team, engaging with clients and other staff to advance outcome-driven, innovative housing efforts. This summer position is part of the Ideas Inspire Fellows program, whose mission is to inspire the next generation of changemakers by providing funded summer fellowships for public service and community impact. The IRC is part of a select network of organizations in Northern California who have been provided this unique opportunity. Major Responsibilities This is a part time (25 hours/week), twelve-week opportunity for current community college students and recent graduates to provide direct support to the Housing Team in Northern California. The associate will support the advancement of cross-departmental housing initiatives that enhance IRC's ability to meet client needs. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Working with Northern California housing team members and site directors, the position will:

• Develop partnerships with new landlords or strengthen relationships with existing landlords to identify new housing options for IRC clients in the Bay Area
• Explore housing options in Bay Area counties that may be more affordable for IRC clients and strengthen to establish potential relationships within these areas
• Work with Northern California Housing teams and leadership to develop a comprehensive housing strategy, including ideas for policy change and impact
• Support the NorCal Development team in fundraising strategies for the region's housing needs
• Partner with other internal and external teams on housing advocacy strategies, including with local colleges that might have short-term housing options for IRC clients
• Consider alternative avenues for temporary housing, including master agreements with landlords
• If time permits, conduct a literature review of relevant academic literature on innovative affordable housing
• Engage in a mentorship relationship with a member of the IRC senior leadership team
• Work on other special projects supporting various programs and leadership
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements: Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Community college students actively encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

• Background and/or interest in housing policy
• Effective communication and writing skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects;
• A strong desire to help people and enthusiasm to work in a multi-cultural setting;

Working Environment:

• The position requires approximately 25 hours per week at an estimated US $23.60/hour.
• This position will run for 12 weeks from June through August
• Hybrid in-person remote work, with at least 2 days per week in person. In-person work may include engagement with clients and/or community partners within the service delivery area.

Reporting Structure:

• This position will report for administrative purposes to the IRC Northern California Deputy Director and for day-to-day activities to the Oakland Housing Manager.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles. In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.

Minimum Qualifications: Update Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.