Digital Language Policy and Strategy Research Intern - MIIS

Kindly note that this vacancy is for MIIS (Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey) students only. 

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Hours: 15-20 hours per week

Location: home-based 

Travel: none anticipated

Reporting to: Advocacy Officer

MIIS Students may be eligible for the Experiential Learning Fund (ELF). For more information please visit: https://www.middlebury.edu/institute/academics/immersive-learning-study-abroad/funding 

Are you a MIIS student with a unique internship idea based on your area of interest and expertise? Apply to any open MIIS internship posting, upload your resume, and outline your proposal in your cover letter.

CLEAR Global is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse team where individuals of all backgrounds collaborate and learn from one another. We believe we can be most effective with diverse experience and expertise in our team. We recruit on merit, actively seek diverse applicant pools, and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation, and welcome all types of diversity.

The role

The Digital Language Policy and Strategy Research Intern will work directly with the Advocacy Officer and members of the wider team to support research into the extent to which language is recognized and addressed in selected international, regional, and national digital policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks.

The role will contribute to identifying and analyzing the language policy gap in digital transformation, looking into whether existing digital inclusion, digital transformation, AI, digital rights, data governance, accessibility, e-government and related frameworks adequately recognize language as a fundamental dimension of digital inclusion.

The intern will help build an evidence base demonstrating where language is currently recognized in policy frameworks, where it is absent or insufficiently addressed, and what policy gaps and opportunities exist for advancing digital language justice. Through this experience, the intern will develop practical skills in policy research, comparative policy analysis, evidence synthesis, and advocacy development, while contributing to research intended to influence digital transformation policy and practice. 

Responsibilities

• Map relevant international, regional and national policy and strategy frameworks relating to digital transformation and inclusion. 
• Conduct desk research on digital language policy and inclusion, including existing research, datasets, academic literature, policy documents and reports. 
• Maintain a database of research papers, case studies and other evidence
• Track progress on advocacy objectives and relationship building with key targets and allies
• Assist with drafting, editing, and disseminating advocacy briefs, blog posts, reports and other materials that effectively convey CLEAR Global’s messages
• Assist with preparation for meetings, events, and conferences
• Support with communications initiatives as needed

Please note that these responsibilities are approximate and may change over time.

Qualifications

The Advocacy Intern should have a strong sense of initiative and an interest in language in digital development. The right candidate is an energetic team player and multitasker who agrees with CLEAR Global´s basic beliefs and values and who can work virtually with team members based throughout the world. 

• Current graduate student at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS)
• Strong writing skills in English, and excellent spoken English; proficiency in other languages relevant to humanitarian action a plus
• Strong research, analysis and reporting skills, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, with a very good eye for detail and quality, and a demonstrated ability to multitask, plan ahead and keep track of tasks
• Personal experience of language exclusion desirable
• Previous experience in advocacy in non-profit organizations, particularly in development and/or humanitarian action, a plus
• Proficiency with standard word processing and spreadsheet programs, email and other computer packages; willingness to explore new technologies
• Capacity to work independently to achieve agreed targets
• Flexibility and ability to innovate to find creative solutions

About CLEAR Global

CLEAR Global exists to help people get vital information, and be heard, whatever language they speak. We believe that everyone has the right to give and receive information in a language and format they understand. We work with nonprofit partners and a global community of language professionals to build local language translation capacity, and raise awareness of language barriers. Our network of over 200,000 community members translate millions of words of life-saving and life-changing information a year. 

Core values

CLEAR Global employees and volunteers are people who believe passionately about the value of this work and take personal responsibility for achieving the mission. CLEAR Global’s mission and organizational spirit embody the core values established in its strategic framework:

• Excellence: As the leading voice for communicating humanitarian information in the right language, CLEAR Global is a leader in the translation industry and in the non-profit sector.
• Integrity: CLEAR Global believes that every person, whether it’s the people who we serve, our volunteers or our staff, has value, deserves respect and has inherent dignity.
• Empowerment: CLEAR Global believes in using language to empower people around the world to control their own development and destiny.
• Innovation: CLEAR Global recognizes and celebrates the power of innovation to address humanitarian and crisis issues around the world.
• Sustainability: CLEAR Global recognizes that meeting our mission necessitates establishment and maintenance of a solid financial and organizational infrastructure.
• Tolerance: Our staff and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and skilled; value each other, our partner and our recipients; create a supportive work environment; and conduct themselves professionally at all times.

CLEAR Global may re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration at its discretion.