FairPensions, Campaigns Intern, London, UK

Job Description

An opportunity to acquire experience within a campaigning charity that aims to use the shareholder power of large investors to target transnational corporations on their environmental and human rights impacts. This internship is likely to involve work on web and e-campaigning, research on current environmental and human rights issues and action research into UK pension funds, their investment managers and those who influence and regulate them. This role will also involve working on the delivery and administration of campaigns, supporter development, communications and fundraising.

FairPensions’ internships provide an opportunity for individuals who wish to combine practical experience of campaigns with research and analysis. We work hard to ensure that our interns have clear structured projects, although you will also be involved in a variety of activities arising on an ad hoc basis, including administrative tasks.

Ideally four days per week (hours flexible)

Responsibilities

Website & E-campaigning

• Website maintenance and content updating.
• Work to improve traffic to and interactivity of our site.
• Use of e-democracy and web 2.0 tools

Research

• Research using published materials, the internet and by liaising with other organisations.
• Keeping up to date with news and developments in the investment industry and in environmental and human rights issues.
• Research on trusts and foundations.

Campaigns & Communications

Working in a small team, you will be involved in many aspects of our campaigning work, including (for example) campaigns administration, event organisation, supporter development and fundraising.

May also include attendance at events if relevant.

Requirements / qualifications

The position would suit people who wish to work within a small organisation, and enjoy taking on responsibility and working independently. The ideal candidate would be internet savvy and have an interest in environmental and/or human rights issues, the ability to carry out research, and good verbal and written skills. Knowledge of Responsible Investment and/or Corporate Social Responsibility would be helpful, but is not required. The core characteristics we are searching for are enthusiasm and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves to get the work done. No prior work experience is required. We also, however, welcome applications from more experienced individuals who are seeking a change in career direction. We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Salary unpaid, but allowance for reasonable transport costs and lunch

Application deadline June 23, 2010

Period / start date Ideally a four-month duration, starting 12 July 2010

Institution / Company description

FairPensions is a ground-breaking organisation created to fill a specific need: a campaigning body able to focus specifically on harnessing the power of investors to improve corporate behaviour. Even after the recent financial crash, pension funds own assets worth £1.2 trillion (equivalent to the entire UK stock market) and the fund managers they hire to look after their money control trillions of pounds more. FairPensions encourages these powerful shareholders to adopt Responsible Investment, using their position as important stakeholders to improve corporate behaviour on environmental and human rights issues. The massive sums at the disposal of these investors means that they could use their shareholder influence to (for example) reduce greenhouse gas emissions – but they are largely failing to do so. FairPensions is changing this.

FairPensions was set up in 2005 by leading NGOs including Oxfam, Amnesty and WWF. In five years, FairPensions has already persuaded investors worth more than £827 billion to adopt Responsible Investment practices, representing the pensions of more than a million people.

Website www.fairpensions.org.uk

Contact Please email your CV and a covering letter (showing how you meet the person specification) to juliette.daigre@fairpensions.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 23 June 2010. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 28 June 2010. To be considered, it is important that your cover letter clearly explains why you are interested in the post and why you think you would be a good candidate. Don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm!