International Climate Law & Policy Internship

Mercy For Animals is offering a full-time International Climate Law & Policy Internship for 1L and 2L law students and recent graduates. This remote position involves promoting sustainable food systems, conducting legal research, and engaging in international policy advocacy over a 10–12 week term from May to August 2025. Interns will gain experience with intergovernmental organizations and develop skills in research, writing, and policy advocacy.
Remote in the United States

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

Mercy For Animals welcomes 1L and 2L law students and recent law graduates to apply for the climate law and policy internship in our global policy team. This remote position is full time (35 hours per week) Monday through Friday, with a commitment term of 10–12 weeks (May–August 2025).

Note: This role will not perform legal functions, and the fellow will not act in any capacity as legal counsel for Mercy For Animals. To apply, please email a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, a law school transcript (official or unofficial), and information for three references to climateinternship@mercyforanimals.org.

Internship Objective

As a Mercy For Animals climate law and policy intern, you will gain experience promoting a just and sustainable food system at intergovernmental organizations, such as those in the United Nations system. You will build skills in research, writing, and policy advocacy as you develop an understanding of global public-policy processes, such as those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme, and World Organisation for Animal Health. Additionally, you will have opportunities to grow your network of advocates in this space and think creatively about novel strategies that leverage international law and policy to achieve advocacy objectives. This internship may include opportunities for travel to UN climate meetings.

Activities and Tasks (in descending order)
• Write and conduct legal research and analysis in an international policy context
• Draft policy briefings, proposals, and comments, including in the UN climate process
• Engage in coalition meetings and international policy advocacy
• Track and analyze policy developments and legislation
• Participate in meetings and conferences as needed

Requirements
• Standing as a law student or a recent law school graduate
• Coursework in or experience with the UNFCCC, intergovernmental organizations, or international law and policy
• Passion for sustainable food systems, farmed animal protection, or climate advocacy
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Exceptional qualitative research skills
• Ability to coordinate several simultaneous tasks
• Adaptability
• Strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and justice

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an hourly rate of $20.

Application Details

Application deadline is March 15, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning on February 24, 2025. To apply, please email a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, a law school transcript (official or unofficial), and information for three references to climateinternship@mercyforanimals.org.

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values.

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice.

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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