President’s Office Fellow

Role: The Presidential Fellow will contribute to the research and writing that underpins David Miliband’s external engagements, ensuring his speeches, articles, and public commentary are well-informed, persuasive, and aligned with the IRC’s strategic priorities. The fellow will work closely with senior staff in the President’s Office to produce high-quality research and written content, gaining firsthand experience in international humanitarian advocacy at the executive level. 

• Conducting in-depth research on humanitarian issues, international affairs, and conflict zones to support David Miliband’s public engagements. 
• Drafting and editing speeches, op-eds, and briefing documents for high-profile events such as Aspen Security Conference, Davos, and Munich Security Conference. 
• Transcribing and analyzing previous speeches to enhance messaging consistency and impact. 
• Assisting with the preparation of talking points, background briefings, and policy recommendations for external engagements. 
• Collaborating with teams across the IRC to ensure messaging aligns with organizational priorities. 

This role is ideal for students seeking experience in global humanitarian policy, international affairs, and high-level executive communications. 

Potential deliverables: 

• Complete a research project on a key humanitarian issue relevant to the IRC’s work. 
• Draft a speech or op-ed for David Miliband’s external engagements. 

• Transcribe and analyze previous speeches to enhance future messaging. 
• Contribute to at least one major public engagement, such as a speech at Davos or the Munich Security Conference. 

Potential travel involved: No travel will be involved for this position.

Desired Skills:

• Strong qualitative research skills with an ability to synthesize complex information. 
• Excellent writing skills, with experience in policy writing, speechwriting, or editorial work. 
• Knowledge of humanitarian issues, global governance, and international affairs. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with senior leadership. 
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience in speechwriting, journalism, or policy analysis. 
• Familiarity with IRC’s work and global humanitarian policy trends. 
• Previous experience working in an NGO, think tank, or government setting. 

Requirements: Students must be a matriculated graduate or Ph.D. student at The New School. Fellows are hired as Research Associates by The New School.

Work Environment: This fellowship will work with the Airbel Impact Lab based in the IRC’s HQ in New York City. While this fellowship is remote, all Fellows must be physically located in the US.

Fellowship Length: This fellowship carries a maximum of 20 hours/week during the Summer 2025 semester (May 17, 2025 – August 24, 2025). Continuation into Fall 2025 is potentially available.

How to apply: The deadline to apply is March 17, 2025. Please submit one PDF document containing a cover letter, CV/resume, and two work samples (writing and/or design portfolio – 5 pages maximum per sample) to Catherine McGahan, McGahanC@newschool.edu.

Interviews will be conducted in mid-March via Zoom.

Team: Airbel Impact Lab, Research and Innovation at the IRC. The Airbel Impact Lab designs, tests, and scales life-changing cost-effective solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. By applying the IRC’s deep technical expertise and field experience with a range of skills from the behavioral sciences, human-centered design, research, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving in humanitarian contexts, we work to develop breakthrough solutions that combine creativity and rigor, openness and expertise, and a desire to think afresh with the experience of a large-scale implementing organization. Within Airbel, the Best Use of Resources team provides analysis and decision-making support to improve the cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IRC programs.

The President’s Office at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) supports the strategic and external engagement priorities of IRC President and CEO David Miliband. Our work spans high-level internal strategy development, speechwriting, and research to advance the IRC’s humanitarian mission. The office plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s external messaging and thought leadership, ensuring that the IRC’s voice is heard in global conversations on humanitarian crises, refugee rights, and conflict resolution. 

David Miliband is a leading global advocate for humanitarian action, regularly speaking at major international forums such as the World Economic Forum (Davos), the Aspen Security Forum, the Munich Security Conference, and the UN General Assembly. His thought leadership helps shape policies and drive commitments from global decision-makers on issues ranging from refugee assistance and climate displacement to conflict prevention and global governance.