Posted: April 4, 2008
Program Assistant: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office

The U.S. Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office, located in Washington D.C., is the social justice advocacy ministry of the international Missionary Society of St. Columban. The JPIC Office is dedicated to being a prophetic voice for justice, peace and environmental sustainability.

We are looking to fill the position of Program Assistant. The job responsibilities are as follows:

Advocacy

• Monitor U.S. domestic and foreign policy regarding migration, economic and environmental justice, peace and human rights through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching
• Collaborate with other nongovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations, coalitions and networks that focus on the issues and countries that are priorities for Columbans. These issues include migration, climate change, economic justice and engagement with key members of the U.S. Congress and presidential administration.
  
  

• Assist in developing and implementing popular education workshops on our priority issues for our constituency
• Work to animate and mobilize Columban missionaries and our constituents to participate in the U.S. political process
• Coordinate and maintain up-to-date multimedia communications, including production of a monthly e-newsletter and website content
• Network and collaborate with Columban JPIC Offices in other mission countries
• Cultivate relationships with Columban missionaries in the United States and other countries to bring their stories to the policy debate in the U.S. Congress

• Facilitate daily operations, including schedules, staff meetings and other administrative tasks
• Co-supervise on-going projects of interns and volunteers
• Handle other tasks deemed necessary at the direction of the JPIC Coordinator, Regional Director or his Council
• Some domestic travel possible

• A degree, or equivalent experience, in public or international affairs, theology, political science, within the context of issues relating to justice, peace and the integrity of creation
• Experience in advocacy work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Bilingual English-Spanish or English-Asian language highly desired
• Previous mission or overseas experience is helpful
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, pay close attention to detail and work independently
• Ability to function as a team player

How to Apply
Please e-mail your résumé, cover letter, and two references with the “JPIC Program Assistant” in the subject line to Amy Woolam Echeverria at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or, fax your résumé to Amy’s attention at 202/832-5195. The Program Assistant position will be open for application until it has been is filled.

The Missionary Society of St. Columban is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and People of Color are encouraged to apply.

Posted: December 7, 2007
Internship/Volunteer Program (Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office)

The JPIC Office in Washington, D.C., represents Columban missionaries through advocacy, solidarity and education. The JPIC Office is dedicated to raising the peace, social justice and ecology concerns of Columban missionaries and the people with whom they live and serve. As people of faith, we are both challenged and called to raise the voices of the most marginalized in our world.

While not a prerequisite, the following background and skills are desirable to work in the Internship/Volunteer Program:

• Work in Latin America or Asia (course work or volunteer work)
• Activism in justice, peace and environmental issues
• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching and Mission
• Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills
• Knowledge of Spanish or Asian language (ability to translate is particularly helpful)
• Editing and website design
• Experience working with or active participation in faith communities
  
  Possible Projects for Interns and Volunteers:

• Research JPIC issues affecting Columban missionaries
• Attend and report on network meetings as a Columban representative
• Participate in the implementation of outreach educational efforts by researching and writing education and advocacy alerts, doing presentations, etc.
• Support Columban advocacy efforts directed at Congress, U.S. government agencies and multilateral financial institutions
• Assist with administrative and logistical tasks
  
  

Please send the following materials to be considered for Internship/Volunteer Program: resume, cover letter, writing sample, at least two references, and dates and hours per week of availability.

Please send application package to Amy Woolam Echeverria at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Download a PDF of our JPIC Internship brochure: jpicinternshipbrochure

* The Internship/Volunteer Program is unpaid. Participants are responsible for their own expenses.

Here is what volunteers have said about working at the Columban JPIC Office:
Caitlin (fall 2007): “I had an absolutely great experience with the Columban JPIC Office.  I got to do things I never thought I would like lobbying a Senator’s office. I was provided with some amazing, eye-opening experiences and would definitely recommend the program."

Paula (summer 2007): “The opportunity to see social conflicts through a religious focus is something that I believe is unique to this internship. I expect to use a lot of the experiences and information I learned to become better prepared for my university classes and community service endeavors."

Christopher, Columban seminarian (summer 2007): “The meetings I’ve attended exposed me to global justice issues and the phone calls and faxes to Congress provided me a hands-on exposure of practical and effective ways of doing advocacy work."

Will (summer 2006): “I feel a great desire to keep my eyes wide open and stand up for what I know is truly right. My faith and this internship have given me confidence and shown me how to seek truth and righteousness in all aspects of life.”