Frequently Asked Questions

IJM Canada offers a fast-paced, professional and friendly work environment for its employees. IJM employees work diligently to provide tangible relief for the victims we serve, while being good stewards of the funds generously provided to us by our donors.

IJM employees begin each day with 30 minutes of silence and solitude before God and gather at 11:00 am for corporate prayer. Quarterly staff retreats are held to provide spiritual refreshment and team building opportunities.

Office attire is smart business casual.

We have more than 900 staff worldwide, and 95% of us are at work in our own countries.

IJM offers competitive salaries, with excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits to all employees. Additional benefits such as relocation, tuition for school-age dependents and furlough are provided for certain positions.

Completed applications are reviewed by human resources and the hiring manager. Phone interviews are conducted with qualified applicants, followed by in-office interviews with the top candidates. IJM completes a thorough review of references prior to making an employment offer.

Due to the quantity of applications that we receive, we are unable to offer informational interviews for employment opportunities.

All applicants will receive a verbal or written response communicating the status of their application.

IJM is a non-sectarian community of faith that works with all people to seek justice on behalf of all people regardless of race, religion, creed or any other status.

As a faith community, IJM's core of full-time staff intentionally draw strength and unity from their common commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and from their communion of daily prayer and spiritual disciplines. Accordingly, IJM staff seeks colleagues who embrace and contribute to the spiritual community through shared Christian conviction and practice. As Mother Theresa did in Kolkata, IJM seeks to provide a common platform for all people of good will to serve the needy, while also building a core community who share her fundamental convictions of Christian faith and practice.

Accordingly, IJM asks applicants seeking to join IJM's core community of full-time staff to submit a Statement of Faith describing their Christian faith and its relevance to their interest in serving with IJM. It is generally helpful for an applicant to provide insight into his/her own journey of faith and as well as current spiritual disciplines. As with any such society of faith, SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes provision for employment along lines of shared religious convictions.

A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how it is relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into your cover letter or submitted as a separate document. It should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

U.S. citizenship is not required for U.S.-based employment; however, candidates must have the legal right to work in the United States. In most cases, IJM will not be able to assist financially in securing a visa to work in the United States.

Yes. Please mention your prior application in your new cover letter and explain your interest in the new position. Please attach your previously submitted Statement of Faith and resume (updated with any changes to employment or contact information) to the application.

Yes, positions of interest should be listed in the cover letter.

Yes, IJM is currently receiving applications for every job posted on our website. Job postings are removed immediately after the position has been filled.

Address all applications to the Director of Recruiting.

We are inspired by God's call to love all people and to seek justice. We serve all people, without regard to religion or any other factor, and seek to work alongside all people of good will.

IJM's staff members are Christians from a variety of traditions who are motivated by the Bible's call to "rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow." We find strength and encouragement in sharing a spiritual life together.

IJM staff are available for media interviews, but due to high demand, we are generally unable to provide interviews for student research projects or general information about the work.

In most of the countries where IJM works, American attorneys cannot represent clients in court. IJM employees who are members of that country's Bar Association advocate on behalf of the victims.

Over 95% of IJM's staff around the world are nationals of the countries in which they work, and are thus sensitive to the particular needs of their communities.

As a legal professional, you have valuable networks, connections, resources and knowledge that position you to be an excellent advocate for the work of justice. When you use your financial, prayer and advocacy resources to further the work of IJM, for example, as a Freedom Partner, or by hosting a Freedom Sunday at your church, you are directly furthering IJM’s work on behalf of the vulnerable.

IJM generally only hires national lawyers to do legal work related to our casework and other programs. Because our legal teams in country have such specific expertise, there are rarely opportunities for lawyers from other countries to provide volunteer service directly for program work. One option IJM offers individuals interested in serving with their professional gifts is our year-long fellows program, through which professionals volunteer as part of our field teams overseas or at our global office in Washington DC. Lawyers interested in these opportunities can learn more by viewing our Fellowships page.

Violent abuses like rape, trafficking, slavery, land theft and police brutality have an immediate and significant impact on victims. That’s why each of our aftercare services is unique, and meets different needs of the children, women and men we serve. In addition to strengthening local social services to empower survivors even when IJM isn’t on the scene, IJM social workers and our partners help individual survivors pursue their goals for restoration. This process includes elements like:

• Immediate crisis care
• Connecting survivors to a place of stability
• Ongoing counseling
• Support throughout the legal process
• Skills training and education

As our social workers walk with survivors on their journey to safety and stability, we carefully assess how they are progressing. Our goal is to see survivors “restored”—meaning that they can function in society with a low vulnerability to being victimized again.

We have developed a validated tool, the Assessment of Survivor Outcomes (ASO) tool, that aftercare staff use to generate a baseline assessment of a survivor’s vulnerabilities and strengths, set goals with survivors for their care plan, and then measure a survivor’s progress in key areas of restoration.

IJM staff partner with local authorities to protect the poor from violence in 17 communities throughout the developing world. Our teams work in Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Guatemala and South Asia.

IJM is headquartered in Washington, DC, and we have international advancement offices in the U.K., Canada, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

IJM investigators, lawyers and social workers intervene in individual cases of abuse in partnership with state and local authorities in the countries in which they work. We work together to rescue victims, restrain criminals from hurting others, and restore survivors to safety and strength. Working in partnership with government authorities is the best long-term strategy to ensure that the poor are protected from violence.

IJM's "collaborative casework" is this work directly with local authorities, case by case. It's a critical part of our Justice System Transformation model.

Collaborative casework meets the most urgent needs of victims of violence, allows for the opportunity to provide hands-on training and mentoring to government partners, and provides an opportunity for our teams to discover the specific gaps in a justice system that leave the poor most vulnerable to violence.

Our work to protect the poor from violence is built on partnership. It's a vision that is impossible to achieve alone.

IJM is a non-partisan, non-governmental, 501(c)3 organization. We operate with governmental approval and acknowledgment, and we depend on the partnership of local government and NGO partners.

IJM's efforts to fight injustice are primarily limited by its financial resources. However, in certain countries, government or legal structures do not currently make IJM's casework methods feasible. IJM's casework model of repairing broken justice systems does not work in the absence of any justice system—this prevents IJM from being most effective in war zones, for example. However, there are many other excellent NGOs that do courageous and valuable work in such situations.

IJM does not take cases in the United States. We have a very specific focus on partnering with local governments in the developing world to make under-functioning public justice systems work for the poor.

Your monthly gift of any amount will qualify you to join our dedicated community of Freedom Partners who are passionate about bringing an end to human trafficking, slavery, and violence. You can start your monthly gift here: https://www.ijm.org/give/freedom-partner

To update your credit card or bank account information, please contact our Constituent Relations team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00 to 5:00 EST, Monday through Friday.

You can also change or update your giving information, and obtain your giving records, through our online Donor Portal. Click here to access the Portal. Login using the same email address where you receive communications from IJM as your username. If you have not logged in before or it has been a long time, you may need to create an account in order to access the Donor Portal.

To cancel your gift, email freedompartner@ijm.org or contact our Constituent Relations team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00 to 5:00 EST, Monday through Friday. You will receive confirmation via email.

Send your updated amount to freedompartner@ijm.org or contact our Constituent Relations team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00 to 5:00 EST, Monday through Friday. You will receive confirmation via email.

You can also change or update your giving information, and obtain your giving records, through our online Donor Portal. Click here to access the Portal. Login using the same email address where you receive communications from IJM as your username. If you have not logged in before or it has been a long time, you may need to create an account in order to access the Donor Portal.

Yes, please notify IJM staff at freedompartner@ijm.org. Your check may be mailed to International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961, Washington DC 20090-6961. You will receive a return envelope with your receipt each month for your next month's gift.

Yes, please notify IJM staff at freedompartner@ijm.org or contact your Giving Team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.

If you give automatically by credit card or direct draft, you are already a Freedom Partner. If you give by check or bill pay and have not heard from us about your Freedom Partner gifts, let us know at freedompartner@ijm.org so we can confirm your partnership.

Yes. Use our easy search tool to find out if your company will match your gift and what you need to do.

Although we appreciate the generosity of companies and small businesses donating proceeds to IJM, we do not offer this service due to the high volume of requests.

Yes. Use our easy search tool to find out if your company will match your gift and what you need to do.

You can obtain a copy of our financial statements on the Financials page of our website.

To change any account information pertaining to your monthly gift, please contact our Giving Team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.

To cancel your gift, email giving@ijm.org or contact your Giving Team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday. You will receive confirmation via email.

Please send your updated amount to giving@ijm.org or contact your Giving Team at 703-465-5495 from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday. You will receive confirmation via email.

Yes, IJM participates in the Combined Federal Campaign. Our CFC number is 85320.

To obtain a copy of either document, please email your Giving Team with your request at giving@ijm.org

The EIN, or federal taxpayer identification number, for IJM is 54-1722887.

An outside accounting firm conducts an annual audit of IJM. In addition, an all-volunteer Board of Directors sets policies and procedures and monitors the budget and expenditures. IJM has IJM has been recognized as a top charity by Charity Navigator for our commitment to financial responsibility, accountability and transparency. You may also view recent financial documents on our website.

IJM receives funding from individual donors, churches, community organizations, corporations, law firms, government agencies and foundations. Learn more.

Whether you would like to dedicate your birthday, run a marathon, or plan a different fundraising event, we have prepared a fundraising section filled with useful ideas and resources to help you. If you would like to create your own fundraising page, please contact us at fundraising@ijm.org. Thank you for supporting our work!

Yes, you will receive either a mailed or electronic receipt. For donations sent by mail, you will receive a paper receipt. For donations made on www.ijm.org, you will receive a receipt via email. Your Giving Team would be happy to answer any question you have – contact them at 703-465-5495 from 9:00am to 5:30pm EST, Monday through Friday or giving@ijm.org.

IJM is a 501(c)(3) organization and your gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult a tax advisor for specific deductibility rules.

Thanks for supporting our work to protect the poor from violence. Please mail to: International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961, Washington, DC 20090-6961

Depending on each individual living situation, interns can expect to pay up to $1000 monthly for housing. The number of roommates and proximity to central D.C. make a large difference. Interns planning on commuting by vehicle can expect to pay $100 per month for parking fees.

IJM does not have designated intern housing, but we supply incoming interns with several resources to help you with your housing search in the D.C. area. There is no set requirement for where you live; it is based entirely on availability and personal preference. While cost of living varies greatly due to personal preferences, we do recommend budgeting for at least $1,000 a month. IJM's office is located on the D.C. Metro system.

Yes. D.C. interns can fundraise on their own to cover costs of living while in D.C.

Not at this time.

Each intern will be supervised by someone in their department who will give assignments, monitor projects and provide assistance, support and feedback.

D.C. interns work a traditional 40-hour workweek, Monday–Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Academic requirements may possibly allow for modified working schedules.

Field office interns and fellows work a traditional 40-hour work week, Monday–Friday. Interns will receive 20 days of accrued vacation time per year in addition to all national holidays and staff retreats.

Smart business casual attire, which includes pressed shirts and slacks for men with appropriate footwear. For women, pants, skirts, or dresses that are tailored appropriately for our office environment are appropriate.

No, but applicants must hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. and have completed at least three years of college or applicable work experience.

No. Many IJM interns are recent college or graduate school graduates.

Applicants should be over 21 and have an undergraduate degree or substantial work experience.

Yes, field office interns and fellows can fundraise for their costs, which include training week expenses in Washington, D.C., (airfare, lodging, meals, local transportation), airfare to/from destination country, visa fees/postage, immunizations/vaccinations, travel insurance, and basic living expenses.

Not at this time.

The dress code varies depending on the local culture. However, all interns and fellows will be expected to dress professionally and modestly in the culture, and have at least one formal business suit. During training week, all interns will be dressed in smart business casual

Although prior experience or related coursework is required for certain roles, there are no specific requirements overall. Please see each position description on our careers page for more information on unique role requirements.

Candidates will have an interview with the proposed field office during the process of their admission. IJM will also specify the country in which we desire to place the intern or fellow in their offer letter.

IJM has offices in Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Office size, casework type, and city population vary across all IJM offices.

If candidates need an early decision due to academic or work restrictions, please note this in the application. IJM makes early decisions on a case by case basis.

Candidates only need to submit one application packet, but will need to submit the application form specific to each internship or fellowship type. Please note in the cover letter which positions are of interest. For example, an applicant interested in both D.C. and field office internships or fellowships should fill out the D.C. application and the field office internship or fellowship application. There is no need to submit duplicate copies of the additional materials that complete the application packet.

Those hoping to work in the field need to have the appropriate passport and visa(s), or be confident they can attain these documents, both for training week in Washington, D.C., and for their field office placement. While it is the candidate's responsibility to obtain the relevant visa(s), IJM staff will provide assistance in the process and provide any necessary letters of verification for a visa application.

Yes. IJM routinely selects interns and fellows who are not from the United States.

A new application must be submitted for any new role you wish to apply for. Please be sure to include an updated cover letter, resume, and statement of faith.

Application materials should be addressed to the Intern and Fellows Recruiter.

Yes. Several of our current field office interns and fellows are serving in the field office with their spouse. However, please note that you must apply and be accepted to the program individually.

Yes. IJM generally has openings for lawyers who can serve for a period of ten months to one year.

All applicants must have completed at least their first year of law school. Graduates of law school are also considered.

IJM Orientation is mandatory for all interns and fellows. However, field office interns and fellows are asked to deploy within 3 weeks of their training week. For all positions, there can be some flexibility with the session end date to accommodate academic or business needs.

All interns and fellows work closely with IJM staff in assisting our clients. Thus, they receive exposure to the issues involved in rescuing and providing a new life to victims of oppression. However, for security reasons, interns and fellows will only have contact with victims and clients when accompanied by trained IJM professionals. Also, due to language barriers, IJM relies on its national staff and aftercare partners to provide direct counseling.

No. Although IJM internships provide a great experience for those considering a career in law, the internship program is designed to benefit those pursuing a wide variety of careers. The majority of IJM employees are not lawyers and most interns are not directly involved in legal casework. IJM seeks quality applicants from all types of educational backgrounds and skill sets.

IJM offers four main programs:

• Washington D.C. Internships: Semester-based positions for undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines and early career professionals;
• Global Internships: 12 month positions for recent college graduates of all majors;
• Summer Legal Internships: Summer legal internships for current law students (June - August);

Fellowships: 12 month positions for experienced professionals or those with graduate degrees. Fellows serve in one of IJM's field offices and occasionally fellowships are available in Washington, D.C.