Week V: Drafting, Due Diligence & Development
Journal News
This week began with some good news! I’m excited to share that I’ve been selected as a staff member for the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, Volume 50!
I’m really looking forward to contributing to a journal that aligns with my interests in sustainability, governance, and the role of law in addressing global challenges. I’m already brainstorming topics I might explore this year, from ESG (environmental, social, governance) reporting requirements, to how international treaties shape environmental obligations across borders. It’s a chance to dive into complex legal questions with real-world implications, and I’m looking forward to applying what I’m learning here in Geneva to those research ideas.
Grants in Motion
At IBJ, my assignments this week got far more substantive and complex. I focused on preparing compliance matrices for two different grant opportunities, one for Kigali Public Diplomacy and another for a small grants program here in Geneva.
These matrices might sound dry, but they’re essential tools for ensuring our proposals align precisely with donor guidelines. It meant carefully mapping IBJ’s program plans and documentation requirements against strict criteria. Completing the U.S. Mission to Rwanda matrix was especially exciting because I’ll soon be working with the Kigali team to draft the grant proposal itself.
I also got to help the Youth Charter team brainstorm fundraising strategies for an upcoming UN event they’re planning for this summer. It was a nice change of pace to think creatively about outreach and sponsorship possibilities, and a reminder that access to justice work often requires building partnerships and engaging new audiences.
Gender Analysis for China Programming
A highlight this week was working on a gender analysis for a grant proposal supporting IBJ’s China program. I reviewed the analysis for clarity and relevance, ensuring it addressed the entrenched cultural norms and legal barriers facing women in the legal profession. It was sobering to reflect on the stereotypes female lawyers face, but also energizing to see IBJ’s commitment to challenging those barriers and mainstreaming gender inclusion in program design.
Due Diligence for Myanmar Partnership
Midweek, I was also pulled into a Zoom call with IBJ’s Myanmar program director to help refine a due diligence checklist for a new partnership. This document required assessing everything from governance structures and safeguarding policies to financial management and data protection practices. I spent time clarifying sections and improving consistency. It was an excellent lesson in how much careful, behind-the-scenes work is required to launch partnerships.
Beyond Work
This was one of my busiest work weeks yet, so I used my free time to relax and unwind for a change. I grabbed free ice cream at the train station (twice), attended a goodbye party for two colleagues, and spent quiet afternoons reading in the park.
One special moment that was technically still work but felt different was attending a spoken word workshop for the Youth Charter team. We had a mini trial run in the office to work out the kinks for the actual workshop they’re hoping to put on later this summer, which was a great way to support the planning while tapping into more creative energy. It was also a chance to see how legal empowerment work can intersect with art and storytelling.
I’m grateful for these new opportunities and eager to see how they’ll unfold over the rest of my time here!
À la semaine prochaine,
Sydney