About InterAction: InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.
InterAction’s Executive Office is seeking applications for a remote internship position for Fall 2021.
A stipend of $1000 will be provided to full-time interns completing the internship (pro-rated for part-time) along with support for class credits and a robust professional development program which includes workshops, trainings, and educational opportunities. We anticipate the internship lasting from September through December with flexible start and end dates.
Position Summary: The Executive Office Intern will support the work of the Executive Office. The intern will assist in tasks as needed that will encompass research, draft topic-specific briefs and presentation slides, administrative support, and other projects, working directly with the Executive Director, Senior Manager of the Executive Office, and Director of NGO Futures program on core externally-facing initiatives.
Responsibilities Include:
Support planning and preparation for the InterAction December 2021 Board meeting and other meetings and events as needed.
Conduct research and draft briefs, user-friendly educational content, and other materials on topics the Executive Office is working on or hoping to grow into, including key issues in the changing international NGO operating environment; field scanning approaches and tensions relating to the shift to localization in international development; evolving dynamics of funding in the international development sector; building, expanding and measuring Board diversity; organizational agility best practices; shifting culture and practices post-COVID-19 and/or other projects that may emerge.
Support of InterAction CEO, Executive Office, NGO Futures, and InterAction fellows as needed.
Donor Research.
Basic administrative functions including scheduling some external events for the Executive Director, supporting events and meetings, and other duties as assigned.
Professional Development Expectations:
The intern will meet with their manager one-on-one a minimum of once a week for 30 minutes.
The intern will attend all internal meetings that are relevant to their tasks.
The intern will stay aware of any internal InterAction events relevant to their interest and attend them after confirming their participation with their manager.
When there are no immediately pressing tasks, the intern will educate themselves on relevant topics that are of interest through internal InterAction resources: https://www.interaction.org/issues/
The intern will be encouraged to seek and attend at least one event a week at think tanks, other NGOs, or other related development or international relations organizations in Washington, DC (now online). A significant amount of learning opportunities and professional development in Washington, DC is acquired through exposure to experts and new ideas. Seeking these opportunities out is a key element of a DC-based learning experience.
The Executive Office is committed to a mutually beneficial internship experience, and looks forward to working with the intern develop projects that will be both of interest to the intern and supportive of the Executive Office’s broader efforts.
Preferred qualifications:
The successful candidate should be a self-starter, organized, personable and adaptable.
Available to work at least 4 days a week of work (32 hours per week), with preference for those who can work full time (5 days/40 hours per week) for a minimum of 10-week commitment.
Ideally currently enrolled in an undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate program in international relations, humanitarian action, NGO management or another related field. Recent graduates also eligible to apply.
Solid writing, editing, and research skills with strong attention to detail.
Familiarity with basic data analysis and methods, including use of survey tools like Survey Monkey.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and internet search engines (and commitment to learn tech skills as needed).
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Positive attitude with a willingness to work independently and collaboratively take initiative to ask questions as needed.
Strong interest in and understanding of international development and/or NGOs preferred.
Commitment to InterAction’s mission and values.
InterAction is committed to supporting a diverse pool of candidates and encourage applications from those with a range of racial, ethnic, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, citizenship and other identities.
Preparatory Reading:
- About InterAction. https://www.interaction.org/about-interaction/
How to apply:
Please complete an online application ( Careers - InterAction) and include a cover letter, and a 2 – 4 page writing sample, preferably on a topic related to international development, humanitarian issues, or other issues of relevance to global justice and/or nonprofits (this can be a blog, paper etc). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
Due to the volume of applicants, only those moving forward with next steps in the recruitment process will be notified. No phone calls please!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.