Latin America Regional Program Spring Intern
Background: Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC has offices in Washington DC, New York, Berlin/Bonn and London, and is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 28 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.
The Latin America Region: IRC’s Latin America Region is comprised of three population-based responses to regional crisis: 1) the Venezuela Crisis including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; 2) Northern of Central America (NCA - El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) and 3) Mexico & Cross Border(including coordination with IRC-US programming). Additionally, the Latin America region coordinated with the Emergency and Humanitarian Action Unit is responding to the current humanitarian crisis in Haiti through a partnership-based approach.
Job Overview: The Latin America Regional Program intern will be responsible for providing a range of assistance, communication, and research services in support of the programs that comprise the Latin America region. This position will work closely with and report to the Regional Program Assistant and will share workload information with Regional Program Support Team to ensure appropriate coverage of support to the region and regional programs. This position will also have the opportunity to work closely with the Latin America Regional Vice President as well as different members of the Latin America Regional team.
Major Responsibilities: Based on intern skills and experience, responsibilities may include a combination of program support and administrative/data support:
•Assist in maintaining up-to-date information and data for the region on the IRC’s intranet site through gathering regular updates from regional and country staff as needed;
•Ensure all communication materials are up to date including but not limited to team documents and donor-related materials;
•Research and be informed about programmatic issues, security and political developments in the region;
•Assist with the organization and note taking of regional conferences and regional meetings;
• Supporting with scheduling of regional management meetings, and providing calendar management support to regional leadership;
•Participate in special projects as needed.
Learning Outcomes:
1.Understand scope of IRC services and programs available in the Latin American region
2.Gain insight into the development of communication materials used within and outside of IRC
3.Improve communication skills in linguistically and culturally diverse environment
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in related discipline (Latin America Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Business, Social Sciences), current undergraduate pursuing a relevant degree, or relevant applicable work or intern experience.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
•Previous administrative experience preferred
•Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
•Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs
Language Skills:
•Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English is required
•High level proficiency or fluency in Spanish is required
This position is unpaid with perdiem at $25 only when/if travelling and reports to the Latin America Regional Program Assistant
Working Environment: The position will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia with remote work allowed as mutually agreed upon.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.