InterAction offers internship opportunities three times a year, typically corresponding with the academic calendar and during the summer. Competitive applicants should possess a minimum of three years of undergraduate coursework in an area that is related to the focus of the desired internship. Graduate students are preferred. Applications for internships should be received by mid-January for the spring, mid-April for the summer and early August for the fall. Early applications are encouraged, as positions are filled on a rolling basis, depending on organizational needs.
Internships are unpaid; however, InterAction interns receive a transportation stipend of $50 per month.
All applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, able to work with minimal supervision and commit to working at least 20 hours per week to be considered. Applicants should have excellent written and spoken English skills, strong computer skills (including Microsoft Word and Excel) and good interpersonal and organizational skills.
Internship Openings
The Office of the President offers two positions each semester to students interested in gaining a comprehensive view of what it takes to operate the executive office at a major nonprofit alliance. Applicants should be pursuing degrees in leadership, global studies, political science business administration or related fields; and have a demonstrated interest in international affairs or nonprofit management. Specific responsibilities may include record-keeping, organizing briefing books for the president and board of directors, communicating with member CEOs and other high-level contacts, assisting with travel arrangements, event coordination and an assortment of other assignments. The exceptional candidate will be eager to learn and willing to do a variety of tasks.
The Humanitarian Policy & Practice Team offers three positions each semester, one in each of the following issue areas: Disaster Response, Protection and Refugee Affairs, and Security Coordination. Applicants should have significant coursework in at least one of the designated issue areas. Interns perform a variety of research, writing and administrative support tasks, with opportunities to attend meetings and network with professionals representing a variety of NGOs in the humanitarian community.
The Office of Information Technology offers one position each semester to a student interested in gaining real-world experience in field of Information Technology. Applicants should be pursuing degrees in Computer Science or Information Technology and have a demonstrated interest in the field. Specific responsibilities may include creating user profiles, help with tech support and help developing training materials and or training videos used by staff.
The Membership & Standards Team offers internships throughout the year to students interested in gaining practical experience working at a nonprofit membership-based organization. Interns assist with routine membership support activities and provide logistical support for committee and working group meetings. Interns will gain an understanding of nonprofit governance, NGO accountability, and program effectiveness. Interns will also assist with planning two large-scale events -- the annual InterAction Forum, a three-day conference that brings together over 800 participants from international NGOs, government, think tanks, and foundations, and the InterAction member CEO Retreat. A spring 2012 internship is still available.
The Policy & Communications Team offers as many as four positions each semester to students interested in gaining some hands-on experience in public policy or communications. Policy interns assist with preparing a weekly summary of legislative news, attend Capitol Hill hearings and briefings as needed, research legislative action that impacts the InterAction alliance, draft policy articles for InterAction’s Monday Developments magazine and draft pieces for the web, in addition to other assignments. Communications interns focus on one of four areas: Graphic Design, Policy Communications, Public Relations or Social Media. Responsibilities vary and may include working on various public relations projects, media relations activities to support InterAction initiatives, graphic design work, social media or website assignments, assisting with marketing efforts and writing for InterAction’s Monday Developments magazine.
The Mapping Team is offering a Communications Fellowship for the summer (mid-May through July). The Fellow will develop a comprehensive, long-term communications strategy for NGO Aid Map. Applicants should have a background in communications, journalism or public relations, preferably with an interest in humanitarian response and international development. The ideal candidate will be a creative thinker who can develop a multi-faceted communications strategy that utilizes both traditional and non-traditional mediums. Applications are due March 19, 2012. Read more and how to apply here.
For more information about all InterAction internships, look for InterAction on Idealist.
To apply for an InterAction internship:
Submit a cover letter and resume to intern@InterAction.org. Please indicate in your cover letter and email subject line the team (i.e., Membership & Standards, Policy & Communications) with which you would like to intern. Applications that do not identify the preferred team will not be considered!
Due to the large number of applications received for each position, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
