Economic Empowerment Internship: Marketing & External Relations

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, non-governmental organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and other persons fleeing war, persecution and violent conflict.  In the United States, IRC provides assistance to refugees from around the world who have been approved by the U.S. federal government for resettlement. At the Suburban Washington Resettlement Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, our IRC Washington, DC Regional Office (IRC/DC) serves refugees, asylees and victims of human trafficking who live in southern Maryland, DC and northern Virginia.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

The first job is an essential element in helping refugees become economically self-sufficient. The Refugee Employment Interns work closely with Employment Specialists to support all aspects of clients' journey to self-sufficiency. This position will support the External Relations and Marketing division of the Employment Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Refugee Employment Interns will assist the Employment Specialists with the following tasks:

Assist in preparing marketing materials for employment-focused events including the Spring Job FairManage the Job Board Facebook page Assist in acquiring employment success stories for IRC NewsletterWork one-on-one with refugees and asylees to identify and meet employment needs, including creating resumes, completing applications, and editing cover lettersPrepare clients for interviews through one-on-one coaching and Job Readiness TrainingResearch programs beneficial to clients including apprenticeship and education programsIdentify potential employers and initiate contact by searching online and cold-calling Accompany clients to job interviews and assist with the completion of new hire paperworkDevelopment and coordinate career advancement workshops and in-house job fairsProvide assistance with data entry projects and organization of client filesOther duties as identified by the Employment Specialist

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Intern will learn to coordinate a large-scale event that brings together clients, community and business partners. Intern will learn to provide marketing support for a program within an international non-profit. Intern will learn to create effective resumes and cover letters.Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures.Intern will learn to present job preparedness training to targeted client groups.

REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant should be a current student or within 6 months out of school*Strong attention to detail and editing abilitiesKnowledge of Microsoft Publisher Ability to use Microsoft Excel to run reports for statistics and quantitative analysisAbility to use social media outlets effectively to promote your organizationProven knowledge of the American job search; able to effectively identify viable job opportunitiesExcellent communication and writing skills, including cross-cultural communicative skillsWorks well in a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to changeStrong interest in refugee and asylee issues or workforce developmentSome knowledge of the following languages is a plus (but not required): Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chin, Farsi, French, Karin, Nepali, Spanish, or Swahili.Communications background preferred but not required3 month minimum, at least 24 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

*Applicants that have completed school may also apply. If selected, they will be formally categorized as an Economic Empowerment Volunteer. 

Note: This is an unpaid internship; school credit may be received depending on your program and institution.

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