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Internships2021-02-17T10:15:57-05:00

Gain hands-on experience and explore a career in international development

We offer semester-long, volunteer (unpaid) positions that your school may accept as academic credit for course work. As part of our small, dynamic team, you’ll have important responsibilities and contribute directly to community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. We offer both in person and virtual options.

You’ll have the chance to learn more about grassroots development, socioeconomic issues, government affairs, financial management, legal research, partnerships, and agricultural and urban development issues. You’ll also receive on-the-job training, professional development opportunities like brown bag sessions, and opportunities to network with international development professionals in the federal government.

Eligibility

To qualify as a student volunteer, you must:

  • Be enrolled at least half time in a high school, undergraduate, or graduate program 
  • Have permission from your institution to participate 
  • Be interested in or pursuing a career related to our mission or our support offices

This volunteer program might particularly interest students studying  Spanish or Portuguese language, Latin American Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Law or Pre-Law, Operations, or Communications.

Positions Available

In this office, your assignments may include:

  • collaborating with other offices and engaging in special projects to to support CEO vision and advance our mission
  • engaging with the U.S. inter-agency on priority initiatives
  • supporting engagement with our Board of Directors and Advisory Council
  • conducting research on political, economic, and development issues in Latin America and the Caribbean

In this unit within the CEO’s office, your assignments may include:

  • writing, conducting research, and drafting communications to advance our partnerships with the private sector
  • tracking information on existing and potential partnerships
  • developing partnership-related communications materials, including factsheets, web content, PowerPoints, and social media
  • supporting meetings, outreach activities, and events related to donor and partner engagement
  • collaborating with other offices to increase our visibility and credibility among a wide range of audiences

In this office, your assignments may include:

  • preparing grant portfolio briefings and country strategies
  • supporting research and analysis to help our program staff decide which projects we’ll fund in Latin America and the Caribbean
  • assembling and updating grant records
  • producing presentations and reports
  • conducting research and carrying out assignments related to ongoing initiatives and other topics of special interest, such as sustainable agriculture, migration, natural resource management, community philanthropy, enterprise development, and civic engagement

In this office, your assignments may include:

  • producing written and visual content for the IAF website, social media, and blog, or for Congress or U.S. government audiences
  • creating short video pieces
  • tracking issues of interest to the U.S. Congress
  • researching development policy and U.S.-Latin America affairs
  • organizing events with external audiences
  • fact-checking and proofreading public-facing materials
  • transcribing, translating, and subtitling video clips

In this office, your assignments may include:

  • ensuring effective federal government operations and initiatives
  • analyzing and evaluating findings from grant audits and risk assessments
  • analyzing and summarizing financial and/or transparency data
  • conducting information technology research and assisting our Chief Information Office with IT infrastructure projects

In this office, your assignments may include:

  • conducting research to support our review of program and partnership documents, as well as legal research on wide-ranging issues in both international and domestic law
  • supporting basic legal office management activities
  • working collaboratively with other IAF Offices and U.S. government agencies to advance our mission

How to apply

You must submit:

  1. The IAF Student Volunteer Application Form
  2. A cover letter outlining your interest
  3. A resume

Please email your application to Kara Rogers.

You may be required to obtain a security certification before starting your internship.

We also offer virtual internships. You will need to use your own supplies, including computer, printer, and related equipment to complete your work.

Deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis but review applications starting at the following cut-off points. For full consideration, submit your application by the following dates:

  • Fall Semester – August 1
  • Spring Semester – December 1
  • Summer Session – April 1

We are an equal opportunity agency. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, creed, political affiliation, marital status, age, or any other non-merit reason.

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