Microenterprise Outreach Intern (UNPAID) Spring/Summer

International Rescue Committee
United States, Kansas, Wichita
Dec 20, 2024
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. TITLE: Microenterprise Outreach Intern LOCATION: Wichita, KS START DATE: Fall 2024 DURATION: 1-2 semesters (Fall 2024- Spring 2025) SALARY: UNPAID BACKGROUND The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. At the IRC in Wichita, we welcome refugees from several different regions by providing them with resettlement assistance and services that allow them to restart their lives here in the U.S. Each year, the IRC in Wichita resettles refugees from Burma, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of the refugee clients that the IRC Wichita serves arrive with limited knowledge of the U.S. culture (work, financial services, language, etc.) and must re-start their lives with the assistance of the IRC. SCOPE OF WORK Recently, the IRC Wichita partnered with Microenterprise Development (MED) program were granted to implement services supporting underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs and refugees to be able to recover, grow, or start their businesses. These programs will be the 'boots on the ground' that will connect these existing and future entrepreneurs to critical resources and assistance, including technical assistance, and access to capital and industrial specific training. The Microenterprise Outreach Intern will work closely with the Small Business Counselor and Microenterprise Development Coordinator to support their strategic outreach plans, build awareness on and recruit existing small business owners and potential entrepreneurs to grow or start their businesses. RESPONSIBILITIES Minimum of 10 hours per week Preference for candidates that can offer a 6-month commitment; the intern will become an integral part of our team and be trained/mentored on several skill building responsibilities Builds awareness on IRC Wichita Microenterprise programs around Wichita for eligible potential clients; Identifies and reaches out to Small Businesses/potential clients by visiting, meeting, and communicating with them (in-person and online); Assists Microenterprise Development Coordinator with the planning and coordination of training sessions whether in person, or online; Identifies possible community partnerships and education opportunities with local businesses and organizations; Participates in meetings with potential clients; Flexible to work some nights and weekends as necessary; All other duties and miscellaneous activities as assigned. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Intern will gain exposure to refugee integration in through programing. Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures. Intern will learn to implement programming and coordinate outreach in the communities. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred, or working towards a degree, but not required Flexibility to work in a fast-paced, culturally-diverse environment with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate Knowledge and enthusiasm for building relationships and event planning within a non-profit setting Experience working with refugees, asylees, high-risk populations, persons in crisis, and/or diverse populations preferred Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality Strong knowledge of social media sites Excellent verbal and written skills Available for at least 10 hours per week for at least 4-6 months The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals Access to a safe working vehicle, and the willingness to drive clients to various appointments and places Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.