About InterAction:  InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination. 

InterAction’s Executive Office is seeking applications for a paid internship position for Fall 2022. We anticipate the internship lasting from late September (anticipated September 28) through mid-December with flexible start and end dates.  

Position Summary: The Executive Office Intern will support the work of the Executive Office, becoming part of a small but dynamic team that leads programmatic efforts for CEOs in our network, works with our Board of Directors, and supports executive-level leadership across this sector. During this period of time the intern will also be supporting a CEO transition. The intern will assist in tasks as needed that will encompass administrative support, research, writing, drafting topic-specific briefs and presentation slides, and other projects, working directly with the Executive Director, Senior Manager of the Executive Office, and Director of NGO Futures program on core internal and externally-facing initiatives. 

This will be a paid internship. 10-12 weeks for 20 hours/week / $16.10 an hour – DC minimum wage, and the intern must be located in/have an address in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and have the right to work in the US. InterAction is also happy to administratively support class credit if needed. InterAction is now in a hybrid work format, with staff working at the office Wednesdays or Thursdays (at least one day per week) and remotely the other 3-4 days. Interns have some more flexibility to work remotely, though we would prefer an intern who can regularly be in DC. Pending schedule, this internship would begin September 28. 

Responsibilities Include:  

• Support follow ups , planning and preparation for the InterAction September 2022 and January 2023 Board meetings and other meetings and events as needed. Includes drafting September Board Meeting minutes – a unique and confidential insight into organizational governance. 
• Support preparation for the CEO Retreat, an annual convening of our sector taking place January 2023. 
• During Fall of 2022, the Executive Office will be closely engaged in a CEO transition. The Intern will support with transitioning information and preparing materials for the new CEO. 
• Conduct research and draft briefs, user-friendly educational content, and other materials on topics the Executive Office is working on or hoping to grow into, including key issues in the changing international NGO operating environment; field scanning approaches and tensions relating to the shift to localization in international development; evolving dynamics of funding in the international development sector;  building, expanding and measuring Board diversity; organizational agility best practices; shifting culture and practices post-COVID-19 and/or other projects that may emerge. 
• Opportunities to support InterAction Fellows in their projects (oral history of the international development sector, research on the future of small non-profits, etc.) 

• Support of InterAction CEO, Executive Office, NGO Futures, and InterAction fellows as needed.  
• Donor Research. 
• Basic administrative functions including scheduling some external events for the Executive Director, supporting events and meetings, and other duties as assigned. 

Professional Development Expectations: 

• The intern will meet with their manager one-on-one a minimum of once a week for 30 minutes. 
• The intern will attend all internal meetings that are relevant to their tasks. 
• The intern will stay aware of any internal InterAction events relevant to their interest and attend them after confirming their participation with their manager. 
• When there are no immediately pressing tasks, the intern will educate themselves on relevant topics that are of interest through internal InterAction resources: https://www.interaction.org/issues/. This might include attending working group meetings or other related development or international relations events. 
• The Executive Office is committed to a mutually beneficial internship experience and looks forward to working with the intern to develop projects that will be both of interest to the intern and supportive of the Executive Office’s broader efforts.  

• The internship will be remote until March when the intern will have the opportunity to return to the office with the rest of the staff.  
• Regardless of location all applicants must have an address in DC, Maryland, or Virginia in order to qualify for payment. 

Preferred qualifications:   

• The successful candidate should be a self-starter, organized, personable, and adaptable.  

• Available to work approximately 20 hours per week for a minimum of a minimum of a 10-week commitment. 
• Recent graduates or those currently enrolled in an undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate program in international relations, humanitarian action, NGO management, or another related field. 
• Solid administrative, writing, editing, and research skills with strong attention to detail.  
• Familiarity with basic data analysis and methods, including use of survey tools like Survey Monkey. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and internet search engines (and commitment to learn tech skills as needed). 

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Positive attitude with a willingness to work independently and collaboratively and to take initiative to ask questions as needed. 
• Strong interest in and understanding of international development and/or NGOs preferred. 
• Commitment to InterAction’s mission and values. 

InterAction is committed to supporting a diverse pool of candidates and encourages applications from those with a range of racial, ethnic, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, citizenship, disability, and other identities.  

Preparatory Reading: 

• About InterAction. https://www.interaction.org/about-interaction/  

Application process 

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and an optional 2 – 4 page writing sample, preferably on a topic related to international development, humanitarian issues, or other issues of relevance to global justice and/or nonprofits (this can be a blog, paper etc). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applications submitted by September 14 are preferred. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  

Due to high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States. No phone calls, please.