Economic Empowerment Internship

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Company Profile:

The Foundation for Sustainable Development envisions a world where all people have the opportunity and capacity to direct economic, social, and environmental resources toward sustainable outcomes that improve lives and communities. Our mission is to achieve community-driven goals through asset-based development and international exchange in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Annually we support more than 200 projects, invest more than $800,000 in our partner communities, and our work directly impacts the lives of roughly 150,000 people around the world. From a women’s beekeeping business in Kenya to nutritional education for mothers in Nicaragua and cook stove projects in India, FSD listens to community priorities and supports local leaders to achieve their vision for a better future.

Community Partner:

IDIWA’s Mission is to empower disabled adults and children to maximize their potential and improve their standard of living through human rights and policy advocacy, rehabilitative health care, education and sustainable livelihoods

Internship Description:

Intern will focus on promoting financial independence among women with disabilities through the production and sale of cookies in small-scale confectionery businesses. Desired skills include training skills; marketing, sales promotion, and record keeping; organizational and leadership skills, enthusiasm for IDIWA mission; and appreciation for adult learning.

Qualifications:

• Student studying marketing, leadership, project management, or similar
• Motivated to work in rural areas and among underserved populations
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with little material resources
• Culturally respectful, wants to learn more than teach
• Curious, innovative, and quick learners
• Resilient, open-minded, and hard-working
• Creative and positive problem-solver, adaptable to challenging environments
• Genuinely interested in community development and integrating into the community

Schedule:

Interns will receive in-country orientation upon arrival facilitated by the FSD site team, which includes training in sustainable development principles, health and safety, cultural integration, and project management. After orientation, interns live with host-families and work full-time at the organization Monday-Friday. In the first week at the organization, the intern will gain an understanding of ongoing initiatives and conduct field visits to learn about the communities they serve. The supervisor and intern will collaborate to develop a workplan and budget that focuses on a specific youth/environmental project that addresses the long-term needs of the community. FSD will facilitate reflections and a midterm retreat, as well as provide project planning support and collect deliverables.

Internship program includes airport pick up, accommodation and meals, supervision, pre-departure training, on-site orientation and in-country support, medical/evacuation insurance, and project seed fund.