Update on Timing As of 10 May 2010, we are still waiting to hear confirmation from CIDA on internship funding. We will not be accepting applications until after we are confirmed and ready to start recruitment. Please keep checking back, we will post application procedures as soon as we are ready to go. We expect to hear more from CIDA by the end of May. Thanks for your patience and keep checking back!

Strengthening Rural Value Chains in Ethiopia

The goal of the proposed project is to increase incomes for farmers and textile producers by facilitating access to growing markets, enhanced production techniques, appropriate technologies, improved input supplies, and affordable support services, including finance. With a commercially-driven approach, activities will concentrate on integrating smallholder rice farmers and small-scale artisans into higher value markets through increased market linkages (including input, services, and final markets) and enhanced productivity

Position – Rural Microfinance Intern

This internship will be best suited for someone with a degree in business, economics, international development, or a related field. Knowledge of development concepts and principles, as well as experience conducting qualitative research would be assets.

The primary objective is to identify new microfinance products to support the activities of the project value chains. Key Tasks include:

• Identify 1-2 opportunities for MF products to encourage use of new technologies
• Conduct needs assessment and market research
• Set goals, objectives and measurement frameworks
• Define initial implementation plan    

Length of Assignment
The length of the work assignment in country is six months. Interns will participate in a one week orientation and training in Waterloo, Ontario and be required to debrief and report back to MEDA staff in Waterloo upon return to Canada. The debriefing will include exercises aimed to facilitate successful re-entry to Canada and ongoing job search training and support.

Application Procedure
We are NOT yet recruiting for internship assignments.  The assignment descriptions listed on this web site are examples of the internships we may be offering upon CIDA approval in the spring of 2010.