MEDA | Internship Assignments

Internship Assignments

Internships for Canadians | Internships for US Residents

Internships for Canadian Residents

Child Rights Research Associate - Egypt

Agricultural Research Associate (impact) – Nicaragua

Agricultural Research Associate (gender) – Nicaragua

Field Coordinator, MEDA Trust – Nicaragua

Project Monitoring and Analysis – Peru

Agricultural Research Associate – Peru

Child Rights Research Associate – Egypt

Project description:
MEDA works with a local partner, EACID, to address the interests of children who work. EACID provides innovative loan products and other support programs that address working conditions and learning opportunities of children who work. They provide loans that improve children’s working conditions; provide learning opportunities and establish alternative, family-based safe work environments for children. EACID is based in Aswan City.

Job Description:
The Child Rights Research Associate will assist the EACID project team with the implementation of a rights-based process that promotes working children’s participation and input in project activities and decision making. The assignment will follow up on the work started by the previous CIDA interns working on this project. The intern will focus on the following tasks:

Review the work of the previous CIDA Interns to learn about the current project and local context.
Continue to monitor project results, the impacts of project interventions (especially the loans) on the lives of working children through conducting interviews and focus group discussions with project staff, working children and their families, and other stakeholders.
Process this data, integrating it with the research conducted by the previous CIDA intern to keep an ongoing report of the project status.
Participate in the implementation of the project by working with working children.
Document this process to capture the knowledge process and lessons learned.
Share reports and lessons learned with MEDA headquarters and EACID staff.
Modify research survey tools as part of the learning process, and submit to MEDA for future use.

Qualifications:

University degree in International Economic Development, Human Rights or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with rights-based approach, data collection, measurement and analysis
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The internship will contribute to the EACID’s response to improving children’s working conditions and learning opportunities in Egypt.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in field research and report preparation.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will gather data to monitor project results. The intern will collaborate with Egyptian staff to analyze results and create reports on the project.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn how to conduct field research and prepare non-academic reports, and transfer skills to others. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs The intern will prepare reports on the progress of the project. Egyptian staff will be better able to track child level results of project interventions. The intern will present the results of their work to EACID and MEDA staff.	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Agricultural Research Associate (Impact) – Nicaragua

Project description:
The Sesame Production and Marketing project, Produmer II, provides technical assistance and training in the use of improved cropping technology to small-holder sesame producers in order to increase their production yields. The project also aims to develop a functioning sesame industry association and improve gender equality and environmental stewardship programs.

Job Description:
The goals of this internship are to assist the Project Director to enhance the performance of Produmer II, to support new business development and documenting project impact. Specific tasks will include:

Assist in identifying, investigating and documenting livelihood diversification opportunities in the agricultural, livestock, and related off-farm service and processing sectors.
Prepare farm/crop production models, including cost/benefit analyses and business plans, based on existing production patterns and practices.
Prepare a case study documenting the progress of the Conservation Agriculture (CA) experiment, including a business plan model to be used for CA equipment rental.
Actively support the Extension staff in facilitating constructive dialogue between relevant stakeholders to document the impact of the project’s cross cutting themes of gender and environment.
Assist in the formulation of specific new project funding proposals.
Write several one page briefs to highlight client stories or technologies for promotional purposes.

Qualifications:

University degree in Business Administration, Agri-business, International Economic Development or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with cost-benefit analysis, case studies, and gender analysis
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Fluency in Spanish is preferred
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The internship will contribute to the development of sesame and other agribusinesses in Nicaragua.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in cost/benefit analysis, desk and field-based market research and competitive analysis, NGO capacity-building, report preparation.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will carry out and complete assigned evaluative, capacity-building and research tasks on various topics as assigned.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn expectations of conducting research and preparing non-academic reports. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs The intern will prepare summary reports and present findings to Program staff. The intern will provide recommendations for the Program’s further consideration.	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Agricultural Research Associate (Gender) – Nicaragua

Project description:
The Sesame Production and Marketing project, Produmer II, provides technical assistance and training in the use of improved cropping technology to small-holder sesame producers in order to increase their production yields. The project also aims to develop a functioning sesame industry association and improve gender equality and environmental stewardship programs.

Job Description:
The goals of this internship are to assist the Project Director to enhance the performance of Produmer II, to support new business development and promote the overall assimilation of the cross-cutting gender component within the project. Specific tasks will include:

Contribute to planning, supporting and analysis of Focus Group Discussions on “Exploration of Family Income Security Strategies” under Produmer’s gender strategy. Prepare a case study to document the FGD methodology used in the project.
Actively support the Gender Specialist in facilitating constructive dialogue between relevant stakeholders with regards to the successful implementation of the gender strategy.
Prepare farm/crop production models, including cost/benefit analyses and business plans, based on existing production patterns and practices.
Assist in identifying, investigating and documenting livelihood diversification opportunities in the agricultural, livestock, and related off-farm service and processing sectors.
Assist in the formulation of specific new project funding proposals.
Write several one page briefs to highlight client stories or technologies for promotional purposes.

Qualifications:

University degree in Business Administration, Agri-business, International Economic Development or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with cost-benefit analysis, case studies, and gender analysis
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Fluency in Spanish is preferred
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The internship will contribute to the development of sesame and other agribusinesses in Nicaragua.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in cost/benefit analysis, desk and field-based market research and competitive analysis, NGO capacity-building, report preparation.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will carry out and complete assigned evaluative, capacity-building and research tasks on various topics as assigned.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn expectations of conducting research and preparing non-academic reports. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs The intern will prepare summary reports and present findings to Program staff. The intern will provide recommendations for the Program’s further consideration.	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Field Coordinator, MEDA Trust – Nicaragua

Project description:
MEDA Trust is a web based program linking MEDA’s Microfinance Institution in Nicaragua (MiCredito) to donors in North America through a web platform. The MEDA Trust website is tied into the MIS for MiCredito and allows for individuals and groups to contribute to a portfolio, and then select microfinance clients for funding.

Job Description:
The Field Coordinator’s primary duties are to provide the updated stories from clients, arrangement for seminars and webcasts, as well as provide the link to the MIS department in MiCredito. Specific tasks will include:

Develop and document client stories in both written and video format. These stories are for use both on the MEDA Trust web program and in other MEDA publications.
Develop documentation of the MEDA Trust system and train other MEDA staff to use the system.
Coordinate and produce webinars to be broadcast through the MEDA Trust website. This will include preparing the content of the webinar, advertising and coordinating the logistics for the participants.
Produce webcast interviews of MiCredito clients to be aired on the MEDA Trust website.
Collect photographs of clients for use in MEDA Trust and other MEDA publications.
Maintain the MEDA Trust web interface with the appropriate content including client information, pictures and instructions for use.
Ensure the technical aspects of the MEDA Trust web platform are operational, and provide technical troubleshooting.

Qualifications:

University degree in Marketing, Journalism, International Economic Development or related field
Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with journalistic writing and multi-media (video, photography, etc)
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Fluency in Spanish is preferred
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The intern will help to increase awareness and educate North Americans about the work of microfinance.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in documenting client impact and preparing materials for public development education.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will prepare client impact stories and webinars/broadcasts regarding international development. The intern will document the system to communicate impact stories and work with local staff to learn the system.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn how to document client impact for use as public education on microfinance work. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs Client stories and webinars will be produced. A Procedure Manual for the system will be prepared and local staff trained as appropriate.	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Project Monitoring and Analysis – Peru

Project description:
The Linkages to Sustainable Production in the Protected Natural Areas of Peru project, funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank, is developing economic opportunities for the residents of four protected areas that will discourage environmental degradation while simultaneously addressing major critical environmental issues.

Job Description:
The goals of this internship are to assist the Project Director to enhance the performance of the project, by monitoring project progress, preparing case studies, and identifying economic and environmental issues which have not been addressed in the project. Specific tasks will include:

Assist in the management and improvement of the project’s monitoring and evaluation systems.
Monitor project outputs against its deliverables, identifying critical areas to be addressed.
Write case studies highlighting lessons learned and the project’s progress in topics identified as relevant by project management.
Prepare farm/crop production models, including cost/benefit analyses, based on existing production patterns and practices.
Assist in identifying, investigating and documenting livelihood diversification opportunities in the agricultural, fishery, and related off-farm service and processing sectors.
Assist in identifying, investigating and documenting environmental protection opportunities in the agricultural, fishery, and related off-farm service and processing sectors.
Assist where required in the formulation of specific new project funding proposals.
Write several one-page briefs to highlight client stories or technologies for promotional purposes.

Qualifications:

University degree in Business Administration, Agri-business, Environmental Studies, International Economic Development or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with cost-benefit analysis, case studies, and gender analysis
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Willingness to live in a somewhat remote area with a basic level of services.
Fluency or near-fluency in Spanish is required.
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The internship will contribute to the development of viable economic opportunities in protected natural areas in Peru.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in cost/benefit analysis, desk and field-based market research and competitive analysis, NGO capacity-building, and report preparation.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will carry out and complete assigned evaluative, capacity-building and research tasks on various topics as assigned.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn expectations of conducting research and preparing non-academic reports. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs The intern will prepare summary reports and present findings to Program staff. The intern will provide recommendations for the Program’s further consideration.	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Agricultural Research Associate– Peru

Project description:
MEDA has been operating in Peru since 2000 and working directly to address Peru’s problems of poverty, lack of employment and unsustainable use of natural resources. The goal is to build sustainable businesses that result in increased income for the poor. The programs aim to accomplish this by developing innovative linkages for the production and marketing of agricultural products. MEDA Peru works to strengthen the capacity of private sector providers to deliver needed, appropriate and sustainable agribusiness development services to small and micro farmers. The goal is to increase the incomes of subsistence farmers by integrating them into commercial markets for high value commodities. The will provide sub sector analysis for agricultural products.

Job Description:
The goal of this internship will be to conduct sub sector analysis within the agricultural sub sector in Peru. The purpose of the research will be to prepare a needs analysis and document consumer demand and market barriers for a variety of agricultural products manufactured in this region. The work of this intern will lay the foundation for MEDA’s understanding of where and how we can apply our expertise to the development of a viable agricultural market in Peru. The specific tasks for the intern will include:

Review the research and reports conducted by previous CIDA intern’s and conduct preliminary desk research where required to understand the current agricultural industry in Peru.
Analyze results of this research and define specific target areas for further field research in coordination with MEDA Peru staff.
Review and modify assessment tools (surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, etc) for more in-depth targeted field research, and form baseline indicators.
Implement the research tools created. For example: conduct interviews with suppliers, producers, exporters, project staff, and other stakeholders to assess current practices and future needs in the agricultural industry.
Process the data collected and analyze current prices, quality, and specialty products in the agricultural sector, and document recommendations for alternative interventions to support the agricultural industry.
Prepare a report on these findings and include recommendations for next steps.
Share reports and lessons learned with MEDA headquarters and modify research survey tools as part of the learning process.

Qualifications:

University degree in Business Administration, Agri-business, International Economic Development or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience or familiarity with cost-benefit analysis, survey tools and business/market analysis
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Fluency in Spanish is preferred
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Development Objectives The internship will contribute to the development of viable agricultural markets in Peru.	Internship Employment Objectives The intern will gain skills in field research and report preparation.
Expected Development Outputs The intern will design action research tools: surveys, interview questions, focus group questions, and/or pilot test tools. The intern will develop ideas and plans for development interventions based on research findings. The intern will propose recommendations for next steps.	Expected Employment Outputs Intern will gain contacts for future career development. Intern will learn action research and analysis skills and expectations of implementing development projects. Intern will improve understanding of international development as a career.
Indicators for Development Outputs The intern will prepare a report on research findings, potential development interventions and recommendations for next steps. The intern will present research findings to MEDA staff	Indicators for Employment Outputs Intern will receive feedback on performance at completion of internship assignment. Intern will have list of contacts for future career development.

Internships for US Residents

Human Resource Administrator – Haiti
Microbusiness Development Associate – Gulfport/Biloxi, MS

Human Resource Administrator – Haiti

Fonkoze is a Haitian foundation that supports the organized poor providing them with essential banking services throughout-out the country and assisting borrowers with literacy, business training and health education. Fonkoze Financial Services (FFS) was incorporated in 2004 and provides loans that are used to start or expand a small business and savings products geared towards meeting the needs of the poor. FFS has 378 employees in 15 branches in the country.

MEDA has had a long history of economic development programming in Haiti and maintained a country office presence from 1984 to 2004. It had two microfinance initiatives, one in the early 1990s which served small enterprises in urban Port-au-Prince. It later spun-off into the largest Credit Union in Haiti, SHEC. From 1999- 2004, MEDA managed a rural finance program (REKO) which provided credit, savings, and training services to rural entrepreneurs, using a community banking model. In 2004, MEDA consolidated its operations and transferred a number of community banks, as well as staff, to Fonkoze. MEDA remains connected to the Fonkoze family through board participation and provision of capital to SFF (a loan by Sarona disbursed 11/07). MEDA has been on the board of SFF since 2004; at present, Julie Redfern, MEDA’s Director of Microfinance, is a board member.

Project Description:
The project involves assisting Fonkoze’s Human Resource Department update job descriptions, assist with the design, implementation and training of a revised job evaluation system and performance management system. The intern will work closely with Fonkoze’s HR Director and MEDA’s HR representative in Waterloo, Ontario who will assist in overseeing the interns’ work and in providing support to the intern. The intern will be located at Fonkoze’s head office in Port-au-Prince.

Job Description:
The main focus for the Human Resource Associate will be to:

Assist in reviewing, updating and writing job descriptions
Assist in ensuring job descriptions are reviewed and aligned with the salary administration system
Assist in updating and rolling out Human Resources policies and manual
Learn the methodology of the existing Performance Management System and assist in updating, preparing training material, training and roll out of changes.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of French essential
University degree or College degree. Studies in Human Resources preferred.
Experience in Human Resources an asset
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in international travel and cross-cultural experiences; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Internship Details:
All direct expenses are covered including items such as: round-trip airfare, housing, food, health insurance, and other related direct costs such as work visas and vaccinations. MEDA does not require interns to contribute any money toward the internship. Please note: The housing and living allowance is modest, and designed to provide enough money for safe and comfortable living conditions. Participants should not expect to have savings accumulated from the living allowance at the end of the assignment.

An orientation week will be scheduled in August 2008 in Waterloo, Ontario and the 7 month assignment will be directly after this session. There is some flexibility in tweaking the start date and the duration of the assignment.

More details are posted on our web site . Send your resumes to jobs@meda.org

Microbusiness Development Associate – Gulfport/Biloxi, MS

Project description:
The Gulf Coast Community Service Center (GCCSC) was established in Gulfport by International Relief & Development to assist individuals and families in recovering from Hurricane Katrina. In addition to providing immediate emergency assistance and consultation, the GCCSC is committed to implementing long-term development programs that target the vulnerable communities along the Gulf Coast

MEDA is assisting GCCSC in developing a microbusiness development program using the ASSETS+ model which provides training, technical assistance, lending and mentoring to individuals seeking to start or grow businesses.

Job Description:

The main focus of the Microbusiness Development Associate will be to assist with development and delivery of program services to entrepreneurs. This may include the following activities:

Talk with potential clients and members of the community to explain GCCSC business development services

Assist GCCSC staff with development of and planning for workshops on specific topics that complement the core business training course.

Follow-up with clients who have completed the core business training course, collecting information on business outcomes and identifying ongoing business development needs.

Work with MEDA and GCCSC staff in implementing the GCCSC lending program and mentoring program.

Qualifications:

University degree in Business Administration, Community Economic Development, Entrepreneurship or related field
Excellent research, analytical, writing and interpersonal communication skills, including experience and comfort in addressing groups
Independent, self-directed and highly motivated
Strong interest in community based economic development; flexible and able to adapt to different environments and cultures
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals