TITLE: IRC Missoula Economic Empowerment Intern
LOCATION: Missoula
START DATE: Summer or Fall 2024
COMMITMENT: 15+ hours per week during standard business hours for one semester

BACKGROUND:  

The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Missoula, Montana provides services to approximately 180 newly arriving refugees per year. 

SCOPE OF WORK:

As an economic empowerment Intern, you will support the Economic Empowerment Manager and Employment team with various aspects of economic empowerment, particularly as it relates to refugee women. Duties include but are not limited to assisting IRC staff with developing programming for refugee women surrounding career development and financial education. The intern may organize classes, events, or provide 1 on 1 support for IRC clients. Individual support could include tasks such as assisting the client with resume building, attending job interviews, or accompanying clients to their new job. The intern will strive to support refugee women by reducing barriers to employment, building career confidence, and fostering financial independence and self-sufficiency.

As such, you will be expected to learn about the IRC (history, scope of work, values, etc.), our clients, and core services. All activities will be done in coordination with the office staff and under the supervision of the Economic Empowerment Manager.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

  • Conduct needs assessment to identify barriers hindering employment for refugee women
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute events, activities, or classes tailored to the unique needs of refugee women, emphasizing career exploration and financial literacy
  • Support refugees as they work towards self-sufficiency by assisting in the job search, application, and interview process
  • Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Interest and/or experience in social work, women’s issues, economics/financial literacy, and working with refugees/diverse populations
  • Motivated, flexible, and able to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively  
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment  
  • Commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity
  • Able to pass an IRC background check through HireRight

POSITION LOGISTICS:

  • Compensation: This an unpaid internship – college credit available upon request
  • Hours: flexible, minimum of 15 hours per week
  • Supervisor: Economic Empowerment Manager
  • Complete an Intern Orientation which covers: The role of the IRC, IRC policies to which all interns must adhere, and how to track your internship hours 
  • Training on the employment programs at IRC 
  • Training on use of interpretation tools to address language barriers 

 

Interested candidates should email a resume and brief statement of interest [email protected]

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.