Economic Development Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee • Silver Spring, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Development Intern supports the International Rescue Committee’s Economic Empowerment program, which helps refugees work toward economic self-sufficiency through career development training and financial coaching. The intern works with Employment Specialists and Financial Coaches to support clients’ career goals, workforce integration, financial literacy, and employment-related needs. The internship includes client coaching, individual and group training, employer outreach, program documentation, and administrative support. The internship is unpaid; Spring 2027 interns may be eligible for $15 per day in per diem reimbursement to offset food and travel costs. A minimum three-month commitment is required. The role requires at least 20 hours per week, with 35 or more hours per week preferred, and requires in-person work at the Silver Spring office for at least 15 hours per week. Spring 2027 interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Able to collaborate with fellow interns to create and teach trainings.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Works well in a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to change.
• Confident in public speaking or interested in developing public-speaking skills.
• Strong interest in refugee and asylee issues and workforce development.
• Commit to at least three months.
• Available to work at least 20 hours per week; in-person work at the Silver Spring office for at least 15 hours per week is required.
• Attend the in-person Spring 2027 intern orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nice To Haves

• Language skills in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Hindi, or Swahili.
• Current student or recent graduate status is preferred.
• Availability to work 35 or more hours per week is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with IRC Employment Specialists and Financial Coaches to implement and monitor performance on the Career Development Program.
• Teach advanced job readiness trainings on career development, business writing, networking, interview preparation, and financial literacy.
• Guide clients toward long-term career goals through individual training, resume and cover letter preparation, and one-on-one job application assistance.
• Provide group and individual training to support successful workforce integration.
• Accompany clients to job preparation activities and interviews, and coach them on interview preparation.
• Help clients set up bank accounts, teach financial literacy workshops, and assist with loan applications.
• Help clients complete new-hire paperwork, employment program documentation, and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Audit employment program files for compliance with program requirements and regularly update program databases.
• Advocate for clients’ labor-market rights by providing references and meeting with employers to explain the benefits of hiring IRC clients.
• Perform other duties identified by Employment Specialists.

Benefits

• Unpaid internship; Spring 2027 interns may be eligible for $15 per day in per diem reimbursement to offset food and travel costs.
• Scholarship opportunities may be available through the applicant’s university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed