Product Design Intern

Kiva.org

1d • $800 - $800 • Remote

About The Position

Kiva is a global nonprofit dedicated to expanding financial access and empowering underserved communities. Since 2005, Kiva has facilitated over $2 billion in crowdfunded loans to more than 5 million borrowers in over 100 countries. The organization fosters a values-driven, digital-first culture, supported by a global team of employees and volunteers. Kiva is committed to growth and impact, seeking talented individuals to join its mission. The internship program is a core part of Kiva's foundation, offering interns significant responsibilities, professional development, and exposure to the nonprofit, technology, and microfinance sectors. This volunteer internship aims to provide a high-caliber learning experience, equipping interns with in-demand job skills, foundational microfinance knowledge, and networking opportunities. The position is a 6-month, part-time (24-32 hours per week), US-based, remote volunteer role.

Requirements

• Authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis
• At least 21 years of age or older by January 12, 2027
• Able to commit to the full 6-month term
• Strong UX writing skills: you can write clear, concise, brand-aligned copy
• Systems thinking: you can spot patterns and design reusable components
• Visual and interaction design: you can create polished, intuitive interfaces with a strong eye for detail
• Comfortable working on macOS
• Proficiency with standard design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud
• AI design tools: you can use tools like Figma Make, Claude, and ChatGPT to explore and prototype ideas
• Able to keep track of projects from handoff to completion
• Proactive, able to meet deadlines, and able to explain design decisions to non-designers
• Exceptional communicator with a knack for articulating design rationale
• Thrives in an iterative process that involves listening, adapting, moving fast, talking with users, incorporating feedback, and constantly collaborating

Responsibilities

• Partner with our Principal Researcher on at least one research project, helping conduct user interviews, usability tests, and surveys, and turning what you learn into insights that shape product decisions
• Join a cross-functional team of engineers and a product manager to design and ship at least one feature tested live on Kiva.org, from early flows and wireframes through launch
• Build interactive prototypes in Figma to explore ideas, test with users, and communicate designs to your team
• Contribute to Kiva's design system by defining and shipping at least one new component or primitive alongside the system's design and engineering leads
• Share your work in weekly design critiques with the team, giving and receiving feedback and explaining your decisions to designers and non-designers alike

Benefits

• Professional development and skills workshops
• Access to Kiva’s network of Kiva Fellowship and Internship Alumni
• Optional participation in Kiva’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and social activities such as happy hours and coffee chats
• References are gladly given for successful participants
• Modest stipend of $800 a month (before taxes)

What This Job Offers

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