Refugee Economic Empowerment Intern (Sprin 2027)

International Rescue Committee • Silver Spring, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee’s Economic Empowerment program helps refugees become economically self-sufficient by reducing barriers to employment and supporting clients in securing full-time work. The intern works under the supervision of an employment specialist and supports client assessments, job-search activities, employer outreach, service documentation, and in-kind donation distribution.

This unpaid internship is for Spring 2027 and requires at least 24 hours per week for a three-month commitment, across three full working days each week. Full-time availability of 32–40 hours per week is highly preferred. The role requires in-person work at the Silver Spring office. 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. Eligible interns may receive $15 per day in per diem reimbursement to offset food and travel costs. Applicants must complete a background check and are asked to make a $30 donation toward associated costs if selected. Candidates who are not enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school and are more than 12 months past graduation may apply as volunteers.

Requirements

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated less than 12 months before applying; applicants outside these criteria may apply as volunteers.
• Commit to at least 24 hours per week for three months, with three full working days per week.
• Be able to work in person at the Silver Spring office.
• Have strong digital literacy and the ability to learn new software and tasks.
• Be organized and attentive to detail.
• Be able to work independently and multitask.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Work well in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to change.
• Have an interest in working with refugee and humanitarian populations.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of at least three references with the application.
• Complete a background check if selected.

Nice To Haves

• Availability to work full-time, 32–40 hours per week, is highly preferred.
• Fluency in Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, Tigrinya, Amharic, or another language frequently spoken by the client base is a plus.
• Access to an insured vehicle is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assess new clients and create their initial individual employment plans.
• Create individualized resumes and cover letters for clients.
• Assist clients with finding job leads and completing job applications.
• Research potential employer partners and conduct outreach.
• Track services provided through electronic data entry and organize required client documentation.
• Manage the distribution and tracking of in-kind donations to clients.
• Perform other duties assigned by the employment team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed