*Please note: this is an unpaid internship. The position is anticipated to start in August - September 2024.*

BACKGROUND:The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:The Women's Economic Empowerment Specialist (WEES) Intern will work alongside the WEES Program Specialist to support women who are facing economic barriers through offering financial capabilities training and coaching, employment navigation, and driving for equity transportation workshops and simulated lessons.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Women's Economic Empowerment Specialist in providing financial literacy workshops and 1:1 individual coaching session for clients.

• Assess clients' needs and determine if they are eligible for low-income loans or any other IRC's Economic Empowerment resources.

• Provide driving lessons or guided practice to clients using IRC's in-house driving simulator.

• Assist with client data entry, outreach for economic empowerment programs, resource management, and follow-up calls.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will develop a detailed understanding of the gender-related barriers hindering women from achieving self-sufficiency. They will explore factors such as socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and systemic biases. Through hands-on experience the intern will identify strategies and resources to mitigate these barriers effectively.

2. The intern will cultivate strong intercultural communication skills and competency necessary for effective interaction in diverse settings. Through immersive experiences and guided practice sessions, the intern will develop sensitivity to cultural nuances, communication styles, and social norms across different cultural contexts. They will engage in activities such as role-playing, and cross-cultural dialogues to enhance their ability to navigate intercultural communication challenges confidently.

3. The intern will acquire a foundational understanding of survivor-centered programming with a trauma-informed approach. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, the intern will explore principles of trauma sensitivity, empowerment, and holistic support frameworks for survivors of various forms of trauma.