Please Note:  This is an unpaid position; however, it may be considered an internship for school credit, depending on your school policies and requirements. If this is desired, please indicate so when applying.

Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 50+ countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

Scope of Work: IRC Seattle’s Economic Empowerment Department supports refugees and immigrants in securing entry-level employment, developing career pathways, learning basic financial management skills, and starting or expanding small businesses. The Economic Empowerment Intern will work alongside Economic Empowerment staff to support programming for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs, career and job seekers, and other newcomers. Other responsibilities the Economic Empowerment Intern will assist with duties including conducting client feedback surveys, outreach activities, data entry, identifying community business support services, researching career pathways, identifying business support services, and creating flyers and other program materials. Specific assistance will be provided in regard to programs supporting small business entrepreneurship and career development.

Specific Duties:

  • Assist with collection and maintenance of information required for Economic Empowerment programs reporting purposes.
  • Assist with outreach activities to referring partners and prospective clients, such as creating and distributing flyers and presenting at workshops and information sessions.
  • Conduct client and partner feedback surveys.
  • Ensure that accurate records are maintained, including case files and client data entry across multiple databases.
  • Assist with obtaining relevant program data in a timely fashion; following up with clients as needed.
  • Handle client information with the utmost confidentiality.
  • Assist with reoccurring program administrative tasks, and occasional program research requests.

Location: Primarily remote, there may be some travel required to the IRC Seattle Office, 1200 S 192nd St, SeaTac, WA 98148.

Time Commitment: 6-10 hours per week. Flexible schedule with some overlap of normal office working hours (M-F, 9a-5p). Commitment of 3 months preferred.

Skills/Qualifications: 

  • Excellent organizational skills with focus on details.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.
  • Must be able to work productively under minimal supervision, taking the initiative to ask questions as needed. 
  • Competency in Microsoft Office required, additional technical skills an asset.
  • Experience working with ESL individuals and/or multicultural environments highly preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable but not required: Farsi/Dari, Swahili, Arabic, Ukrainian, or Tigrinya.
  • Experience in business, entrepreneurship, workforce development, education, or community networking preferred.
  • Flexibility and a positive attitude a must.
  • Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies and a deep commitment to IRC’s core values and the ability to model and communicate those values to IRC staff, clients, and partners. 

If interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email the IRC at [email protected] with the position title in the subject line along with a resume/CV and a statement of interest or cover letter describing how this position aligns with past experiences and/or future goals, and your interest in the position.

Reports to: Economic Empower Program Coordinator(s)

Updated: October 2024