Economic Empowerment Intern - UNPAID
Richmond
- Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
- Location: Richmond
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Economics
- Closing Date:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
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 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Richmond opened its doors in October 2015 to give refugee families the tools they need to take control over their new lives in the greater Richmond area, assisting them toward self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and community integration.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Economic Empowerment Intern supports IRC staff across employment, career development, benefits navigation, digital inclusion, and financial capability programs. Interns assist clients in learning job readiness skills and securing employment, building digital and financial literacy, accessing public benefits and other community resources, and advancing career goals. This role includes direct client support, curriculum development, outreach, and administrative tasks. Specific day to day tasks will depend on the current needs of the clients being served and the program staff’s highest support needs, along with your interests, school studies, and career goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist clients with resume creation, job applications, interview preparation, and job readiness training.
Support digital literacy efforts including device setup, internet access, and safe use of online platforms.
Facilitate financial literacy workshops and assist with loan applications and banking access.
Conduct outreach to employers and community partners to expand opportunities and resources.
Develop educational materials and tools, including translatable guides.
Maintain accurate records of client progress and interactions.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and team collaboration.
Provide general administrative support and occasional client accompaniment (e.g., interviews, orientations).
REQUIREMENTS:
Strong interest in working with international populations and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Respect for cross-cultural differences and commitment to equity.
Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet research, and basic digital tools.
Familiarity with resume writing, financial coaching, or digital navigation preferred.
Multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto) are a plus.
Commitment of at least 15-20 hours/week for a minimum of three months.
Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle preferred.
This position is unpaid and reports to the Economic Empowerment Coordinator and team.
*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The IRC is committed to fostering an accessible workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply for positions that align with their qualifications and interests. If you are selected for an interview, please inform your recruiter if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process. Examples of accommodations may include extended time for interviews or assessments, flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments, or assistance with communication needs. The IRC has offices in many locations, each with varying capacities to provide specific accommodations. While we are committed to doing our best to meet your needs, please note that certain accommodations may depend on the resources and facilities available at each location. Please know we will carefully consider all requests and make every effort to ensure a supportive and accessible recruitment process.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.