EGF Internships
International Internship Program

!!! NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE !!!

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (Internship in South America)

The Esquel Group Foundation is the US-based member and coordinator for regional programs of the Grupo Esquel Network. Grupo Esquel is a network of non-profit, non-governmental organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable development throughout South America and to strengthening civil society in the Region. International internships are also available with Grupo Esquel affiliates in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay.

EGF is looking for bright and independent individuals to assist with various aspects of non-profit management. Esquel is a small organization that encourages substantive participation from interns, and provides practical skills that will be valuable in future job searches. EGF tries to tailor internships to individual interests and will help students arrange for academic credit. Hours are flexible and can be set in consultation with the Executive Director.

Current Esquel Activities and Projects

• Project to Combat Desertification in South America with funding from international institutions and foundations.
• Regional Project on the Legal and Regulatory Framework for Civil Society.
• Civil Society Roundtable, a Washington-based dialogue on various hemispheric development and policy issues.
• Task Force for Civil Society, a monthly forum that coordinates NGO participation in the Miami Process.
• Advocacy with international institutions (IDB, World Bank, USAID, and OAS) on strengthening civil society and drylands conservation.
• Development of a comprehensive drylands directory and database for the hemisphere.

Possible Intern Responsibilities

• Research fundraising opportunities, draft grant proposals, and assist in all aspects of project management.
• Research select development topics including: the informal sector, rural development, children and youth at risk, environment and sustainable development, economic growth with equity, civil society, and philanthropy.
• Work with the Executive Director and President on institutional development and management and liaise with multicultural EGF Board and Advisory Committee.
• Represent EGF at DC-based meetings and conferences on Latin America and brief staff.
• Translate and edit proposals and other documents from Network members into English/Spanish/Portuguese.
• Create database for the Esquel Group Foundation.
• Write opinion pieces for publication.
• Help coordinate Task Force and Roundtable sessions.

Qualifications

• Graduate or mature undergraduate student or young professional in international affairs, the environment, development or related field, preferably with background and experience in Latin America.
• Demonstrated writing and research ability. Internet and WWW skills a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple tasks.
• Experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations is helpful.
• Microsoft Word required; knowledge of spreadsheets and databases useful.
• Advanced knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese preferred.

To Apply

• Send a resume and letter of inquiry in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese to: Internship Coordinator, at above address. Please note that internships are offered without financial compensation. (September 1997)

Internship Program in SOUTH AMERICA

Grupo Esquel is a network of non-profit, non-governmental organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable development throughout South America. The Grupo Esquel Network has member organizations in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and the United States. Its US-based member, the Esquel Group Foundation, coordinates regional programs of the Grupo Esquel Network.

Grupo Esquel promotes alternative policies and programs which strengthen the role of civil society and incorporate social, equity, and environmental concerns. Grupo Esquel generally focuses its efforts on five priority areas: 1) Legal framework for civil society; 2) Environment, especially in Semi-Arid and Arid Zones; 3) Rural development and agriculture; 4) Children and youth at risk; and 5) Microenterprise development.

Esquel is looking for independent, strongly-motivated individuals who are interested in gaining international and professional experience in the field of development in Latin America. Selected interns will have the opportunity to work in the Esquel international field office of their choice. EGF tries to tailor internships to individual interests and will help students arrange for academic credit. Individuals may work on independent study projects during their internship in conjunction with other work/study programs. Hours are flexible and can be determined in consultation with the Executive Director of Esquel based in the U.S. (although a six-month/16-40 hour per week minimum is preferable. One to two year placements are ideal).

Possible Intern Responsibilities

• Research select development topics, generally focusing on the five priority areas of Esquel.
• Assist in drafting grant proposals and all other aspects of project management.
• Represent Grupo Esquel in meetings and conferences.
• Translate proposals and other documents into Spanish, Portuguese and/or English.
• Participate in the institutional development and office management of Esquel.

Qualifications

• Graduate or mature undergraduate in international affairs, development or related field, preferably with background and experience in Latin America.
• Demonstrated writing and research ability. Internet and WWW experience a plus.
• Ability to work in new and foreign environments and undertake multiple tasks.
• Advanced knowledge of spoken and written Spanish and/or Portuguese.
• Word processing is required; knowledge of spreadsheets and databases useful.
• Ability to cover individual expenses (cost of living, transportation, immigration costs, etc. Please see attached list of fundraising ideas).

To Apply

Send a resume, letter of inquiry, and a brief writing sample in English, Spanish, and/or Portuguese to: Internship Coordinator, at the above address. Please note that internships are offered without financial compensation. (September 1997)