Based in Portland, Seattle, Boston or Washington, D.C.

Spring 2012

Contributors are expected to fulfill a minimum commitment of 8-to-10 hours per week for 4-6 months.

UNPAID

This is a voluntary internship. Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from the Mercy Corps headquarters or regional office.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Mercy Corps is seeking one (1) intern to work on its Global Envision program. Global Envision is Mercy Corps' blog that explores market solutions to poverty through commentary and discussion about current events. The Global Envision contributor internship is ideal for candidates who are self-described ‘news junkies’ and who can boil down complex international topics into bite-sized but thoughtful commentary, and connect the dots between global poverty, markets and business.

Global Envision interns are expected to:

• Research and monitor multiple forms of global media outlets, including traditional news outlets, blogs, and social networking sites to identify content for the Global Envision blog;
• Write brief, engaging and thoughtful commentary on timely issues;
• Meet deadlines according to an agreed-upon filing schedule and editorial calendar;
• Work with the writing coach and peers to edit and polish commentary pieces to be published on Global Envision’s blog;
• Support team efforts to grow website traffic and cultivate new and returning readers through strategic social media engagement;
• Assist with any related projects that may occur during the length of the internship, including event assistance related to the program’s Lecture Series;
• Attend bi-monthly group workshops to explore a topic relevant to the success of the blog (such as honing interviewing skills, social media tips and tools, writing an engaging ‘lede’ and a ‘kicker’, etc.)
• Have an open mind and think creatively about market-based solutions to poverty, and share ideas and trends with the team.

In addition, contributors are encouraged to select a topical focus (or “beat”) to follow in their postings. Examples of focus areas include: technology, health, environment, economics. Within each beat, interns will write about a variety of topics, such as technologies that create social change, impact entrepreneurs and innovations, corporate partnerships for social good, environmental economics, emerging markets, etc.

DELIVERABLES:
• Keep up with current events and trends within the chosen “beat” and identify relevant story ideas; pitch 1-2 story ideas per week to Global Envision program manager and writing coach.
• Follow up with story ideas in a timely manner; submit at least one draft piece for the Global Envision blog per week.
• Work with the Global Envision writing coach to edit and polish each piece for publication.
• Peer edit other Global Envisions interns’ work.
• Post finalized pieces to the blog (prior knowledge of HTML not required)
• Develop draft tweets and posts for the Global Envision Twitter and Facebook accounts.

WHAT THE INTERN CAN EXPECT FROM THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
• Weekly one-on-one interaction with the Global Envision writing coach. Intern can expect to improve writing speed, journalistic accuracy and commentary style.
• Weekly communication with the Global Envision program manager to discuss potential topics for research and commentary. Intern can expect to delve into a variety of issues related to global markets and poverty, and dig deeply into particular areas of interest.
• Develop critical thinking. Intern will gather source material from a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional outlets, improving ability to draw conclusions and make connections from disparate opinions and perspectives.
• Opportunity to attend a variety of Mercy Corps-related events including speakers and lectures, as well as attend relevant events in the greater Portland community.
• Identify and interview thought leaders with the intern’s chosen “beat”.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
• Extremely competent writing ability in the English language required.
• Minimum completion of 2 years of college. Graduate students are welcome to apply.
• Related work experience or course of study – e.g. business, marketing, journalism, communications, public relations, advocacy, international relations or international development.
• Passion for Mercy Corps’ mission and enthusiasm for collaboration among the private, public and nonprofit sectors in addressing global issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work virtually with peers and Global Envision program manager and writing coach.
• Strong interest in journalism, blogs, social media and international affairs.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a team, while meeting deadlines.
• Strong web-research and social networking skills.

TO APPLY:
Applicants MUST apply via the Mercy Corps website and upload both a resume and cover letter. Please visit http://www.mercycorps.org/jobs and click on “Internships” on the right-hand side.

Click here for the direct link.