VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Application Deadline: Friday April 3, 2015
Title: Volunteer Intern, Program Assistant
Position type: Volunteer Internship, part-time (flexible, approx. 16 hours per week)
Location: Humanitarian Coalition Office, Ottawa (with hours from home)
Period: May 2015-August 2015 (flexible start and end dates)
PLEASE NOTE: This is a volunteer position / unpaid internship. Expenses for public transportation and
lunches will be reimbursed.
1. ABOUT
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) is a network of Canadian NGOs dedicated to a united response in cases
of humanitarian crises. The members of the Coalition unite because they recognise the need for strong,
decisive action. At present, the Coalition has five members: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, OxfamQuébec, Plan Canada and Save the Children Canada. These members share the same goal to help the
most vulnerable and together they are even better equipped to do so. The Humanitarian Coalition is a
fundraising and coordination body that directly supports the humanitarian activities of its members. It
does not operate humanitarian programs of its own.
By joining their efforts, the members of the HC strive to increase transparency and accountability to
both the Canadian public and to those they assist around the world. Together, they will reduce
fundraising costs and ensure help gets to where it is needed faster than it was possible before.
The HC is a separate legal entity from the member agencies, principally tasked with fundraising during
humanitarian appeals for aid. The HC does not operate any programs overseas.
2. PURPOSE
Working in the HC’s office, the Program Assistant is an integral of our small tight-knit team. Reporting to
the HC’s Programs and Operations Manager, the intern supports many of the HC’s day-to-day functions
by communicating with donors, completing research, assisting with website management and
supporting various members of our team where needed.
3. BENEFITS
This is a rare and valuable opportunity to work in the humanitarian sector. As an HC intern, you will:
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Gain experience working in a growing Canadian NGO
Broaden and deepen your skills and understanding of the HC’s humanitarian work;
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Gain experience working in a office environment and interacting with a diverse group of HC and
member organization staff, including international program, organizational services and policy and
communications teams;
Gain experience and reference from your work at the HC;
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
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Team Support: As a small team, the HC’s Program Assistant plays an important role in
supporting the work of all our team members. As a “jack-of-all-trades”, the intern may be tasked
to complete monthly reports, assists with website management, and provides administrative
support where required, including event support such as for the Canadian Humanitarian
Conference and around humanitarian appeals
Donor Relations: As the public’s first point of contact, the Program Assistant intern corresponds
with donors by phone and email and manages our donor database and monthly donor profiles.
Research projects: the intern may be tasked with one or more small research projects
(factsheets, appeals related, for the blog or our social media accounts, etc.), the intern will also
have the opportunity to develop personal projects in line with the HC’s activities to be
undertaken during the internship
Fundraising: support the HC’s ability to leverage its donor base. This could include research
innovative donor stewardship practices, explore opportunities for support to school and
workplace fundraisers and develop additional tools for groups and events. This also includes
general support during the launch of an appeal (if applicable).
Joining the HC as a Project Assistant is a great opportunity to develop and fine-tune a diverse skill set,
and gain a well-rounded understanding of work in the humanitarian sector.
5. TIME COMMITMENT
2 days a week / approx. 15 hrs/week. Flexible schedule, though most work is done preferably during
business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30-5).
**THIS IS A FLEXIBLE REQUIREMENT IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNPAID NATURE OF THIS INTERNSHIP. We
are open to alternate work agreements.
6. REQUIREMENTS
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Studies in a related discipline (preferred)
Bilingual: ability to speak and write to donors in French and in English
Interest and foundational understanding of humanitarian and/or development issues
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
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Able to work independently, as well as effectively in a team setting
Strong problem-solving abilities and initiative
Enthusiasm, creativity and sense of humour valued.
7. HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted until Friday April 3, 2015. Please send your CV and cover letter by email
to [email protected].
Please include the following information in your email:
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The educational institution you are a student with (if any) and their requirements for the
placement (i.e. number of hours or schedule to be worked, type of work specified, internship
deliverables, reporting requirements, etc.); (not required)
Your availability and preferred working arrangement (hours, schedule, time period)
We thank all applicants for applying. Please note however that only successful candidates will be
contacted for interviews.