Internship (Student)*

This internship is part of an academic training program, a professional training program or a socio-professional integration program, and must meet the conditions set by the Conseil de surveillance du marché de l'emploi (CSME).

Organisation

Mercy Hands Europe (MHEurope) is an international non-profit organisation registered in Geneva, Switzerland, since 2019. MHEurope's mission is to empower vulnerable people living in the disaster areas of Iraq, Syria and Ethiopia through our sister organisation and local partners. We also have been working in Palestine, Ukraine & Georgia. We focus primarily on education, protection, emergency, and livelihood sectors. We support the development and implementation of our projects with partner organisations on the ground. Our project management experience and expertise, with sustainability as a core value, and our presence in Switzerland, allow us to secure long-term sources of income and ensure capacity building of local communities.

MHEurope is offering an internship contract of 6 months, with two months of probation period. The starting date of the internship will ASAP. The intern must be already based in Geneva and a student.

Location

Geneva, Switzerland. 

Salary and benefits

• 6 months (Part-time: Minimum of 25 hours/week in the office)
• Starting date: As soon as possible 
• Closing date for Applications 20.05.2024
• Monthly recompensation of 200 CHF. 

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a Project Assistant, you will report directly to Programme Coordinator. Your primary responsibilities will involve:

1. Managing assigned ongoing projects, ensuring their smooth implementation and success through effective coordination and documentation.
2. Initiating new projects by conducting research, drafting project proposals, and engaging in fundraising activities to secure necessary resources.

In detail, your responsibilities include: 

Projects Management:

• Collaborate with the Programme Coordinator to ensure the effective execution of ongoing projects, providing support where needed.
• Maintain project documentation, including narratives, budgets, monitoring & evaluation data and reports, to facilitate efficient project management and decision-making.
• Conduct comprehensive research and gather relevant information to inform the development of new projects, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
• Assist in drafting project proposals and preparing submissions for calls for proposals and donor application processes, contributing to the acquisition of funding and resources for project implementation.
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and Programme Coordinator, particularly in tasks related to assigned projects, to streamline administrative processes and optimise project workflow.

Public Relations:

• Organising meetings, trainings and events in Switzerland, Europe or on the field;
• Managing social networks and communication;
• Advocating for the needs of the field;
• Representing MHEurope in meetings;

Internship’s objectives

At the end of the internship, the intern will gain experience in: 

• Project management in the development and humanitarian sector (protection, health, livelihoods, agriculture, energy and education)
• Remote support of local actors
• Grants management and communication with donors, and especially in drafting project proposals; researching and answering to calls for proposals
• Social media management 
• Well-defined knowledge of the humanitarian situation and needs in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and/or Ethiopia 
• A network of contacts in the targeted regions.

Requirements & Competencies

• This internship is part of an academic training program, a professional training program or a socio-professional integration program, and must meet the conditions set by the Conseil de surveillance du marché de l'emploi (CSME).
• Currently enrolled in a Master's degree programme with thematic interest or coursework in livelihood, protection, education and humanitarian emergency and a demonstrated thematic interest in international cooperation and humanitarian work in the mentioned sectors above

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and/or French (C1-C2). Moreover, wither Arabic and/or German is needed
• Good knowledge of MS office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), social media management and Google Drive. Knowledge of image editing software is an asset
• Good knowledge of Switzerland, its actors and institutions is an added value
• Good knowledge of the targeted region context (Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and/or Ethiopia)
• Knowledge of project management and fundraising is an asset
• Ability to follow suggestions but also to work independently and flexibly
• Ability to manage time successfully and continually meet objectives
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural team.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and cover letter before 20.05.2024 to claire.merilhou@mercyhandseurope.org and info@mercyhandseurope.org with the following subject: Internship application for Project Assistant. 

Due to the high number of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We thank you for your understanding.