Job Description
Mercy Hands Europe
Description
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 (MHEU) is an international non-profit based in Geneva, Switzerland, since 2019. Our mission is to empower vulnerable populations in disaster-affected areas, including Iraq, Syria, and Ethiopia, through sustainable projects and partnerships. We focus on education, protection, health, justice, agriculture, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), emergency response, and livelihoods.
Position:
Mercy Hands Europe is seeking a Project Manager Intern to join our Agriculture Department. The intern will support the development and daily management of all our ongoing projects in the agriculture sector. The projects may include one or more of the following:
- Water, Animals, and Plants for a Sustainable and Peaceful Ethiopia II: This project aims to restore livelihoods and ecosystems in rural Amhara by improving food security, water access, and income opportunities. It also promotes peace and resilience through inclusive, community-led initiatives focused on women, youth, and displaced people.
- Eco-irrigation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship in South Omo (Ethiopia): This initiative seeks to support vulnerable people in South Omo with solar-powered irrigation and green enterprises for sustainable farming and livestock feed, promoting food security, gender equality, and climate resilience.
- Olive Oil Project in North-West Syria: This project works to revitalize olive farming and olive oil production in the region, with a focus on sustainability, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation.
These internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in managing international development projects focused on agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (in person)
Duration: 6 months
Working Hours: 25 hours/week — in-office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (full days), plus 4 hours of remote work
Start Date: 15.09.2025
Compensation: CHF 250/month
Application Deadline: 15.08.2025
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Report to the Executive Director and Programme Coordinator.
- Launch and manage new and ongoing agricultural projects.
- Identify funding opportunities and develop project proposals.
- Coordinate fundraising campaigns and manage donor relations.
- Organise meetings and events related to agricultural initiatives.
- Manage social networks and represent MHEU in relevant forums.
Internship Objectives: By the end of the internship, you will gain experience in:
- Project management within the agriculture sector in humanitarian and development contexts.
- Remote support of local agricultural partners.
- Grants management, social media, and communication with donors.
- Understanding of agricultural needs and interventions in Ethiopia and Syria.
Requirements & Competencies:
- Enrolled in a Master’s degree program related to agriculture, livelihoods, development, or humanitarian aid.
- Strong interest in the aforementioned project.
- Excellent communication skills in English and French (C1-C2); knowledge of Arabic and/or German is a plus.
- Good social media management skills and attention to details.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in MS Office and Google Drive.
- Knowledge of project management and fundraising is an asset.
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of an international, multicultural team.
- One or more letters of reference, including the name, position, and contact details of the referee.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to michela.maccabruni@mercyhandseurope.org ; claire.merilhou@mercyhandseurope.org and finance.admin@mercyhandseurope.org with the subject: "Internship Application for Project Manager Intern - Agriculture Department". The application deadline is 15.08.2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We look forward to receiving your application.