Economic Development Intern (Fall 2026)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. Scope of work:  The Economic Empowerment program   assists   refugees to become economically self-sufficient by providing career development training and financial coaching. Our program   assists   clients in obtaining education, apprenticeships, jobs, financial   coaching   and microloans to promote self-sufficiency. The intern will work closely with the Economic Empowerment team to help promote client economic growth and encourage clients to work towards their long-term goals.    Responsibilities:   Work directly with IRC Employment Specialists and Financial Coaches to implement and   monitor   performance on the Career Development Program   Teach Advanced Job Readiness Trainings   including:   introduction to career development, business writing, networking, interview   preparation   and financial literacy    Counsel and guide clients through the process of working towards long-term career goals by   providing:   individual   trainings , resume and cover letter preparation, one-on-one job application   assistance , etc.    Provide group and individual   trainings   aimed at successful workforce integration   Accompany clients to job preparation activities and   interviews;   coach clients on interview preparation    Assist   clients in setting up bank accounts, teach financial literacy workshops and   assist   clients with loan applications   Assist   clients in completing new hire paperwork, employment program documentation and other administrative tasks as needed   Audit employment program files to ensure documentation adheres to program requirements and update program databases regularly   Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by providing references for clients and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring IRC clients   Other duties as   identified   by Employment Specialists   Learning Objectives:   Intern   will learn to create effective professional and job specific resumes and cover letters   Intern   will learn how to cater curricula to fit federal guidelines while   remaining   responsive to employer/client needs   Intern   will learn to communicate effectively with clients   and  interpreters   Intern   will learn individual coaching techniques to engage and empower clients    Intern   will learn effective outreach strategies for building strategic relationships   Intern   will learn how to adapt training curriculum to clients’ needs and how to teach necessary life skills and professional development in a group setting   Intern   will learn about how to   successfully and appropriately advocate for clients’ rights and needs   in the labor market    Intern   will learn about networking, financial literacy and how to obtain a professional job   Intern will learn how to implement program safeguards to protect domestic violence survivors, vulnerable population and to empower women    Qualifications:   Self-motivated; able to work independently   Ability to collaborate with fellow interns to create/teach trainings. This is a team-focused internship.   Excellent communication and writing skills   Works well in a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to change   Confident in public speaking or interest   to develop   these skills    Strong interest in refugee and asylee issues as well as in workforce development   Language skills in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari,   Farsi , French, Kinyarwanda, Spanish,   Hindi   or Swahili are a plus   Three   month   minimum.  Required 20+ hours/week.  Preferred 35+ hours/week.    Preference to current students and recent   graduates.*   TO APPLY Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is August 21st, 2026. This position is for the Fall semester and requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office and at a minimum of 15 hours per week is required. Fall 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on September 7th, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM. We currently offer internships during the following semesters: Spring: January – May Summer: June – August Fall: September – December Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date. Note: Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Fall 2026 interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator Michalina Kulesza at [email protected] . *Candidates applying not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and outside of 12 months from graduation are welcome to apply. These candidates will be processed as volunteers.   To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goe