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Paid Internship Program

New internship added: Travel Support Intern

Fall application deadline for this new position is September 17th.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is pleased to announce its paid Internship Program. Interns gain practical work experience and support the work of our Communications, Development, Program, Human Resources (both for the field and the office), and Executive departments. Interns also gain a basic introduction to the field of international medical humanitarian aid and advocacy. All internships will take place in our New York office and will be paid at the rate of $10.00 per hour.

2010 Internship Program Schedule
Spring Internship 2010 Summer Internship 2010 Fall Internship 2010

February 1
to
April 30

Please submit your application by:
January 8, 2010

June 1
to
August 13

Please submit your application by:
April 15, 2010

September 13
to
December 10

Please submit your application by:
August 2, 2010

Important Information

  • This is a competitive program. Candidates will be selected on a merit basis.
  • Due to high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted after the application deadline.
  • Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates may apply for more than one term, but will only be contacted regarding the most current term.
  • International candidates are responsible for securing their U.S. work permit.
  • All candidates are responsible for their own accomodation (and relocation, if applicable) in New York City.
  • No calls or e-mails please regarding application status.

In addition to paid internships, Doctors Without Borders participates in work/study programs for those who qualify.

Application Instructions

If applying to more than one internship position, please send a separate application for each position.

Email your resume and cover letter to internships@newyork.msf.org,
with Subject line: (Internship Title - Term).

Example: If you are applying to the Web Internship for the Fall 2010 program, then your email Subject line should be: Web Intern - Fall 2010.

Note: Preferred document submission format is PDF. If submitting a Word document, please save it in Word 2005 format.

Available Internships



Access Intern

Reports to: U.S. Manager for the Access to Essential Medicines Campaign
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: Provide administrative and research support to the U.S. Manager of the Access to Essential Medicines Campaign while providing practical learning experience to an applicant interested in policy advocacy and international affairs.

Overview:The Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines undertakes research and advocacy to raise the importance of the issue of access to essential medicines internationally. The Campaign hopes to achieve sustainable solutions to reduce the price of essential medicines and stimulate medical research and development for diseases that primarily affect low income populations. The Campaign operates within the Program Department at MSF-USA.

The Access Intern will support the ongoing administrative and research activities of the Access Campaign. This includes tracking the current issues relevant to the Access Campaign, providing research and analytical support to the U.S. Manager of the Access Campaign, supporting the overall management of data and files, and assisting in preparation of information for advocacy meetings and mailings. This internship is ideal for anyone with a particular focus on policy advocacy and the crisis of access to essential medicines in the developing world.

Duties:

Access Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Conduct research on current access topics, conferences, advocacy targets, and related NGOs (70%)
  • Track Access Campaign related information in the media including online listserves (15%)
  • Provide general administrative support to the Campaign including database entry, mass mailings, filing, faxing, etc. (10%)
  • Reply to requests for information and assistance from the public (5%)

Skills: Applicants should have:

  • Experience in advocacy and/or Masters degree preferable.
  • A working knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
  • Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability.
  • An interest in medical humanitarian aid and the struggle for access to essential medicines.
  • Initiative and confidence to ask questions in a fast-paced work environment.

Editorial and Multimedia Intern

Department: Communications
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To support Doctors Without Borders editorial team while providing a practical learning experience, including the potential to publish writing and multimedia in print and online publications, to an individual interested in communications and publications for an international nonprofit organization.

Overview: The Communications Department of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works to expand awareness of humanitarian crises and endemic health problems that medical teams address around the world. Public awareness is built through: active and reactive presswork; publications produced in-house, including a quarterly newsletter, website, and weekly podcast; pushing multimedia through social networking sites; and public education activities such as interactive exhibits, speaking events, screenings, and the creation and distribution of teaching tools and curriculums.

The editorial and multimedia intern will assist in all phases of the preparation of MSF’s print and online publications. This is a hands-on position, offering the opportunity to actively improve tools through which MSF communicates its message to US general public. The ideal candidate will contribute creatively to new and ongoing projects. An undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in journalism, multimedia, publishing, non-profit communications, and/or international affairs would be best suited for this position.

Duties include some or all of the following based on current needs:

  • Proofread and edit documents applying stylesheet to ensure content quality
  • Research photographs from international photo database for use in
    MSF publications
  • Transcribing interviews for publications and website
  • Basic editing of audio and/or video files
  • Building slideshows for website and social networking sites
  • Administrative support to Managing Editor and Digital Content Editor
  • Organization and upkeep of A/V equipment, print publications, and
    digital files
  • Possibility of writing for print and online publications
  • Others tasks as assigned

Required Skills:

  • Strong interest in communications or journalism
  • Strong interest in multimedia
  • Proficiency in writing and Internet research
  • Undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate experience in journalism or nonprofit communications
  • Please provide examples of published writing and/or multimedia projects,
    and references
  • Working knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Excellent organizational skills

Preffered Skills:

  • Above average computer literacy
  • Skills in Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Audition or other audio
    editing program
  • French and/or Spanish language skills

Executive Intern

Reports to: Association Coordinator/Executive Associate
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: The Executive Department of Doctors is comprised of a three-person core team of Executive Director, Executive Associate and Association Coordinator. The Executive Director heads the office Management Team, and works in conjunction with the Board of Directors, to guarantee the overall functioning of MSF USA and MSF USA's involvement in the larger MSF movement. The Association Coordinator's role is to foster leadership and activism within the MSF-USA Association comprised largely of returned MSF field volunteers and staff members.

Overview: To provide administrative support to the Association Coordinator and Executive Associate, while providing practical learning experience and exposure to an applicant interested in international humanitarian work, NGO administration, and advocacy. This internship is ideal for anyone considering a career in international relations, and particularly in the administration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Duties:

Executive Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Update and maintain the MSF USA Association membership roll, under the direction of the Association Coordinator
  • Update and maintain, under the direction of the Association Coordinator, the Association database
  • Update and maintain, under the direction of the Association Coordinator, materials on the Association website
  • Assist with the editing, preparation, and distribution of the Insider, the quarterly newsletter of MSF USA's association of volunteers as well as the bi-weekly electronic newsletter
  • Provide logistical support to the Association Coordinator in preparation of the annual General Assembly, and other regional events and meetings.
  • Provide administrative support to Association Coordinator as required
  • Compiling background materials for monthly meetings of the Board of Directors of MSF USA
  • Providing logistical support to the Executive Associate when these meetings are held in New York (September, November, February, May, June)
  • Conducting ongoing research, under the direction of the Executive Associate, on trademark and intellectual property issues pertaining to "Without Borders" organizations and the MSF mark as it is used in the U.S.

Skills: Applicants should have:

  • A genuine commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and a general understanding of international current events.
  • Excellent administrative/logistical skills
  • Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
  • A working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Access.
  • Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability.
  • Initiative and confidence to ask questions in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to work independently on multiple tasks
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Field Human Resources Intern

Department: Field Human Resources
Reports to: Field HR Associate
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective:To administer the HR department's relationship with potential and current members of the active field staff pool. To assist with administrative/clerical responsibilities related to the HR cycle.

Overview: The HR intern will respond to requests for information on volunteering requirements and general MSF HR information. S/he will learn about the organizations changing HR needs and help cultivate the pool of prospective applicants as appropriate to the field needs. S/he will also assist in facilitating the visa process for field staff confirmed for field assignments and a quarterly new field staff orientation.

Duties: The Field Human Resources Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Accessing and processing field staff applications for initial HRO screening
  • Assist HR assistant in writing and sending letters to accepted/rejected applicants
  • Assist with HR data streamlining process working with a database and electronic files
  • Courier visa applications to consulates
  • Filing and other administrative support tasks
  • Assist as needed in the Welcome Days and other in-house trainings
  • Attend BBLs, public education events, and staff and department meetings as often as scheduling allows

Required Skills:

  • Strong writing and computer skills
  • Experience or interest in HR for a non governmental organization an asset
  • Experience working with Microsoft Access databases an asset
  • Fluent in English, French an asset
  • Good organizational skills
  • Genuine commitment to the principles and work of MSF

Foundations and Corporations Intern

Department: Development
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To assist Foundations and Corporations (FC) section of MSF's Development Team while providing a practical learning experience to students interested in foundation and corporate fundraising, basic prospect research and some grant writing.

Overview: The Foundations and Corporations Intern will be supporting the administrative activities of the Prospect Research and Systems manager and the activities of FC Staff. S/he will learn how an organization approaches and cultivates foundation and corporations in order to receive large donations. S/he will also have the opportunity, through working in the office, to learn about MSF's international programs and the role that MSF-USA plays in the MSF movement. This internship is ideal for anyone considering a career in development (fundraising), and in the administration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Duties: The Foundations and Corporations Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Help implement a database donor rating system, doing basic research and data entry (25%)
  • Assist with large and small mailings (30%)
  • Assist with research on existing and new foundation and corporate donors (20%)
  • Customize letters, reports, and proposals; complete grant applications. (15%)
  • Attend BBLs, public education events, and staff and department meetings as often as scheduling allows

Required Skills:

  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Excel, database)
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Genuine commitment to the principles and work of MSF

Human Resources Intern

Department: Human Resources
Reports to: HR Associate
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To assist the Human Resources department with the administration of benefits and payroll for office and field staff, while providing a practical learning experience to a student interested human resources. S/he will learn about human resources administration for a large non-profit organization and the general workings of a large international humanitarian aid organization.

Overview: The Human Resources Intern will support the activities of the Human Resources department. The activities include payroll and benefits administration for field and office staff; recruitment of office staff; and coordination of office volunteers. S/he will also have the opportunity, through working in the office, to learn about MSF's programs and how it operates in the United States. This internship is ideal for anyone interested in human resources for a non-profit, as well as the administration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Duties: The Human Resources Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Respond to employment and internship questions received from the general public by mail and e-mail
  • Prepare briefing and debriefing packets for field and office staff that include payroll and benefits information
  • Create and/or maintain HR materials such as photo sheets and emergency contact lists of MSF staff, interns, and volunteers; benefits brochures; and employee handbooks
  • Data entry and other administrative support tasks
  • Attend Brown Bag Lunch presentations, public education events, and staff and department meetings as often as scheduling allows

Required Skills:

  • Strong writing and computer skills
  • Experience or interest in HR for a non governmental organization an asset
  • Ability to conduct research on HR laws and analyze the information collected
  • Knowledge of the HR practices and qualifications a plus
  • Fluent in English, French an asset
  • Good organizational skills
  • Genuine commitment to the principles and work of MSF

Marketing Intern

Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To assist the Marketing Team in developing, maintaining, and organizing marketing materials, while providing a practical learning experience to students interested in marketing and fundraising for a large non-profit organization and in the general workings of a large international humanitarian aid organization.

Overview: The Marketing Intern will support the activities of a Marketing Team. S/he will learn how an organization maintains donor relations, markets itself to donors and the public, and the general activities of a Development department. S/he will also have the opportunity, through working in the office, to learn about MSF's programs, and how it operates in the United States. This internship is ideal for anyone interested in fundraising for a non-profit, as well as the administration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Duties: The Marketing Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Update and maintain MSF USA's marketing files, both paper and electronic, on current and past MSF projects (20%)
  • Assist Marketing Coordinator with direct mail quality control projects (15%)
  • Conduct analysis of industry marketing materials and trends (15%)
  • Develop and maintain "creative wall" of MSF marketing materials (10%)
  • Assist Marketing Coordinator with organization and dissemination analytic reports to development team (10%)
  • Support Director of Marketing and Marketing Associate and Coordinator on other miscellaneous projects (10%)
  • Fulfill requests for marketing materials from various parties(10%)
  • Attend brown bag lunches, public education events, and staff and department meetings as often as scheduling allows (10%)

Required Skills:

Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work independently, with guidance from staff members.

Preferred Skills:

Strong Word, Excel, and database experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Genuine commitment to the principles and work of MSF.


Medical Editing Intern

*Extended Application Deadline*

Department: Communications
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To support the Medical Editor of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), while learning about humanitarian medical research and medical/scientific publishing for an international nongovernmental organization.

Overview: The Medical Editor of MSF-USA works to increase the dissemination and discussion of MSF medical research and data to medical communities, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. This is done through peer-reviewed journal articles; scientific conference abstracts, presentations, and posters; MSF technical publications; and special projects and events.

The Medical Editing Intern will assist the Medical Editor with ongoing and new projects related to MSF medical research. An undergraduate, graduate, or medical student with an interest in scientific publishing and humanitarian medicine and research would best suit this position.

Duties:

  • Data entry of MSF research publications into database (50%)
  • Perform medical/scientific literature searches and meta-analyses on humanitarian medical research (25%)
  • Administrative support to Medical Editor and/or New York Medical Unit (NYMU) (15%)
  • Editorial support of medical-technical content for publication, web posting, and other areas of dissemination (10%)
  • Other tasks as assigned

Required Skills:

  • Strong interest in medical/scientific publishing and humanitarian medicine and research
  • Proficiency in medical literature searches (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar)
  • Proficiency in editing and writing medical/scientific content
  • Undergraduate, graduate/medical, or post-graduate experience in conducting and/or publishing medical/scientific research

Preferred Skills:

  • Proficiency with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Adobe Acrobat
  • French and/or Spanish language skills

Press Intern

Reports to: Communications Assistant and Press Officer
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To lessen the workload of the communications staff while providing a practical learning experience to a student interested in humanitarian aid and advocacy and public relations.

Overview: The Communications Department of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières works to expand awareness of the humanitarian crises and endemic health problems in developing countries that our medical teams address in the field. Public awareness is built through three primary means: active and reactive presswork; publications produced in-house, including our quarterly newsletter and website; and public education activities such as interactive exhibits, speaking events, screenings, and the creation and distribution of teaching tools and curriculums.

The Press Intern will work closely with the Press Officer and Communications Assistant, offering day-to-day research support and meeting project-based needs as they arise. As a valued member of the Communications department, the Press Intern will be centrally involved in the department's attempts to bring MSF's advocacy messages into the media. He or she will have ample opportunities to learn about public relations through direct experience and humanitarian medical aid through osmosis. This position is ideal for a student interested in both humanitarian aid and public relations or journalism.

Duties: The Press Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Media research and daily monitoring of coverage (30%)
  • Updating and maintaining the press office's media contacts (30%)
  • Supporting media projects as they arise in response to developing humanitarian news stories (helping to organize press conferences, etc.) (20%)
  • Tracking and filing MSF news clippings (15%)
  • Putting together a tri-annual "media highlights" kit (5%)

Skills: Ability to work independently on a number of separate, simultaneous tasks. Familiarity with US television and print media. Proficiency in writing and internet research. Working knowledge of Word and Excel. French or Spanish a plus.


Program Intern

Reports to: Program Associate and Program Assistant
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To support the Program Department's research and administrative needs, while providing practical learning experience and exposure to an applicant interested in international humanitarian work, NGO administration, and advocacy.

Overview: Through direct contact with field programs, the Program Department promotes awareness of humanitarian crises in the places in which MSF works, and conducts advocacy on these issues at U.S. government bodies, international agencies, and U.S. based NGOs. The Program Department also directly manages MSF operations in 5 countries. The Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines, which operates within the Program Department, pushes to lower the prices of existing medicines, to bring abandoned drugs back into production, to stimulate research and development for diseases that primarily affect the poor, and to overcome other barriers to access.

The Program Intern will provide research support related to advocacy and operations, as well as assist with the overall administration by providing clerical and database support to all aspects of the department, including the Access to Essential Medicines Campaign and the UN Liaison.

Duties: The Program Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Perform research on specific contexts, crises or themes, according to the needs of the UN Liaison, Program Officers and Program Associate.
  • Assist in the transition to a new advocacy contacts database, including data clean-up and entry.
  • Provide general clerical support to the Program Department, including to the Access to Essential Medicines Campaign and the UN Liaison office (faxing, copying, preparing briefing packets, etc).

Skills: Applicants should have:

  • A genuine commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and a general understanding of international current events.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability.
  • Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
  • Database experience is preferable.
  • Initiative and confidence to ask questions in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Language skills a plus.

Public Events Intern

Reports to: Public Events Officer
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To provide support to the Public Events staff while offering a practical learning experience to someone interested in public events, marketing, and recruitment.

Overview: The Communications Department of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières works to expand awareness of the humanitarian crises and endemic health problems in developing countries that our medical teams address in the field. Public awareness is built through three primary means: active and reactive presswork; publications produced in-house, including our quarterly newsletter and website; and public events activities such as interactive exhibits, speaking events, film screenings, conferences, and the creation and distribution of teaching tools.

The Public Events Intern will have a role in planning and preparing the department's public exhibits, speaking events, and recruitment activities, including national and regional medical conferences. This is a hands-on position, offering the opportunity to become familiar with the tools through which MSF communicates its message to the general public. The ideal candidate will contribute creatively to new and ongoing projects, while providing logistical and administrative support to the Public Events team.

An undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in event planning, marketing, research, or exhibit design would be best suited for this position.

Duties: The Public Events Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Project-based planning, including research into outreach to target audiences, preparation and logistical support of public events and exhibits, and coordinating materials for speaking events, conferences, and other exhibits (70%)
  • Fulfillment of orders for educational tools and information processed through the New York office (10%)
  • Administrative support to Public Events Officer and Associate (20%)

Skills: Strong interest in event planning, exhibitions, marketing, or public education. Research experience and good written and verbal communication skills. Experience in event planning a plus. Above average computer literacy preferred, with an emphasis on Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.


Travel Support Intern

Department: Programs/Desk
Reports to: Program Travel Administrator
Type of position: Intern
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To assist with administrative/clerical responsibilities related to travel, visas, and work permits for the MSF-France New York Desk and Program Department (Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia and the U.S. Chagas Explo)

Duties: The intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Performing research on work permits and visas 
  • Assist Program Travel Administrator with research and booking of flight itineraries, hotels, and car rentals
  • Prepare complete and accurate visa application packages for expatriates going to Desk countries
  • Courier visa applications to consulates
  • Update employee staff files 
  • Filing and other administrative support tasks 
  • Attend BBLs, public education events, and staff and department meetings as often as scheduling allows

Required Skills:

  • Strong writing and computer skills
  • Travel Experience
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Fluent in English, French an asset
  • Good organizational skills
  • Genuine commitment to the principles and work of MSF

Web Intern

Department: Communications
Type of position: Intern, paid
Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week
Duration: 3 months
Location: New York City

Objective: To support the Web & Publications Team while providing a comprehensive learning experience to an individual interested in design, web, and multimedia.

Overview: The Web Intern will work closely with web developers, offering day-to-day support and meeting project-based needs as they arise. The Web Intern will have the opportunity to contribute creatively to a constantly evolving, highly-visited humanitarian website while improving his/her design, web and multimedia skills. An individual looking to put an Interactive Design degree to work for a good cause and to learn more about the web will be perfectly suited for this position.

Duties: The Web Intern will be expected to perform the following tasks:
  • Post content to website regularly and assist with daily tasks
  • Design web layouts, graphics, banners, and e-newsletter templates
  • Edit multimedia files, including slideshows, audio and video
  • Monitor and produce web metrics
  • Participate in discussions regarding site development and growth
  • Oversee volunteers for large-scale web projects
Required Skills:
  • Expertise in Photoshop and other popular visual design tools
  • Basic knowledge of HTML
  • Knowledge of video editing programs
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to troubleshoot ones own work
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage own time
Preferred Skills:
  • Comfortable working on both PC and Mac platforms
  • Skills in InDesign and Illustrator
  • Previous use of Content Management Systems (CMS)
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