Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)
Reporting To: Network Influencing Coordinator
Duration: Up to 1 year
Start Date: April 2025
Time commitment: 50%
Time Zone Requirement: Must be located in a country where working hours overlap with Central European Time (CET) by at least 4 hours (between 8 AM – 4 PM CET)
Background
The Delegates Programme is a multi-phase initiative aimed at strengthening leadership within NEAR. It empowers members to play a central role in advocacy and policy discussions, fostering member-led representation and leadership continuity within the network. The goal is that, by 2027, NEAR will be predominantly represented by its members at all events, policy processes, platforms and initiatives, with minimal support from the Secretariat.
The Delegates Programme will be implemented in Phases to ensure a gradual and inclusive rollout. In Phase 1, twenty individuals will be selected as First-Cohort Delegates. They will undergo a structured training designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to represent NEAR effectively. The training consists of a live online course followed by an Observation and Accompaniment Stage.
The online course is structured into four modules covering NEAR foundational documents, leadership and power dynamics, key messaging and public speaking, and scenario-based exercises. To complement the online training, a Resource Library will be developed to provide access to relevant materials, including reading resources, presentations, and key documents.
After completing the course, the Delegates will proceed to theObservation and Accompaniment Stage. During this stage, Delegates will work closely alongside experienced advocates within NEAR, observing them in action and gaining firsthand experience in real-world advocacy settings.
Once a Delegate completes the full training, they will represent NEAR on a rotational basis, following a specific rotation tracking system. Delegates will be supported by NEAR Secretariat staff before and after each event they attend to prepare their engagements, evaluate their performance, discuss the outcomes of the event, identify key learnings, and review areas for improvement.
Objectives of the Internship
The intern will actively assist with every stage of the Delegates Programme (online course, observation and accompaniment stage, representation phase, and the organisation and development of the resource library ), providing content and administrative support throughout the entire process.
Responsibilities
The intern will be responsible for the following tasks:
Online Course Support:
- Assist in the coordination and scheduling of online course sessions.
- Support in compiling, formatting, and organising course materials.
- Help manage and distribute pre- and post-session materials, including presentations, reading resources, and session recordings.
- Assist in setting up online meetings, ensuring smooth operation of virtual training sessions.
- Support feedback collection from Delegates after each session and upon course completion.
Resource Library Development:
- Organise and Structure the Online Resource Library:
- Ensure each online course session has dedicated folders. Upload session outlines, instructor presentations, core readings, and key references.
- Support the translation of training materials into other languages, with the help online translation tools (if needed).
- Develop a Logical Classification System for the Online Resource Library:
- Categorise materials by subject and relevance.
- Curate and Upload Relevant Content: Search for relevant materials (e.g., research papers, presentations, talking points) within NEAR SharePoint. Analyse and evaluate their content before uploading them to the appropriate folders.
Observation and Accompaniment Stage Support:
- Coordinate observation schedules between Delegates and experienced advocates.
- Support Delegates in preparing for observation sessions (e.g., compiling relevant materials, briefings, and background documents).
- Collect and organise post-session feedback to improve the learning process.
- Assist in tracking Delegates’ participation and their learning progression during this phase.
Representation Phase Support:
- Help track Delegates’ participation in events and manage a Rotation Tracking System for their representation.
- Assist in gathering post-event debriefs and insights from Delegates.
- Maintain documentation of Delegates’ engagements, ensuring alignment with the programme’s goals.
- Assist with travel-related administrative tasks, including filling out travel authorisation forms, coordinating travel logistics, and ensuring compliance with travel policies.
Other Tasks as Assigned:
- Provide additional support in the preparation of documents, communication with participants, and general administrative tasks as required.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Recently graduated from a university programme in international relations, development studies, education, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest/experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Experience using cloud-based platforms such as SharePoint, Google Drive, or similar tools for organising and managing digital resources.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Experience with online learning platforms, event coordination or training management is a plus.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of additional languages is an asset.
- Time Zone Requirement: Must be located in a country where working hours overlap with Central European Time (CET) by at least 4 hours (between 8 AM – 4 PM CET)
- Preference will be given to applicants from the Global South.
Supervision and Reporting
The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Network Influencing Coordinator and will report regularly on progress related to their responsibilities.
Stipend: A monthly stipend will be provided to the selected intern for the duration of the internship.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits
By the end of the internship, the selected candidate will have:
- Enhanced digital resource management skills
- Strengthened event coordination and training support abilities
- Developed representation and advocacy support skills
- Improved communication and cross-cultural collaboration
- Expanded organisational competencies
How to apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications should be sent to [email protected] by 28 February 2025 with “Delegates Programme Internship” on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive.
- A brief CV (maximum 2 pages);
- A short motivation letter (maximum 300 words) outlining their interest in the position and relevant experience.
- 2 professional references with complete contact information.
All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.
