Green Empowerment

in International Development

Three sessions per year:

January-April (deadline to apply is Nov. 1st)

May/June-August (deadline to apply is March 1st)

September-December (deadline to apply is August 1st)

About us: Green Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) international non-governmental organization which supports renewable energy, water delivery and watershed restoration projects in the developing world to alleviate poverty, improve health, and restore watersheds.  At present, we work in Southeast Asia and Latin America (Thailand/Burma Border, Philippines, Nicaragua, Peru, and Ecuador).

Description:  Our objective is to provide a highly personalized practical skills training relevant for working at an International Development NGO.  This is a unique program that offers participants opportunities to learn how an International Development NGO functions from the inside out.  While supporting the overall efforts of Green Empowerment and our network of partner NGOs, each Intern is able to develop their own portfolio of program reports, grant proposals, website assistance, project profiles, and/or project specific research.  Participants work closely with individual program staff for 10-15 hours per week. 

NGO Skills Workshops:  You will be asked to participate in a variety of weekly workshops/discussions focusing on distinct aspects of our operations, including: International Sustainable Development, Service Learning, Strategic Planning, Performance Management, Financial Management for non-Financial Managers, Project Development in Latin America, Grant Writing, Project Development in Southeast Asia, Donor Relations, the Role of the Nonprofit, the Community/Social Issues of Projects in the Developing World, and Providing Technical Assistance.

Benefits to Participant:  Written evaluation upon completion; Final summary of activities for resume/ recommendations; Portfolio of grant proposals, articles; Event planning experience; One-on-one time with individual staff who will serve as job placement consultant upon completion of program; Potential for continued relationship with Green Empowerment.

Profile of Applicant:  College students, recent graduates, and people with basic understanding and exposure to renewable energy, water systems for irrigation or drinking, water purification, watershed management and protection, or international development.  Including people who wan to transfer their skill-set to the international development sector (i.e. a web-developer, engineer, or media professional).  The ideal applicant will be familiar with international development, have strong writing skills, be a clear communicator, work well independently, and able to commit to 10-15 hours per week (working in the office and from home).

Cost of Program to Participant: $500 ~ Click here for Fundraising Tips!

Please email CV and letter of inquiry to the Director of Service Learning, Jason Selwitz:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(503) 284-5774

Note the preferred timeline: January-April --or-- June-August --or-- September-December

Sampling of Skills Gained:

Proposal Writing

• Research/Analyzing Data
• Communication with Field
• Improved understanding of funding/implementing actors
• Improved understanding of development sector
• OUTPUTS: 1-2 Proposals submitted to potential donors and funding agencies

Operations/Administration

• Logistics (transport, etc.)
• Office Management
• Report Writing/Manuals/Newsletters
• Website maintenance
• PR and Technical Materials
• OUTPUTS: 1-2 Reports/ Articles

Outreach Planning

• Assist in existing activities
• Cultivating relationships/ partnerships/donor support
• OUTPUTS:  Implement 1-2 activities/events