Operations Intern, Washington, DC

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects in 30 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.  The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love their work.  

Summary of Position

SFCG is seeking interns on a rolling basis (with immediate openings) to learn about Administrative Management in a practical environment as a supplement to their studies. Interns will be involved in supporting an active, internationally-focused, non-profit organization in many different facets of Administration. Interns will be able to gain wide exposure to risk management, policy implementation, cost analysis and meeting coordination, audits, and other projects as they occur day to day in the department.

Work Environment

Search for Common Ground has a great work environment with a mission of peace-building in the world, hard-working and friendly co-workers, team-building opportunities, and involvement in staff events. The organization has won numerous awards.

Intern duties are wide-ranging and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Research NGO compliance issues, especially regarding Minimum Operating Security Standards
• Assist with the development and implementation of various administrative policies.
• Support the registration process for SFCG in new countries
• Support admin file structure for sharing key corporate files with field offices, using SFCG’s sharepoint-based intranet
• Conduct various cost analyses and research alternatives e.g. hotels, travel, telephone, visa expediters
• Preparing powerpoint presentations on various organizational outcomes
• Provide front desk back-up support through greeting visitors, answering calls and receiving packages.
• Assist with preparing for Board meetings and other similar projects
• Assist with data collection for annual insurance review and renewal
• Assist with insurance claims

• Miscellaneous clerical work (faxing, mailing, printing, checking inventory, database entry, etc.).

As internship descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will exhibit:

• A junior, senior, or graduate student, majoring in administration, industrial or organizational psychology, business, or related field
• Strong, hard-working work ethic
• Mature, pleasant and honest manner with a high degree of professional and personal ethics
• Highly confidential manner
• Positive customer service attitude
• French language skills a plus
• Excellent organizational skills with a proactive style and the ability to meet deadlines, both as instructed and self-imposed
• Self-starting, enthusiastic and flexible approach to the organization
• Ability to work well individually as well as a member of a team
• Strong people and presentation skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to influence and manage change
• Ability to learn and implement tasks quickly
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent and professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Computer proficiency and experience with Internet research
• Highly developed research and problem-solving ability
• A keen interest in international affairs
• Desire to work in a non-profit setting

Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively and independently in a team environment, with the ability to respond rapidly to changes, yet remain focused on the priorities

To Apply:

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to lshochat@sfcg.org or fax to 001 (202) 232-6718. Please clearly state the title: Operations Intern in the subject line. Please note where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for more details of our work.   Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In your cover letter, please clearly state why our program is of interest to you, what you can bring to the organization, and what experience you hope to gain from the internship. Also, include the dates of your availability and the number of hours per week to which you can commit. Candidates who can intern a minimum of 24 hours per week are preferred.

While we will make this a very rewarding internship experience for you, note this is an unpaid internship. NOTE: Local Washington, DC Metro Area (DC, MD or VA) Candidates Only, unless you are relocating to the DC area at your own expense.