What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Empowerment Intern - UNPAID position at International Rescue Committee?
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.
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: IRC in Denver's Economic Empowerment team serves refugees and asylees to promote their self-sufficiency. Interns join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values cultural humility, client-centered service, and continuous learning. The environment is fast-paced and supportive, with opportunities to engage directly with clients, contribute to program development, and work alongside experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.
SCHEDULE: 12-15 hours per week. 4-month/1 semester minimum
START DATE: January 7, 2026
Responsibilities
Employment Support
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit an online application here. Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening starting in late October and continuing through mid-December or until all positions are filled. Spring intern orientation will be held January 7, 2026.
QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org
This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: IRC in Denver's Economic Empowerment team serves refugees and asylees to promote their self-sufficiency. Interns join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values cultural humility, client-centered service, and continuous learning. The environment is fast-paced and supportive, with opportunities to engage directly with clients, contribute to program development, and work alongside experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.
SCHEDULE: 12-15 hours per week. 4-month/1 semester minimum
START DATE: January 7, 2026
Responsibilities
Employment Support
- Assist the employment specialist in completing Employment Plans and Employment Intakes
- Help prepare for weekly employment drop-in sessions and employment-related events including -but not limited to-inviting clients to participate, setting up laptops and resources, communicating and managing volunteers
- Conduct market research on the job trends and identify new employment opportunities for clients. Identify and track job fairs and hiring fairs
- Assist in developing and delivering digital literacy workshops (e.g., using email, job search platforms, online banking).
- Support clients in accessing and navigating online resources for employment, education, and public services.
- Help staff prepare to facilitate financial literacy sessions covering topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, and banking.
- Assist in creating culturally and linguistically appropriate financial education materials.
- Gather feedback from clients to improve digital and financial education offerings.
- Track client progress and outcomes using IRC systems.
- Collaborate with EEP team and Employment team to develop program materials, including marketing materials (Newsletter, informational flyers), business development outreach and strategies, and classroom materials.
- Gain hands-on experience in economic empowerment and adult education.
- Learn how to design and deliver culturally responsive economic empowerment programming.
- Understand the challenges and strengths of refugee and immigrant communities in achieving economic stability.
- Learn about humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, and global affairs.
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or recent graduate
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal communication skills and sound judgement
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
- Ability to work independently and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks
- Commitment to promoting participation, self-reliance, sustainability, equity and human dignity
- Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to working with diverse populations.
- Experience teaching, coaching or teaching
- Preferred: proficiency in a second language (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Spanish)
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit an online application here. Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening starting in late October and continuing through mid-December or until all positions are filled. Spring intern orientation will be held January 7, 2026.
QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org
This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Salary : $5 - $143
