Research Officer - Intern

IIRR is one of the world’s leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR’s programs have impacted more than 62 million rural lives across five continents. The organization’s programs address the health, education, and environmental conditions of rural communities and prioritizes the delivery of sustainable and scalable solutions that empower people to improve their lives and livelihoods. IIRR currently maintains offices in Africa, Asia, and North America.    

IIRR is looking for intelligent, strategic, and resourceful thinkers to help support the development of project proposals and knowledge management materials through targeted research activities. Research Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations.  

This is an unpaid internship but available for class credits. We have two internship models:  

(i) full-time - requires a 5 days (40 hours) a week commitment of 3 months   

(ii) part-time - required 3 to 4 days (20 hours) a week commitment of 6 months. 

Please note that internship hours must be scheduled during regular New York/East Coast business hours. 

Responsibilities may include one or more of the following:  

• Review literature relevant to IIRR’s flagship themes: Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, Food Systems, and the Environment 
• Contribute input to the development of research questions & concept notes 
• Assist in authoring research reports, briefing notes, policy papers, and other materials as required 
• Research and Identify and develop possible areas for partnership with local organizations, universities, research institutions, etc.  
• Represent IIRR where appropriate in program meetings, coordination meetings, staff meetings, workshops, and meetings with stakeholders 
• Help to develop and coordinate research dissemination and follow-up activities, including providing substantive advice on the future direction of the program 
• Other duties as required 

 Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (completed prior to internship start date)
• Well-organized, reliable, and self-motivated  
• Helpful and responsive (e.g., when dealing with ad-hoc requests for providing support)
• Resourceful, creative, who enjoys problem-solving 
• Impeccable writing skills with meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills 
• Curiosity, creativity, and fearlessness in contributing new and bold ideas 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills 
• Ability to meet deadlines and effectively multi-task 
• A willingness to fail fast and forward while respecting and valuing input from a global and diverse team 
• Ability and willingness to work in a startup culture that may require fluidity in roles from week to week  
• Intermediate experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Applications 
• Responsive to manager’s feedback, ability to take direction and execute work independently with minimal oversight in a remote working environment
• Passionate about making a positive difference

Application Instructions:

Submit resume/CV, cover letter (indicating preference for part-time or full-time placement), and contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

No calls, please. If you have not received a response from us in two weeks, you should assume that your application was not successful on this occasion.