Summer 2026: Data Automation Intern (Unpaid)
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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.
IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 51 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.
SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP:
The Data Automation Intern will contribute to the operational excellence and innovation of the IRC in San Diego by supporting data management initiatives focused on data extraction, transformation, and loading. The intern will assist in integrating and consolidating datasets from various sources and building automation modules using tools such as Python, SQL, Excel automation, and API-based data connectors.
The role includes automating recurring tasks, improving data reliability, supporting internal reporting needs, and participating in data quality checks for the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database and related data sources to strengthen data integrity and program reporting.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Interns will gain expertise in data management, automation, ETL workflow and performance reporting to support decision-making in a nonprofit focused on refugees and underserved communities.
Interns will improve their ability to manage and ensure data accuracy through quality control activities, while learning about CRM systems and information management used in the nonprofit sector.
Interns will practice designing and presenting visual reports to effectively communicate data insights to diverse stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
With oversight from the Data and Emerging Tech Coordinator, the Data Automation Intern will:
Support data extraction from diverse sources, including file-based data (Excel, CSV), databases, cloud storage, and system data retrieved through APIs.
Assist in data transformation activities, including cleaning, structuring, and standardizing datasets.
Perform data loading tasks into internal systems, dashboards, or databases.
Build scripts to automate recurring tasks.
Support ongoing improvements to internal data workflows and documentation.
Assist in creating indicators, calculated fields, and key metrics, and in analyzing data for tracking program performance.
Automate Excel-based tasks using advanced formulas, macros, and VBA.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
Experience with data processing tools, including Python (pandas, numpy, openpyxl), Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros, VBA), and SQL.
Ability to extract, clean, and transform datasets (e.g., reading/writing Excel and CSV files, merging tables, filtering, handling missing values).
Familiarity with APIs for retrieving data and basic data modeling concepts.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Willingness to learn about the IRC and engage in cross-cultural communication.
Must pass the IRC background check.
Applicants must currently reside in San Diego County.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.
Working Environment:
The Data Automation Internship offers flexibility, with the opportunity to be 60% remote.
El Cajon and City Heights Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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 $163 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.
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