Asylum Program Data and Operations Intern (Unpaid)

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.

SCOPE OF WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States to welcome newly arrived refugees and immigrants, support them in their resettlement, and provide holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities.

The IRC in New York is seeking a Data and Operations Intern to support the administrative, operational, and data management functions of a case management program serving asylum seekers in New York City. The intern’s contributions will play a meaningful role in supporting high- quality service delivery through improving program efficiency, supporting compliance with organizational and funder requirements, and strengthening the program’s ability to measure and demonstrate impact.

Key responsibilities will include supporting client financial assistance processes; assisting with data entry, data quality assurance, and reporting activities; helping develop and test operational systems and workflows; and contributing to process improvement initiatives. The intern will collaborate closely with program staff in understanding operational challenges and support the
implementation of practical solutions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit program operations, data management, and systems development while making a meaningful impact in the lives of asylum seekers and migrants.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Financial Assistance Support
• Assist with the logistical aspects of purchasing, tracking, and distributing gift cards and other forms of client financial assistance in accordance with organizational and funder guidelines.
• Support document organization and record maintenance in accordance with program and organizational standards.

Data and Operations Support
• Support the development, implementation, and testing of system and process
improvements related to data management and program operations.
• Assist in exploring technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Learn and utilize approved technologies including Box and Microsoft 365 applications such as Excel, Sharepoint, Power Automate, Bookings, Forms, and Power BI to support operational enhancements
• Conduct data quality assurance activities to identify and resolve inconsistencies, missing information, and data integrity issues.
• Assist in routine data reviews and preparation of data dashboards and visualizations that support program reporting and decision-making.
• Support documentation of workflows, procedures, and system processes to promote consistency and knowledge sharing across the team.

Program Support
• Provide occasional support for client-facing activities, including program orientation, intake, enrollment, and documentation collection.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program activities as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned to advance program goals and ensure effective service delivery.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop Knowledge of Asylum Seeker Services: The intern will gain valuable insight into the current landscape for asylum seekers in New York City, including the asylum process, barriers to integration, and the network of legal, social, and humanitarian services available.
2. Build Technical and Operational Skills: The intern will gain hands-on experience using data and operational tools, including Microsoft 365 applications such as Excel, SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI, to support program administration, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
3. Strengthen Program Management and Problem-Solving Skills: The intern will
develop practical skills in program operations, data management, and systems thinking while contributing to solutions that enhance service delivery, compliance, and organizational effectiveness within a direct services program.

REQUIREMENTS: Interns must be based in the United States and either be enrolled in post- secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the past two years.

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university, college, or other post- secondary program (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent). Individuals with at least two years of relevant professional or direct service experience may be considered regardless of educational background.
• Strong interest in immigration, refugee and asylum issues, social justice, nonprofit operations, or related fields.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook, with the ability to use digital tools for data entry, organization, and problem-solving. Familiarity with additional Microsoft 365 tools such as SharePoint, Power Automate, Forms, and Power BI is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving systems and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and adherence to data protection and privacy standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural, and multilingual environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, cultural humility, and sensitivity when engaging with individuals who have experienced trauma and displacement.
• Ability to engage respectfully in conversations addressing sensitive topics, including detention, deportation, domestic violence, housing instability, labor trafficking, and family separation.
• Previous experience in social services, community-based organizations, immigration services, research, data management, or related fields is preferred but not required.

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.

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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.