Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern – IIRR

Essential Job Details

Position Title: Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern
Location: Remote (Must align with New York/East Coast business hours)
Employment Type: Internship (Full-Time: 40 hours/week for 3 months; Part-Time: 20 hours/week for 6 months)
Number of Vacancies: Not specified (Multiple positions available)
Salary: Unpaid (Eligible for class credits)
Category/Department: Advocacy and Communications
Reporting To: Director of Global Operations
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until filled
Reference Number: Not specified (Reference: IIRR/ACOI/2025)

Introduction

An exciting Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern opportunity awaits creative and strategic thinkers to join the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), a globally recognized rural development NGO. This remote internship, designed for passionate individuals, offers a unique chance to enhance IIRR’s branding and social media efforts, raising awareness of its impactful programs across Africa, Asia, and beyond. While unpaid, this internship provides valuable experience and class credits, making it ideal for recent graduates or students eager to build their careers in advocacy, communications, and international development. The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role is a gateway to contributing to sustainable solutions that empower rural communities worldwide.

About IIRR

Founded in 1960, the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of rural communities across five continents. With programs impacting over 62 million people, IIRR focuses on health, education, and environmental sustainability, delivering scalable solutions that empower communities. Operating offices in Africa, Asia, and North America, IIRR is renowned for its commitment to innovation, equity, and community-driven development. The organization fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, providing interns with a supportive environment to develop skills, contribute to global impact, and grow professionally in the nonprofit sector.

Key Responsibilities

Research and develop compelling content for multi-channel communications platforms to support IIRR’s external communications and public relations efforts.
Support copywriting, graphic design, and content curation for social media channels, IIRR’s website, and blogs to enhance visibility of projects and activities.
Assist in implementing social media campaigns across platforms to strengthen IIRR’s brand identity and global reach.
Liaise with local, national, and international journalists to support the development and execution of media coverage for IIRR’s initiatives.
Contribute to documentation efforts, including video production and photography, to showcase IIRR’s impact in rural communities.
Curate engaging content that aligns with IIRR’s mission and resonates with diverse global audiences.
Monitor social media performance metrics to optimize engagement and refine content strategies.
Collaborate with the communications team to brainstorm creative ideas for advocacy campaigns.
Support the creation of newsletters, press releases, and other materials to promote IIRR’s programs.
Ensure content adheres to IIRR’s branding guidelines and maintains consistency across platforms.
Assist in managing digital assets, including organizing media files and updating content databases.
Engage with feedback from the Director of Global Operations to refine deliverables and meet project goals.
Participate in virtual team meetings to align on advocacy and communications priorities.
Contribute bold and innovative ideas to enhance IIRR’s online presence and global impact.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline, completed prior to the internship start date.
Well-Organized and Self-Motivated with a strong ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Impeccable Writing Skills with meticulous attention to detail for creating high-quality content.
Intermediate Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Applications.
Exceptional Interpersonal Skills to collaborate with diverse, global teams and stakeholders.
Curiosity and Creativity to propose bold ideas and innovative content solutions.
Ability to Meet Deadlines and multitask effectively in a fast-paced setting.
Willingness to Fail Fast and Forward, embracing feedback and iterative improvement.
Adaptability to Fluid Roles in a startup-like culture with dynamic weekly responsibilities.
Passion for Positive Impact and commitment to IIRR’s mission of empowering rural communities.
Preferred: Experience in Social Media Management or content creation for advocacy campaigns.
Preferred: Basic Graphic Design Skills using tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or similar platforms.
Preferred: Familiarity with Video Editing or photography for multimedia content production.
Responsive to Feedback and able to execute tasks with minimal oversight.

Company Culture and Values

IIRR fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture that prioritizes innovation, equity, and community empowerment. The organization values diversity and encourages interns to contribute bold ideas while respecting input from global teams. With a commitment to professional growth, IIRR provides a supportive environment where Advocacy & Communications Officer Interns can develop skills in communications, advocacy, and international development. The remote nature of the internship promotes flexibility and independence, while aligning with IIRR’s values of transparency, accountability, and passion for creating sustainable solutions for rural communities.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern position with IIRR. Submit your updated resume/CV, a cover letter indicating your preference for full-time (40 hours/week for 3 months) or part-time (20 hours/week for 6 months) placement, and contact information for three references via the online application portal at IIRR Careers. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Ensure all documents are complete and clearly indicate the position title and reference number (IIRR/ACOI/2025). For inquiries, contact IIRR at +254 784 155 512. If you do not hear back within two weeks, consider your application unsuccessful. IIRR, facilitated by BrighterMonday, does not charge candidates for placement and is committed to fair, non-discriminatory hiring practices. Applicants must provide a Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) and a Clearance Certificate from the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) as per Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution before appointment.

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Expanded Job Overview

The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) offers a transformative opportunity for recent graduates and students to contribute to a globally impactful NGO. This remote internship, aligned with New York/East Coast business hours, focuses on enhancing IIRR’s branding, social media presence, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness of its programs across Africa, Asia, and beyond. While unpaid, the internship provides class credits and invaluable experience in communications and international development, making it ideal for those seeking to launch a career in the nonprofit sector. Below is a comprehensive exploration of the role’s responsibilities, impact, and career potential.

Why Pursue an Internship in Advocacy and Communications with IIRR?

The nonprofit sector is a dynamic space for creating meaningful change, and IIRR stands out as a leader in rural development, impacting over 62 million lives since 1960. The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role offers hands-on experience in crafting compelling content, managing social media campaigns, and supporting global advocacy efforts. This internship is perfect for creative individuals passionate about storytelling, branding, and making a positive difference in rural communities. With flexible full-time or part-time options and the opportunity to earn class credits, this role provides a unique platform to build a career in advocacy and communications.

The Role’s Impact in Global Rural Development

IIRR’s mission to empower rural communities through sustainable solutions is amplified by effective advocacy and communications. As an Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern, you will play a key role in raising awareness of IIRR’s health, education, and environmental programs, reaching audiences across five continents. Your work will enhance the organization’s online presence, engage stakeholders, and support media outreach, contributing to IIRR’s global impact. By creating content that resonates with diverse audiences, you will help amplify the voices of rural communities and drive support for IIRR’s transformative initiatives.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities in Detail

The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role involves a range of creative and strategic tasks that support IIRR’s branding and advocacy goals. Below is a detailed breakdown of daily responsibilities:

Content Creation: Research and develop engaging content for social media, websites, blogs, and newsletters to highlight IIRR’s projects and impact.
Social Media Management: Curate and post content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, ensuring alignment with IIRR’s brand guidelines.
Campaign Support: Assist in designing and implementing social media campaigns to boost visibility and engagement for IIRR’s initiatives.
Media Outreach: Liaise with journalists to secure media coverage, drafting press releases and pitching stories to local, national, and international outlets.
Multimedia Documentation: Support video and photography projects to document IIRR’s work, creating compelling visual stories for advocacy purposes.
Performance Monitoring: Track social media and website analytics to optimize content strategies and maximize audience reach.
Team Collaboration: Participate in virtual brainstorming sessions to develop innovative advocacy ideas and align with team priorities.

Skills Development and Career Growth

This internship offers significant opportunities for skill development in advocacy, communications, and digital marketing. As an Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern, you will enhance your abilities in content creation, social media management, and media outreach, while gaining proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office and Google Applications. The remote nature of the role builds skills in virtual collaboration and independent work, preparing you for careers in nonprofit communications, public relations, or international development. The experience and class credits earned can lead to future roles in advocacy, branding, or social impact organizations globally.

Working in a Remote, Global Environment

The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role is fully remote, requiring alignment with New York/East Coast business hours (e.g., 4:00 PM–12:00 AM EAT). This setup offers flexibility for Kenyan candidates to work from home while collaborating with a global team. The role demands strong time management and self-motivation, as interns will handle tasks with minimal oversight. IIRR’s inclusive and startup-like culture encourages creativity and adaptability, providing a dynamic environment to learn and contribute to global development efforts.

Industry Trends and Opportunities

The nonprofit sector is increasingly leveraging digital platforms to amplify impact, with trends like social media advocacy, data-driven content strategies, and multimedia storytelling shaping communications. The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role aligns with these trends by offering experience in multi-channel content creation and media outreach. The growing demand for skilled communicators in NGOs creates opportunities for interns to build careers in advocacy, public relations, or digital marketing. Proficiency in remote work and global collaboration further enhances employability in the nonprofit and development sectors.

Qualifications in Depth

To qualify for the Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, completed before the internship starts. Impeccable writing skills, creativity, and attention to detail are essential for producing high-quality content. Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office and Google Applications is required, while familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) or video editing software is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability, a willingness to embrace feedback, and a passion for IIRR’s mission of empowering rural communities.

Why This Role Stands Out

The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role stands out for its global reach, flexible remote structure, and opportunity to contribute to a leading NGO’s mission. Unlike traditional internships, this role offers hands-on experience in advocacy, social media, and media outreach, with the added benefit of class credits. The chance to work with a diverse, global team and contribute to impactful rural development programs makes this internship a unique stepping stone for a career in communications or international development.

Application Tips

When applying for the Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role, ensure your resume highlights your writing skills, organizational abilities, and any experience in content creation or social media. Your cover letter should specify your preference for full-time or part-time placement and emphasize your passion for advocacy and rural development. Include contact details for three references and apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Clearly indicate the position title and reference number (IIRR/ACOI/2025) in your application. Prepare to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct and CRB clearance as required by Kenyan regulations.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The recruitment process for this Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern position is facilitated by IIRR and supported by BrighterMonday, ensuring fair and inclusive hiring practices. IIRR values diversity and does not discriminate based on gender, age, or background. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, and only those shortlisted will be contacted within two weeks due to the high volume of applications.

Conclusion

The Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern role with IIRR is a transformative opportunity to contribute to a leading NGO’s global mission of empowering rural communities. With flexible remote options, class credits, and hands-on experience in advocacy and communications, this internship is ideal for creative professionals eager to launch a career in international development. Apply today to join IIRR and make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

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