IRC: NYSA Program and Operations Intern – New York

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 NYSA Programs and Operations Intern will support the daily operations and program activities of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA), a six-week educational program serving newly arrived refugee youth ages 5–21. Under the supervision of program staff, the intern will assist in classroom and small-group activities, including Leaders in Training (LIT) and beginner ESOL classes, help prepare and organize instructional and program materials, and provide hands-on support during academic, recreational, and life skills activities. The intern will also assist with logistics for community events and field trips, support meal and snack distribution in compliance with NYC DOE guidelines, and help foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations & Administration:

· Support the Leaders in Training (LIT) class by assisting with activities, tracking participation, and encouraging engagement

· Assist in Upper School beginner ESOL classes by preparing materials, supporting small group work, and helping students stay on task

· Provide encouragement and basic guidance to students, helping maintain a positive and inclusive environment

· Provide hands-on support during group activities, workshops, and recreation time as needed

· Assist with supervising small groups of students during structured activities

Student & Classroom Support

· Maintain and organize inventory of camp supplies, ensuring materials are well-stocked and easy to access

· Assist in preparing, assembling, and organizing materials such as name tags, handouts, folders, and forms (e.g., cutting, sorting, stapling, collating)

· Collaborate with staff to prepare materials and assist with setup and cleanup for daily activities, weekly events, and field trips

· Assist in distributing meals in compliance with NYC DOE regulations

· Support daily snack distribution and help ensure all students are served efficiently

· Help monitor mealtime routines, including setup, cleanup, and maintaining a safe, organized environment

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Develop practical experience supporting newcomer and refugee youth by assisting in classroom instruction, small-group activities, and youth engagement strategies within a culturally and linguistically diverse educational setting.

2. Build foundational skills in program operations and logistics by preparing instructional materials, managing supplies, and supporting daily activities, events, and field trips in a structured youth program.

3. Strengthen professional communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with educators and program staff to support student well-being, maintain a safe and inclusive environment, and follow NYC DOE guidelines for student services.

REQUIREMENTS:

· The applicant must be based in the U.S.

· Must be a high school senior or enrolled in post-secondary institution

· Interest in working with newcomer, immigrant, or refugee youth in an educational or youth development setting

· Ability to work collaboratively with staff and follow guidance from program supervisors

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when preparing and managing materials

· Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to the full six-week summer program

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.

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.