MYVA Mentoring Intern (Spring 2025) – 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.

Background:Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 22 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Scope of Role: The MYVAMentoring program pairs 15-24 year olds with a volunteer mentor who helps them achieve their educational, career, and social goals. We provide our clients with additional opportunities including individualized support, field trips, college tours, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. The MYVA intern will assist the Youth Mentoring Specialist with the planning and implementation of events and activities for MYVA youth as well as other day to day tasks to help the program grow and thrive.

Learning Objectives:

The MYVA Intern will:

• Gain experience working with youth and young adults in a multicultural environment 

• Learn about youth mentoring and best practices for managing a mentoring program and creating partnerships within the community 

• Develop skills in creating engaging and relevant programing for youth 

• Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Youth Mentoring Specialist with MYVA tasks such as: 

• Assist in planning and implementing programming for youth including workshops, events, college tours, field trips, and other events as needed 

• Find andfacilitate volunteer opportunities for MYVA youth needing to reach their MYVA volunteer requirement 

• College readiness and application support for 15-24 year olds interested in learning about or applying to college 

• Individual case management as needed including digital literacy support, connection to local resources, school advocacy, college support, etc. 

• Workshops and volunteer opportunities often require evening and weekend work

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.

• Other support as needed

• Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.

• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Canva, and other digital platforms required

• Flexible schedule and ability to work some weekends and evenings 

• Background in education or experience working with youth formally or informally

• Creativity, patience, understanding, and flexibility

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

• Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environmentand with community partners

• Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

• Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required (especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda)

This position is unpaid and reports to the Youth Mentoring Specialist

*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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 or disability.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.