May 04, 2018
By Edward Lewis

The second edition of JOA’s one-year paid internship programme opens this week, offering a Jersey resident a unique opportunity in the field of international development.

Whilst a career in international development can be incredibly rewarding, getting your first job can be hard. This exciting internship programme – in partnership with award-winning UK Charity Practical Action – will give someone from Jersey the chance to spend twelve months learning the ropes with the professionals, including six months on assignment in a developing country.

The main goal is to equip the successful candidate with the skills and experience necessary to enable them to take frontline roles with international relief and development organisations.

The intern will start work in October 2018 by spending two months in JOA’s office in St Helier, before transferring to Practical Action’s HQ in Rugby, where they will have an opportunity to work in a number of departments across the organisation. Full support will be provided throughout the year and a mentor will be appointed who will oversee learning. By February they will be ready for their first field posting, in one of Practical Action’s overseas projects.

No age limit applies, and career-changers are welcome, but JOA are looking to recruit someone who is serious about embarking on a fulfilling but demanding new path, including being prepared to spend significant time in challenging places.

Practical Action has a strong track record of bringing communities and experts together to find practical, sustainable solutions to enable people to meet their needs, which work for both people and the planet. Working throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America, Practical Action improves the lives of around one million people every year through improved access to energy, sustainable agriculture, water, sanitation and waste management, and disaster risk reduction. This opportunity will give somebody valuable first-hand experience which can be used to progress their career in international development.

Carolyn Labey, Chair of JOA, said “As well as being a life-changing launch pad for several fortunate individuals, this will help translate the huge support for charity and philanthropy on our Island into concrete assistance for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.”

Sarah Sandon, Head of International Programmes at Practical Action, said “These kinds of opportunities in international development are few and far between so we are thrilled to be partnering with JOA and offering the opportunity for an individual to significantly contribute to Practical Action’s remit both in the UK and abroad.’

Details about the Internship and how to apply can be found on JOA’s website