Summer Intern, Accion Advisory

About Accion:

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build more than 235 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching more than 350 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About Accion Advisory

Our Accion Advisory Team is a diverse and close-knit global team with one common social purpose: building a financially inclusive world for small businesses and low-income households. We are passionate about what we do - working with a wide range of financial service providers and other partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to build sustainable businesses to achieve financial inclusion. We enjoy solving problems, being exposed to new ideas, sharing information, and asking, "what if?" Our core expertise is advanced and supported by our Practice Areas which include customer capability building, data management & analytics, operations & technology, people & culture, product development, and risk management.

Position Summary

The Accion Advisory team is seeking a summer graduate intern with a passion for social change in the financial inclusion space. The individual will work closely with leaders within our team in building out master concept notes, supporting partner identification and working with technical experts as they update/create tools and trainings specific to Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) within their respective areas.

Position Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Regional Program Manager of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, assist in the development and refinement of master concept notes for thematic areas and support the expansion of the Accion Advisory new business network through partner identification and engagement in specified focus countries. (40%):

1. Master Concept notes development and updates

• Collaborate with MEA team members to understand the areas of focus.
• Draft and update master concept notes that summarize the key objectives, strategies, and outcomes of the thematic programs.
• Research and integrate new findings, best practices, and innovations
• Ensure the master notes are aligned with the strategic priorities of the MEA region and Accion Advisory at large.

2. Partner identification and engagement

• • Conduct research on potential partners in focus countries within the target areas
  • Analyze the landscape of existing initiatives and identify synergies within the MEA program goals
  • Create a data base of potential partners with relevant contact information
  • Support outreach efforts to engage with identified partners as needed
  • Assist in the coordination, preparation and follow-up of partner meetings and consultations

Under the guidance of a Practice Area Lead, assist with the updates and development of tools and trainings designed for Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) in their respective areas (60%).

1. Tool Development Support

• • Assist identified Practice Area Leads in updating existing collateral to create a toolkit designed to cater to Women's Economic Empowerment
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions to create concepts for new tools within the respective technical aimed at Women's Economic Empowerment
  • Conduct research as needed to gather data and case study that support the tools being developed.

2. Training Preparation

• • Support the creation and updating of training materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive activities.

Learning Component/Benefits:

Working with the Accion Advisory team will provide a deeper understanding and first-hand exposure to Accion's 60 years of institutional knowledge through technical tools, resources, and materials focused on financial inclusion topics and trends in the industry. The Intern will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in international program development and partnership building, develop a comprehensive understanding of thematic areas within a non-profit context, and gain in-depth knowledge of tools and strategies that promote women's economic empowerment.

Position Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MBA or similar advanced degree program (including international development, international relations, economics, public policy or gender studies).
• Generally, 3+ years of professional experience, consulting experience preferred.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Attention to detail and organization skills
• Research, writing and communication skills
• Proficiency in PowerPoint
• Interest in gender issues and economic empowerment
• Willingness to embody Accion's values of Excellence, Respect and Passion for Social Change.

Period of internship: June - August 2024, dates flexible.

Compensation: $25/hour

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Accion seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. Accion is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.