Grassroot Soccer Interns

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR  INTERNSHIPS FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 2012 THROUGH JULY 31, 2013 ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED AND WILL BE PROCESSED ON A ROLLING BASIS.

Each year, Grassroot Soccer selects a small group of  recent college graduates and other young adults to serve as GRS Interns in Africa. Joining local program management teams, GRS Interns serve crucial roles in the successful delivery of Grassroot Soccer Programs in numerous sites across Southern Africa.  Responsibilities of Interns include but are not limited to:

• Assisting in planning and implementing of youth-targeted HIV prevention education programs
• Networking with community organizations to develop relationships and to promote GRS programs and services
• Planning and coordination of community events such as Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
• Building capacity of GRS field staff and local GRS coaches
• Assisting with program monitoring and evaluation
• Recruiting community-based volunteers
• Assisting in curriculum and business development

Interns gain valuable field and work experience in international health, HIV and AIDS prevention, and Youth Development through Sports. Most importantly, Interns develop meaningful, long-term relationships with communities to help build local capacity and ownership over GRS Programs.  To read an essay on the impact of this internship on the life Nicholas Colacchio (2005-2006, Zimbabwe), click here.

Application Process

The 2012-2013 Intern application process is now OPEN.  GRS will accept and process applications on a rolling basis. We are currently seeking  Interns in the following departments: Programs, Global Operations, Curriculum and Training, Finance, and Monitoring & Evaluation. Please visit our FAQ page to view further descriptions of each of these departmental assignments.

Ideal Intern candidates are genuinely and wholeheartedly committed to Grassroot Soccer’s mission and methods. These candidates will also be creative, courageous, passionate, hard-working, independent, culturally-sensitive, open-minded, insightful, intellectually mature and responsible. Additionally, they will possess and demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm for and experience working with young people;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Passion for sports and international health and development;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Practical leadership experience
• Commitment to social justice, community service and international health and development; and
• A genuine desire to make a difference in the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime!

The normal term of service for an Intern is 12 months (August-August).Interns are required to take part in training, both in the US prior to departure and in Africa upon arrival. This training is designed to introduce Interns to the GRS curriculum and give them strategies and tools to maximize their effectiveness and enjoyment of their internship experience.

Supporting Your Internship: Fundraising

Grassroot Soccer provides room and and business expenses at the Africa host sites, and room, board, and all materials at the pre-departure training sessions in the United States.  Grassroot Soccer does not provide financial compensation to Interns during their volunteer work at their host site nor do we provide transportation to pre-departure training in the United States nor transportation costs to/from Africa.  It is the responsibility of the individual Intern to provide his/her own funds for airfare, transportation, meals, activities, and incidentals.  We suggest that Interns plan to have $10,000 available to support their personal expenses for their internship year.  Grassroot Soccer will provide suggestions and support for your fundraising efforts.

After Your Internship

Upon return to the United States, Interns will be expected to participate fully in post-program activities. These activities include giving presentations  about the Grassroot Soccer program and their experience at local schools, universities, Rotary/Lion’s Clubs and other such institutions. They will also be expected to submit a formal report evaluating their experience, providing comments and suggestions for improvement. Returning  Interns may also be asked to participate in training of future Interns.

For further information, please contact david@grassrootsoccer.org, or for specific Internship application documents and instructions, please go to the INTERNSHIP APPLICATION.