The African Queer Youth Initiative (AQYI) offers an opportunity for a six-month internship to young people (minimum age of 18 years) who wish to broaden their knowledge and experience on LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa, Human Rights, Programme Development, Advocacy, and Communication. We welcome applications from folks with a passion or interest in the human rights of sexual and gender minorities in Africa.
Selected interns will, during their time at the AQYI, build skills in proposal writing, report writing, program budgeting, project design & implementation, community organizing, and administration. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with a dynamic and diverse team at the AQYI.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(interns will be expected to take on a few or more of the duties below and others assigned)
- Support the AQYI team in all activities and projects.
- Contribute to the identification of human rights issues/problem areas, emerging and evolving trends of issues within the African LGBTIQ+ community as well as response and capacity gaps, and assist in the development of a strategy to respond to the situation.
- Assist in the planning and monitoring of advocacy projects.
- Research and monitor recent LGBTIQ+ human rights development in African countries.
- Assist the communication team in creating communications and advocacy content.
- Support with drafting reports, briefings, and other such documents for advocacy projects.
- Assist in the online promotion of all AQYI activities.
- Curating advocacy contents for AQYI’s blog.
- Assist in organizing and promoting events organized by the AQYI.
- Research relevant opportunities for LGBTIQ+ youths in Africa.
- Other such administrative and official duties that may be assigned.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates keen interest in the work of the AQYI.
Displays an understanding of cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age diversity, and sensitivity.
Functional Competencies:
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Experience in drafting and writing texts in English/French.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision;
Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude, pro-activity;
Required Qualifications/Skills and Experience
- A high school diploma or bachelor’s level degree in any field (current students are also encouraged to apply).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others in a diverse team, across organizational boundaries and multiple locations, and with team members at all levels.
- Confidence and enthusiasm when communicating with both external partners and internal project team in both formal and informal presentations.
- Passion for social change with interest in the field of human rights, SOGIESC, Social Justice, Gender Equity, and Civic Engagement.
- Exceptional professionalism and people skills.
- Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and/or a sense of humor are a plus.
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
Interested candidates should send their resume and a one-page motivation letter outlining their interests, and what they intend to benefit from an internship program at the AQYI to admin@aqyi.org. on or before the 14th of August 2020
Interested candidates are also encouraged to highlight the department they are interested in interning with at the AQYI (Communication, Programs, or Research).
Remuneration: This is an unpaid internship.
Deadline: 14th August 2020
Location: Remote
