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Business Development Internship in the Philippines
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Build diverse business skills and experience supporting an impactful education and community uplift nonprofit in the Philippines
Travel to Tacloban City and build your business know-how supporting a one-of-a-kind organization. This program lets you develop your business skills in a real-world setting and a unique work environment while making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
You’ll join a long-standing, impactful nonprofit organization committed to uplifting indigent communities through quality education and holistic support. They provide a range of educational programs, life skills training, and community services designed to empower and uplift children and their families. Their mission is to create sustainable, long-term change by addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality in Tacloban City.
As an intern, you will play a crucial role in expanding the organization’s reach, building strategic partnerships, and creating sustainable funding opportunities. You’ll also take on vital tasks in impact assessment and optimizing operations, working closely with beneficiaries to see how the organization could support them better.
Learning Objectives
- Gain hands-on experience in business development within a nonprofit context
- Build skills in strategic planning, market research, and partnership management
- Develop expertise in grant writing and fundraising strategies
- Enhance your ability to communicate and negotiate with diverse stakeholders
- Contribute to the growth and sustainability of a meaningful cause
ORGANIZATION
This inspiring organization is dedicated to empowering and uplifting indigent communities in Tacloban City through educational support. Founded in 2004, the organization provides a range of educational programs, courses, and football clubs from their own study center and children’s park where they help upwards of 200 children each year. Their aim is to not only support academic progression but provide vocational training and teach life skills giving children the tools they need to build a brighter future.
The organization is well-established in Tacloban partnering with and supporting schools and community-led initiatives throughout the city. They also arrange school supplies and transportation helping children to attend school. Having worked in the city for two decades, and supporting communities’ through the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, they are well-integrated and have a proven track record of forging nurturing relationships with young minds.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This internship involves a broad range of business development and management tasks, including managing relations with stakeholders and funders, establishing standard operating procedures on projects, and . Your day-to-day will vary greatly as you juggle tasks like writing grant applications, handling communications, and visiting sites to conduct impact assessments.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research to identify and assess potential partner and donor companies
- Assist in preparing and writing grant proposals and business development documents
- Prepare detailed M&E reports to assess project outcomes and impact
- Conduct regular field visits to projects to monitor project progress and gather feedback
- Assist in drafting comprehensive impact reports for stakeholders and funders
- Analyze project data to measure effectiveness and impact
- Enter and manage data in various databases and software systems
- Assist in developing and documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Help streamline and optimize existing business development processes
- Support the Partner Relations team in maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and donors
- All interns are required to spend time out of the office and engaging in safe play activities with the children throughout the day. It’s more than just desk work, it’s play time!
Requirements
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
- Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good with children and eager to work with them during breaks
- Previous experience in business development, fundraising, or a nonprofit setting is a plus
- MUST have prior international travel experience or join the internship with a friend
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Interns will stay at the organization’s own volunteer residence on-site the project. The accommodation includes a fully furnished open air shared room with fans, shared bathrooms, and access to a fully-equipped shared kitchen to cook meals. The house also has six cats freely-roaming through it, so it’s great for animal lovers.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Tacloban is a relatively safe city but interns should exercise basic precautions like concealing their valuables and avoiding walking alone at night. The organization’s complex has its own security team, as well as 9 guard dogs (Belgian Malinois). Interns must also follow recommended medical precautions with TB, Hepatitis A, and dengue being prevalent in the area during the rainy season. General mosquito precautions should be taken, including wearing insect repellent and long, loose clothing in the evenings.
Communication
Communication
Interns will work from the organization’s study center with computers suites, workspaces, and strong Wifi. Alternatively, as a hub of business and commerce in the Eastern Visayas region the city has a strong infrastructure with solid internet connection and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and hotels with free Wifi. It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected with family and friends at any time.
Meals
Meals
Interns will be provided lunch and dinner daily cooked by a chef on-site. These meals will consist of local Filipino food, but certain Western meals can be prepared upon request. For breakfast and snacks, they’ll have access to the fully-equipped kitchen at the accommodation.
Location details
Location details
Tacloban City, the capital of Leyte province in the Philippines, is a bustling urban center with a rich history and culture. The city is well-known for withstanding Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the strongest storm ever recorded. Since then, Tacloban has undergone significant rebuilding and development. It now stands as a thriving cultural and economic hub for the Philippines, and a testament to the community spirit and resilience of its residents.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start and end dates for this internship are flexible and will be discussed with you during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 1,641
12 weeks USD 2,017
16 weeks USD 2,393
20 weeks USD 2,769
26 weeks USD 3,334
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a shared room (up to 3 pax). If you’d like a single room, please contact us for prices and availability.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Daily lunch and dinner (local Filipino food)
- Wifi access
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Tacloban DZR Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Breakfast, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Philippines.
What can I expect from an internship in the Philippines?
During your internship, you can expect to get a glimpse into what it’s like to live and work in the Philippines. You’ll step out of your comfort zone, gain practical work experience, explore a new culture and environment, contribute to the UN SDGs, and learn valuable skills to apply in your personal life and professional career. All this, while getting to explore some of the 7,000+ islands found in the Philippines. Take walks on sandy white beaches, wander through rice terraces, dip into crystal clear waters, try tasty new foods, immerse yourself in history and culture, and enjoy every second of it! For more reasons to intern in the Philippines, check out this blog post.
Will I be able to travel around the country during my internship?
We believe an internship is more than just about your office work – it’s also about discovering and experiencing a new culture. You’ll be able to take advantage of your free time to get to the know the island and community that you are based in. Each internship has different commitments (some require a 6 day week), so be sure to confirm the schedule. To explore other islands in the Philippines, it’s recommended to plan time for an island-hopping trip after your internship experience. Be sure to ask your host organization for recommendations and must-sees!
Does my internship in the Philippines qualify for university credits?
It sure does! However, you’ll want to double check with your supervisor that your university approves the program. We can also assist you in purchasing transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Will I receive compensation during my internship abroad?
Unfortunately, no. When interning for a nonprofit organization, the placement will be unpaid, but there are different ways to fund your internship. Don’t forget, the wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both your professional and personal growth will be invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Tacloban, Philippines
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Data Analysis, M&E, Strategic Development
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 1,641
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international experience in a nonprofit organization
- Work closely with the vibrant and resilient communities of Tacloban
- Develop a diverse portfolio of business development projects
- Immerse yourself in Filipino culture and contribute to meaningful change
- Live and work in the Philippines
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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