Community Development Internship in Malawi

Unique opportunity to be part of a hub for social impact initiatives in a rural community in Malawi

You’ll be part of an eco-lodge that forms the center of a nonprofit network; one that connects a great number of educational, environmental, and health support programs in the local community, and enables important knowledge sharing between these different initiatives. Through effective knowledge sharing, the individual projects can widen their networks, grow their reach, and deepen their impact.

On top of this, the lodge has an information room that provides access to books and computers, as well as workshops on digital literacy. The goal is to allow grassroots projects to benefit from new technologies.

As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of growing and improving this network of local projects in a variety of ways. You’ll help develop effective communication tools for the community, research ways of connecting with relevant international organizations and institutions, and organize regular knowledge sharing sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to help develop and run digital media workshops.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Experience running nonprofit programs in the field
  • A chance to develop networking and project coordination skills
  • An opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of how nonprofits operate on a grassroots level
  • If desired, experience in developing and running educational programs
  • International work experience

ORGANIZATION

You’ll be part of a unique social impact program based out of an eco-lodge in Nkhata Bay, in the north of Malawi. The lodge forms the center of a number of social and environmental development projects in the neighboring communities, including health and HIV support groups, permaculture clubs at schools, educational programs, and media development projects. The lodge forms a hub for local community members and volunteers from around the world to combine forces and bring positive development to the area. The initiative is driven by the idea that within an effective network, all these individual nonprofit initiatives will be able to run more efficiently, build key relationships, and strengthen their impact.

TASKS & REQUIREMENTS

As an intern, you’ll be part of a small team that does great work in bringing a large number of community development programs together. The work will be varied and can, to some extent, be customized to your skills, experience, and desired learning outcomes.

What you’ll do

Your tasks will likely include;

  • Helping establish a strong network for the larger community
  • Assisting with the development of the information room at the lodge
  • Organizing and promoting regular information-sharing sessions for community members who run social impact initiatives
  • Research international networking and fundraising opportunities for the various nonprofit initiatives
  • Developing and/or teaching workshops on computers and online media
  • Developing efficient communication tools and knowledge-sharing platforms between the various organizations in the community
Requirements
  • Strong communication skills and a passion for information sharing
  • A passion for social impact work
  • Strong networking skills
  • A good understanding of digital media
  • A flexible attitude and an openness to working in a culturally diverse setting

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

During your internship, you’ll be lucky enough to stay at a lodge in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on the banks of Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a beach bar, and several communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets, too. The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different community and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this gorgeous space with like-minded people.

DATES & RATES

Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2023 rates)

2 months USD 1,757
3 months USD 2,099
4 months USD 2,440
5 months USD 2,782
6 months USD 3,123

Remote internship – Placement fee USD 625

What you are paying for:
  • Accommodation (shared)
  • Two meals a day during the first month. After the first month you can decide to book the meal package for the other months as well.
  • Assistance with finding the perfect work placement
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
  • Supervision during your internship
  • Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor.
  • Your own account on a career development platform that offers content and courses focused on exploring different career opportunities
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
  • On the ground support during your stay
Excludes:
  • Flights to Malawi
  • Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals after the first month: you can prepare your own meals or opt to book the meal package for two meals a day for the following months.
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
  • Airport transfer to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km)
  • In case of late arrival: extra night in accommodation in Lilongwe
QUICK FACTS
Nkhata Bay, Malawi
Social impact program
Education, Community Development, Networking
8-26 Weeks
From USD 1,757
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

As Butterfly Space has such a diverse range of projects, I assist in a variety of tasks. I have taken on email campaigns, newsletters, social media posting, fundraising, grant research and writing, comprising an overall communications map and strategy, writing website copy, and doing project visits and assessments. I’ve also set up Google Analytics, I’ve done bartending training, and I have assisted on the ground work with certain projects. There is definitely always something to do whether it be for the lodge directly or a specific program.

Amanda, United States, Community Development Internship
READ MORE REVIEWSHow to Apply
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Gain unique work experience in community development in a rural African context
  • Use your knowledge of the digital environment to help accelerate the impact made by various nonprofit organizations in Malawi
  • Enjoy a hugely varied and unique set of tasks
  • Live and work in a beautiful part of Malawi
  • Be part of a larger community of interns and volunteers from around the world
2 MONTHS USD 1,757
3 MONTHS USD 2,099
4 MONTHS USD 2,440

See Detailed Rates

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 with 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.

CONFIRMATION
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you  all the information you need.

PAYMENT
We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit. 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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