be part of an innovative nonprofit program
Bring your communications skills to a unique internship with The Underdog Project in Cape Town, a nonprofit organization that pairs at-risk youth with rescue dogs in an inspiring effort to drastically improve the lives of both.
As an intern, you’ll join a small but dedicated team to assist them with all things communications; you’ll help manage social media channels, write articles, draft newsletters, and you might put funding proposals together. Since you’ll be a large part of a small team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a big impact with your work, and really help drive this nonprofit forward.
You can do this writing and communications internship on the ground, in Cape Town, or remotely, if that suits you better. To apply, you’ll need to be a strong and versatile writer, an independent worker, and someone who shares the passion for this cause.
Learning Outcomes;
- Experience in managing a variety of communication channels
- Sharpened writing skills
- A strong grasp of the nonprofit sector in South Africa
- Some insights into fundraising (if you have an interest in this)
- International work experience – even if you’re working remotely
QUICK FACTS
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Cape Town, South Africa |
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Environmental NGO |
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Facilitation, Research, Reporting, Monitoring, Education, Tree planting |
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8 Weeks |
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Varies |
ORGANISATION
You’ll be part The Underdog Project, a South African nonprofit that teaches youth from underprivileged backgrounds to train rescue dogs. It’s an inspiring workshop program that offers a wide range of benefits to both the kids and the dogs.
Based in Cape Town, the organization works with kids from communities where abuse and violence are widespread, and opportunities are limited. It’s also an area with a large street dog population. By pairing at-risk kids with rescued dogs, and teaching the youngsters how to train their dogs, The Underdog Project aims to inspire the kids and encourage them to develop empathy. It also fights a culture of animal cruelty, and it increases the chances of the dogs to get adopted and find loving homes.
Through their innovative program, The Underdog Project ultimately aims to uplift the lives of both underprivileged youth and dogs.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
What you’ll do
As a writing and communications intern, you’ll enjoy a variety of tasks. Depending on your skills and experience, they can include;
- Managing social media channels
- Writing newsletters
- Writing web content and blogs
- Assisting with further development of communication strategies
- Writing reports and/or proposals
Requirements
- Strong writing skills
- Good communication skills
- Ideally some experience in communications
- A willingness to working in a culturally different environment
- An ability to work independently
- A passion for the work The Underdog Project does
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
This is a remote internship, so you can work from the comfort of your home. There are opportunities to work on the ground, if you’re interested. In that case, you will stay at a backpackers in Houtbay, a comfortable lodge in a suburb of Cape Town. It’s an ideal location; you’ll be close to the beach and local shops, and only a 20-minute drive from the Cape Town city center. There’s plenty to do during time off, like visiting local markets, going on hikes or walks on the beach, and venturing onto Table Mountain. You’ll also be close to the office; The Underdog Project is a 5-10 minutes drive away. The lodge has wifi, a shared lounge, and both private and shared rooms.
DATES & RATES
Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
2021 Rates
8 weeks USD 1,557
12 weeks USD 2,023
16 weeks USD 2,488
Remote internship: fixed fee USD 475
Includes:
- 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 orientation program with your supervisor.
- 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
- For in-person internship the fee includes airport transfers and accommodation based on a dorm room. Single rooms available at an additional fee pending availability,
Optional extra:
Personal Development Sessions
To help you optimise your personal and professional development during your internship, we offer individual monthly sessions with a professional consultant. These 1,5-hour sessions offer opportunities to set goals, reflect on your experience, and ensure your internship will benefit your career as much as possible.
Monthly fee: USD 65
Workshop: Exploring the Nonprofit Landscape
To give you a full understanding of the nonprofit sector in Africa, we offer one-off individual online workshops by a South African digital marketing and fundraising specialist. You’ll learn about the needs of the nonprofit sector, best practices in nonprofit management, and sustainability of fundraising initiatives. You’ll also be given a large amount of useful resources.
Workshop fee: USD 65
QUICK FACTS
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Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote |
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Animal & Youth NGO |
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Content Creation, Creative writing, Communications |
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Min. 8 Weeks |
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USD 475 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain a wealth of communications experience in a nonprofit setting
- Be a large part of a small team doing impactful work
- Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the greatest cities in the world
- Have the flexibility of working remotely, if you prefer
8 WEEKS USD 1,557
12 WEEKS USD 2,023
16 WEEKS USD 2,488
12 WEEKS USD 2,023
16 WEEKS USD 2,488
Remote internship: fixed fee USD 475
APPLYING
How to apply?
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
- Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) and send your CV to info@rootsinterns.com.
- We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
- If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
- If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, get started with a detailed booking form, and we’ll give you all the information you need to prepare for your upcoming adventure.
- Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form on the right. We’ll be happy to assist!
