FINANCE INTERNSHIP IN MALAWI

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

GAIN FINANCE MANAGEMENT AND INCOME GENERATION EXPERIENCE WITH A SOCIAL BUSINESS

Have you ever thought of doing your finance internship in Africa? Here’s a wonderful opportunity to join a social enterprise with a purpose-driven mandate in Malawi, and take on a varied finance management role.

You’ll join Supreme, a social business that produces sanitary products for girls and women; something that isn’t readily available in many communities. Supreme’s mission is to empower women to have safe and hygienic periods, and to break persisting taboos around menstrual cycles. The company puts 100% of profits back into its mission, runs an aligned nonprofit organization focused on education, and is heavily focused on local job creation.

Your role during this finance internship is to help manage and further develop Supreme’s financial systems, to assist with income generation, and to implement donations. It’s a chance to get very practical financial management experience under your belt, to challenge yourself by working on a strategic level, and to contribute to a worthwhile social mission.

Learning outcomes of this finance internship in Malawi:

  • Practical experience in bookkeeping, donation management, and creating financial reports
  • Insights into income generation within a social enterprise
  • Experience on a strategic level with streamlining and developing financial systems
  • A thorough understanding of the day to day running of a social business in an African context
  • International work experience

ORGANIZATION

Based in Malawi, Supreme is a social enterprise that creates reusable sanitary pads and spreads education around menstrual hygiene in local communities. Their aim is to allow girls and women to have safe and hygienic periods, and to be able to fully participate in society throughout their menstrual cycle. Through their social business, Supreme tackles two issues; the lack of access to menstrual products for many women in Malawi, and the persisting traditional beliefs around menstrual cycles that stop girls and women from going to school or their jobs.

Supreme reinvests 100% of their profit into their business, and supports the local economy through job training and employment. In addition, the team runs a nonprofit organization through which they provide necessary educational programs throughout rural communities in northern Malawi.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a finance intern in Malawi, your tasks will include the following;

  • Assisting with donation management
  • Creating annual reports
  • Assisting with bookkeeping activities
  • Helping to streamline systems
  • Doing fundraising research
  • Putting together funding proposals and grant applications

Requirements

  • Relevant academic background
  • Strong organizational systems thinking skills
  • An ability to work and think on a strategic level
  • A willingness to take on a variety of tasks
  • An ability to work quite independently and take initiative
  • A passion for the work Supreme is doing

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on 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 lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.

Communication

Communication

You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.

Meals

Meals

A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

8 weeks USD 1,792

12 weeks USD 2,144

16 weeks USD 2,495

20 weeks USD 2,846

26 weeks USD 3,372


Remote internship – Placement fee USD 525

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 dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
  • Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
  • Laundry service
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision & support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Lilongwe
  • Transport to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
  • Data package for internet connection (for work and personal use)
  • Transport to the office
  • Meals after your first month; 2 meals (breakfast & dinner) are included for the initial month. For the remaining duration, you can prepare your own meals or opt to extend the meal package.
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.

What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?

You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!

How long can I do an internship in Malawi?

The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!

Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?

Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.

How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?

Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!

Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi or Remote
PROJECT FOCUS: Gender Equality, Social Business, Health
TASK FOCUS: Accounting, Reporting, Fundraising
LENGTH: 8-26 weeks
COST: From USD 1,792 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain a wealth of practical experience in financial management, donation management and implementation, and system development
  • Help with income generation through fundraising strategy and campaigns
  • Be part of an inspiring social enterprise that offers valuable support to Malawian women
  • Get insights into the day to day running of nonprofit community programs
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodation with an idyllic location (on the banks of Lake Malawi!)
  • Live and work in a welcoming Malawian community with beautiful natural surroundings
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.

GET STARTED

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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