NGO Development Internship in Zambia

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Contribute to sustainable community work through NGO development strategies

If you’re looking to get in-depth exposure to the nonprofit sector and you’re passionate about community development, this NGO Development Internship in Zambia could be the perfect match for you. You’ll join a grassroots organization in the welcoming town of Livingstone that’s on a mission to lift people out of poverty through education, nutrition, health services, and empowerment programs.

As an NGO development intern, you’ll take on a varied role within the small field-based team. While your tasks will, to some extent, be tailored to your skills and interests, you can expect to get involved in a range of areas, including fundraising, stakeholder engagement, digital marketing, impact assessment and reporting, and communications. You’ll also work closely with the CEO of the organization in developing and delivering an overall strategy.

This NGO internship in Zambia is an inspiring opportunity to get a thorough understanding of the day-to-day running of a nonprofit organization on a grassroots level. It’s also a chance to see the direct impact of your work and to immerse yourself in Zambian culture. On top of this, you’ll get to explore Livingstone’s beautiful surroundings during your time off on safaris, boat cruises, visits to the Victoria Falls, and other adventures.

Learning Outcomes

  • Practical experience in various elements of fundraising and stakeholder management including: research, proposal writing, digital campaigns, and impact reporting
  • Experience in communications within a nonprofit context
  • An ability to contribute to overall growth and sustainability on a strategic level
  • International work experience

ORGANIZATION

The Free Haven Community Initiative is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help families in Livingstone, Zambia break the cycle of poverty. They achieve this through four areas; education, nutrition, health services, and empowerment programs. Examples of Free Haven’s projects are tutoring programs for children who struggle at school, lunch schemes and health education, and sponsorship programs for kids who cannot afford school fees and uniforms. In order to combat gender inequality, the nonprofit also runs community workshops to raise awareness on gender-based violence, sexual health, and other related topics.

By uplifting the community through a multi-faceted approach, the Free Haven Community Initiative provides people – mostly children – with the tools to become thriving members of the community, and help both themselves and their families climb out of poverty. This, in turn, adds value to the community as a whole, and a sustainable development is set in motion.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

During your NGO development internship, your tasks may vary depending on your skills and the needs of the project, but they will likely include some of the following;

  • Assist with fundraising and marketing research & strategy
  • Write grant applications and other funding proposals
  • Assist with donor and stakeholder management
  • Help run digital fundraising and marketing campaigns
  • Assist with monitoring & evaluation, and impact reporting
  • Write content for the website, social media, and newsletters
  • Assist the CEO with growth strategy development

Requirements

  • Strong research and communication skills
  • An ability and willingness to take on a wide range of different tasks
  • Strategic thinking capabilities
  • Ideally some experience in digital marketing and/or fundraising
  • A passion for community development work
  • A flexible attitude, as you’ll be living and working in a foreign culture

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You will be based in Livingstone, a welcoming tourist town in a unique setting. Just a short drive away from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, there will be plenty of opportunities to take sunset boat cruises and explore what nature has to offer! During your time off, you can venture to the African bush for a safari or stroll around the local markets.

Your backpackers accommodation is included in the internship fee, and we’ll arrange it all for you! There are dorms or single rooms available, and you’ll have use of a great number of facilities, including a pool.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Zambia is a relatively safe country, but there is petty crime, so it’s always good to be vigilant. Some safety tips are to avoid traveling alone, take a taxi/Uber at night, know safe/unsafe areas, avoid carrying valuables around, stay alert, and inquire about swim area safety. Prioritize protection from heatstroke and dehydration during your stay by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to respect the advice given to you by the accommodation host and internship supervisor.

Communication

Communication

Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Zoom, etc., but it may be slow. Purchase a Zambian SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for roaming.

Meals

Meals

At the backpackers, you can enjoy diverse meals with international and local flavors! During weekdays, breakfast and dinner are included in the fee, and open fire cooking sessions and braais (BBQ) are enjoyed weekly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Livingstone is located in one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, and offers a welcoming atmosphere where the locals will make you feel at home. Add excitement with bungee jumping, white water rafting, or helicopter flights. You can discover landmarks such as the Chobe Safari (Botswana) and Victoria Falls or take a weekend trip over to Zimbabwe!

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

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

Please note the following:
– In-person internship: minimum duration is 12 weeks
– Remote internship: minimum duration is 16 weeks

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

12 weeks USD 3,266

16 weeks USD 4,134

20 weeks USD 5,003

26 weeks USD 6,306


Remote Internship: 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 shared room (2 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and 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 Livingstone
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • 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 Zambia.

What can I expect from an internship in Zambia?

During your internship in Zambia, you’ll be able to work with people from around the world, while also becoming part of a tight-knit community. Check out this testimonial blog from a past intern about her experience in Zambia to learn more about what your Zambian internship may entail!

How will internships with NGOs in Zambia boost my career development?

An internship with an NGO in Zambia will allow you to develop and strengthen various skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. You can check out this blog article in order to learn more about why doing a charity internship is good for your career!

Will I work with other interns during my internship with Roots?

It’s not a guarantee that there will be other interns on-site at the same time as you, but the organizations work with people internationally and locally to achieve their goals daily so there are plenty of colleagues around. The accommodation is a great way to meet other volunteers in the area as well!

Who can apply for an internship in Zambia?

Only people above the age of 21 can apply due to visa requirements. If you’re under 21 you can apply for a hybrid internship, which is up to 1 month in person and then continues remotely.

Am I able to receive a stipend of any kind during my internship?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any compensation. Since you’ll be joining a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but you can find ways to fund your internship here. The opportunities for both professional and personal growth are invaluable and your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Fundraising, Communications, Partnership Development
LENGTH: Min. 12 weeks (in-person) / 16 weeks (remote)
COST: From USD 3,266 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“I do not have a single bad thing to say about my 9 week internship with Free Haven. Anyone who is interested in NGO management or the general behind the scenes of running an NGO would benefit greatly from working with Free Haven. From admin tasks, to social media, and teaching I got to try and experience everything. The Team was incredible and I am sure I will be back in the near future.”

Carolin, Germany, NGO Management Internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain a wealth of practical work experience in all elements of nonprofit management
  • Be part of community development projects that are having a tangible impact
  • Enjoy varied tasks that include digital marketing, research, fundraising, impact reporting, and donor communications
  • Learn from a team of passionate and dedicated educators and charity workers
  • Live and work in Livingstone, a friendly and vibrant community with stunning natural surroundings (and plenty to do in your time off!)
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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