Intern description

1. International Program Intern
Organization: The Global Knowledge Initiative
Website: www.globalknowledgeinitiative.org
Location: Washington, DC
Start Date: September 29, 2014 (Flexible)
Internship Length: 7-8 Months (Until graduation/end of school year, as applicable. In some
instances, intern can extend term into Summer internship)
Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid
Weekly Time Commitment: 20 hours per week
The Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI) – www.globalknowledgeinitiative.org - is a Washington,
DC-based not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to forge, optimize and sustain knowledge
partnerships between people and institutions of higher education and research. We catalyze
purpose-driven networks to solve development challenges pertinent to science, technology, and
innovation (STI). We take a three-phase approach to achieving our mission: (1) locating
critical resources required for scientific research, teaching, and innovation to address shared
challenges, (2) enabling partners to collaborate through competitions, trainings, and capacity
building initiatives, (3) connecting resource seekers together with the global network of
problem solvers to bring solutions to scale. GKI is developing its programs and services in East
and Southern Africa and Southeast Asia, in partnership with organizations such as the Carnegie
Corporation, Rockefeller Foundation, United Nations, and others. These programs focus on
challenges across a multi-disciplinary spectrum, and include areas such as agricultural
production in Rwanda, rainwater harvesting in Kenya, water availability/quality in Malaysia,
higher education capacity building in Tanzania, and a number of other development challenges.
The Global Knowledge Initiative seeks a passionate and enthusiastic person keen to support
international development through the application of science, technology, and innovation. The
intern will support GKI through research, writing, and performance of communication and
outreach tasks germane to collaborative innovation in GKI’s target geographies, likely East and
Southern Africa or Southeast Asia. In particular, the intern will undertake primary and
secondary research on the economic, scientific, technological, and institutional contexts of
target geographies. The intern will gain experience in international development project
management and support, while being exposed to an extensive network of international experts
in foreign policy, development, and a wide array of issue areas. Interns will be eligible for paid
travel to an international pilot project (this is not guaranteed, but has been available to some
interns in the past).
The ideal candidate should have a broad interest in international development and leveraging
international networks to solve development challenges. Specific interest or experience in GKI’s
target geographies is a plus, as is experience working in the field of international development.
The intern must display excellent English written and oral skills, with demonstrated interpersonal
and organizational abilities. A candidate for this position must be able to work in a varied, fast-
paced environment, both in a team and independently. This internship is unique in its scope

2. and in the potential for international travel and professional growth — as such, it requires a level
of dedication, creativity, and leadership beyond what is expected in many internships.
Responsibilities:
- Research and produce analyses of economic, social, and scientific/technological
contexts in relevant countries, economic sectors, and institutions
- Research and support development of training materials international partners on
collaborative innovation
- Write press releases and reports for the GKI website, and for dissemination to media
outlets and development professionals
- Communicate regularly with international and domestic partners on behalf of GKI
leadership
- Provide administrative and logistical support as needed
Qualifications:
- In pursuit of a Master’s degree (or Ph.D.) in a field relevant to science, technology, and
innovation for development. This may include but is not limited to: international
development, international science and technology policy, international education, public
policy, or any scientific or technical fields (e.g. mechanical engineering, biological
sciences)
- Experience or career interest in international development
- Experience working in or knowledge of one or more of the pilot geographies in which
GKI works (East and Southern Africa, Southeast Asia) a plus
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Outstanding English written and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize data
concisely and accurately
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a varied, fast-paced
environment
- Flexibility and adaptability; willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills
- Preference will be given to candidates who can provide their own laptop
Application Process:
To apply, please send a one-page cover letter, resume, a short writing sample (no more than 2
pages), and indicate 2-3 references to Andrew Gerard, GKI Program Officer, at
andrew.gerard@gkinitiative.org. The cover letter should express your qualifications,
experience, and interest in this position. Candidates should refer to GKI’s website at:
www.globalknowledgeinitiative.org and blog at: http://www.globalknowledgeblog.wordpress.com
to learn more about the organization’s mission and programs. Resumes will be accepted
through September 8, 2014. The preferred start-date is September 29, 2014.