JOA seeks next intern for international development programme

Jersey Overseas Aid is encouraging those interested in international development and humanitarian work to apply to be its next Programme Associate. 

The 18-month paid placement is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, an international charity that fights poverty and homelessness through access to housing. 

The programme aims to “launch a career” for one Jersey resident, equipping them with the skills, experience and networks needed to secure frontline roles with international relief and development organisations. 

The successful candidate will spend the first six months working with the JOA team in St Helier, gaining exposure to project design, donor processes, grant management and humanitarian response. 

The next six months will be based at Habitat for Humanity’s headquarters in Romford, Greater London, supporting one of HFHGB’s global teams in areas such as programme design, fundraising, advocacy or impact measurement. 

The final six months will take place in one of Habitat’s national offices in Africa or Asia and Pacific, where the Programme Associate will contribute to real-world development projects and community engagement on the ground. 

This will be the 13th Programme Associate placement supported by JOA since the scheme’s launch in 2018. 

“This partnership with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain marks an exciting new chapter for JOA’s Programme Associate scheme,” said Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Chair of the JOA Commission. 

“At JOA, our mission extends beyond awarding grants to help the world’s most marginalised communities. We are also passionate about helping Islanders develop the skills and experience needed to tackle global challenges first-hand. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to see so many of our former Associates now working for leading international NGOs, the UN, and other humanitarian agencies.” 

Previous JOA Programme Associates have gone on to work with respected organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Athene Jackson, JOA’s 11th Programme Associate, is currently in the last phase of her internship, working with the British Red Cross. 

She said: “Looking back, it’s hard to summarise just how varied and amazing this internship has been. From reading reports and writing blogs, to becoming a dairy farm chauffeur and even something of a mouse lemur spotting expert – no two weeks have looked the same. 

“With the incredible support of JOA, I’ve gained experiences and insights that I’ll carry with me throughout my career in the international development and humanitarian sector.”