Emerging Technologies and Digital Inclusion Intern

Job Description

Emerging Technologies and Digital Inclusion Intern | International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The Tone:
This is an internship at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), located in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid work option. The IRC is a global humanitarian non-governmental organization, founded in 1933, dedicated to responding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Its mission involves restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people affected by conflict and disaster. In San Diego, the IRC focuses on resettling refugees and providing extensive program services. This role directly contributes to the Emerging Technologies and Digital Inclusion programs, which are vital for equipping refugees, newcomers, and low-income families with essential digital skills and access to technology, ultimately enhancing their self-sufficiency, daily lives, and job prospects.

The TL;DR
• Role: Unpaid Internship
• Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)
• Team: Reports to the Data and Emerging Tech Coordinator.
• Mission: To support digital skills development and digital inclusion programs for refugees, newcomers, and low-income families, enabling them to access technology, build foundational digital competencies, and explore emerging technologies like AI and VR to enhance their daily lives, job opportunities, and overall self-sufficiency.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, Excel, Canva, Zoom, AI tools, Virtual Reality (VR)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Client Intake & Eligibility: Support the program’s intake process by conducting screening calls, working collaboratively with interpreters, and accurately determining client eligibility.
• Digital Skills Assessment: Administer comprehensive digital skills assessments to precisely identify each client’s current technology proficiency and specific learning needs across various skill levels.
• Instructional Material Development: Develop engaging training materials, including clear tutorials and instructional videos, to significantly enhance the effectiveness of digital literacy classes.
• Technology Instruction: Provide fundamental instruction on the use of computers and smartphones, introduce basic concepts of artificial intelligence, and demonstrate the educational applications of virtual reality.
• Ongoing Technical Support: Offer continuous technical support to empower clients, helping them confidently navigate a wide range of digital tools, online resources, and essential platforms like online healthcare and job readiness sites.
• Event Facilitation: Assist in the planning, organization, and execution of community-based events, specifically focusing on device donation initiatives to broaden client access to technology.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled in or recently completed an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program in a relevant field such as Social Work, Communications, Graphic Design, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline; applicants must currently reside in San Diego County.
• Experience: Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and providing support to adults, coupled with the patience and dedication necessary to assist non-technical individuals in overcoming digital barriers.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; proven experience using online meeting platforms like Zoom; ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; and an independent, efficient approach to task accomplishment.
• Bonus: Experience with Canva, and/or proficiency in an additional language such as Haitian Creole, Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian, or Russian.