Expat Program Management Internship Program

In 2024, Eduba Center took on the management of Mercy Hands' groundbreaking "Expat Program Management Internship" Program, the first and only initiative of its kind in Iraq.

This program builds on years of experience from Mercy Hands in recruiting expat humanitarian and development aid workers in Iraq. Mercy Hands, the parent organization of Eduba Center, has been recruiting international staff in Iraq since 2015. In 2020, Mercy Hands began offering paid internships for expat young professionals, matching them with local Program Managers or placing them under the direct supervision of Program Directors. These interns not only gained valuable field experience but also helped build the capacity of local staff, contributing to program management efforts. This mutually beneficial setup ultimately had the greatest impact on the communities we serve.

After four successful years of recruiting expat interns, Mercy Hands decided to formalize the initiative into the "Expat Program Management Internship" Program in 2024. Now managed by Eduba Training Center, this program connects junior foreign humanitarian and development workers with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Iraq. The program offers a win-win situation: local CSOs benefit from the international expertise of foreign staff, while the expats gain crucial field experience to advance their careers in humanitarian and development work.

Intern Duties

The intern will collaborate closely with senior program staff at the hosting CSO to provide direct support to the Program Manager. Their responsibilities may include the following:

Drafting concept notes and proposals
Reaching out to potential donors
Designing and overseeing the implementation of community assessment activities
Conducting capacity-building activities for local staff
Assisting with internal and external communications, including preparing program updates, social media posts, and success stories
Supporting the implementation and improvement of project management systems and processes
Reviewing and editing grant-related documents and reports
Designing and conducting community needs assessments for relevant programs
Assisting in meeting preparations, including scheduling and recording/distributing minutes

Intern Duties

The intern will collaborate closely with senior program staff at the hosting CSO to provide direct support to the Program Manager. Their responsibilities may include the following:

Drafting concept notes and proposals
Reaching out to potential donors
Designing and overseeing the implementation of community assessment activities
Conducting capacity-building activities for local staff
Assisting with internal and external communications, including preparing program updates, social media posts, and success stories
Supporting the implementation and improvement of project management systems and processes
Reviewing and editing grant-related documents and reports
Designing and conducting community needs assessments for relevant programs
Assisting in meeting preparations, including scheduling and recording/distributing minutes

What Interns Say..

Justine and Francesco, who joined the Expat Program Management Internship Program in early 2021, were among the first group of expat interns. They both secured full-time positions as Program Managers at Mercy Hands and later advanced to senior roles in international organizations. Listen to their insights on the program in this testimonial video.

Interns Touring Iraq!

During their free time, interns will have the opportunity to explore Iraq and visit incredible natural and historic sites—some of which are unknown even to locals! These tours are organized by Mercy Hands' affiliate, Seventh Sense for Media and Art Production Ltd., which provides special discounts and customized tour packages exclusively for interns.

Watch the videos below to hear firsthand from interns as they share their experiences touring Iraq. In these testimonials, they talk about the memorable sites they've visited and how the tours have enriched their time in the country.

How does Eduba Center ensure the safety of its visitors and participants given the current security situation in Iraq?

Eduba Center prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its visitors and participants. Following the significant improvement in security conditions in Iraq since the defeat of ISIS in 2017, we have taken comprehensive measures to ensure a secure environment. Our facilities are equipped with advanced security systems, including surveillance cameras and controlled access points. We collaborate closely with local security agencies and conduct regular safety drills and assessments to maintain a safe space for all our activities. Our professional security team is always on hand to address any concerns and ensure that your experience at Eduba Center is both secure and enjoyable.
What is the duration of the Expat Program Management Internship?

The Expat Program Management Internship typically lasts for a duration of 6 months, providing participants with hands-on experience in managing international programs.
How safe is it for expatriates to work or intern at the Eduba Center in Iraq?

Ensuring the safety and security of our staff, including expatriates, is a top priority at Eduba Center. Since we welcomed our first expatriate stationed inside Iraq in 2015 and our first expatriate intern in 2020, we have never experienced any security incidents involving them. Our comprehensive security protocols, on-site support systems, and ongoing risk assessments help us maintain a safe work environment for all employees. You can rest assured that at Eduba Center, we take every measure to uphold a secure and stable environment.
As an expat working with Eduba Center in Iraq, what are the guidelines for traveling within the country?

At Eduba Center, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our expatriate staff. While you are generally free to travel almost anywhere in Iraq, we do have some recommended guidelines to ensure your security. If you are planning to visit an area for the first time, we request that you inform our security department in advance. This precaution allows us to provide you with necessary safety information and support. Your cooperation helps us maintain a secure environment for all our team members. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our security team.

Intern Application

If you are an expat young professional who is interested in gaining field experience in a humanitarian or development sector then we encourage you to apply!

Host CSO Application

If you are an Iraqi CSO interested in hosting an expat young professional then drop us a message and we will be in touch with you soon!