PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT INTERN

ChildFund Ireland is an international development organisation dedicated to working with children, their families and communities in order to develop an enabling environment where children’s basic need are met and their rights are promoted and respected.

With funding provided by Irish Aid (the Irish government’s programme of overseas development assistance), thousands of Irish sponsors and staff of a number of larger Irish companies, ChildFund Ireland works in partnership with field based members of ChildFund Alliance to create sustainable, child-focused, community-based development programmes in areas where children are impacted by poverty and global health issues such as HIV and AIDS, as well as war and natural disasters.

POSITION SUMMARY

ChildFund Ireland is seeking a part-time Public Engagement Intern for a period of six months to assist with a range of communications activities related primarily to a new four year development programme being implemented by ChildFund in three countries in Africa which is co-funded by Irish Aid.

Activities will be carried out in four separate but integrated areas, as follows: Public Relations; Digital Media; Schools based promotion; and Advertising.

The aim of the role is to increase public understanding of and engagement with overseas development assistance.  It will include updating the website, writing articles and stories, organising event(s), liaising with journalists and PR advisers, making presentations and developing other PR materials as required.

Reporting to the Manager, the PE Intern will join a small team in the Programme and Grants Department.   He/she will also work closely with other ChildFund staff engaged in sponsor relations and marketing.

The Public Engagement campaign will have the support of a Communications Consultant.   The successful applicant will assist in the further development and roll-out of the campaign. Some travel within Ireland may be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates will have:

• Excellent written and verbal skills in English
• A background and/or recognised qualification in communications, PR or campaigning
• Familiarity with computers and basic IT packages such as Microsoft word and excel
• Experience with social and web-based media
• Excellent communication and social skills
• Enthusiasm and energy
• Ability to work on own initiative
• An interest in development, equality and rights

The following would be an advantage:

• Knowledge of web design and editing, as well as audio/video production and editing
• Photography skills
• Access to a car
• A knowledge of Irish
• Understanding of early childhood development and pedagogy
• Experience of the voluntary sector and international development

Recent graduates with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field are encouraged to apply.

The position is unpaid but travel and lunch expenses will be covered.

To apply, please submit a CV with a covering letter indicating your interest in the position. Applications should be marked “Public Engagement Intern” and sent to pam.mchugh@childfund.ie by close of business on Friday 27th April.