Position Announcement
Research Intern, India Resource Group

The Synergos Institute is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of effective, sustainable and locally based solutions to poverty around the globe.

During its 20-year history, Synergos has worked collaboratively with leaders and leading organizations in civil society, philanthropy, government and business to expand the opportunities and fair treatment for people who do not have full access to human rights, services to meet their basic human needs or the requisite circumstances to participate in civic affairs. Synergos is a capacity building organization that creates networks of change makers interested and engaged in collaborative initiatives, convenes and supports multi-sector partnerships and conducts and disseminates practical knowledge about partnerships aimed at making systems changes that benefit underdeveloped communities.

Synergos is a nonprofit organization working to reduce poverty and promote equity and social justice for poor and marginalized communities around the world.

In all of its work, Synergos seeks to bridge divides, bringing together people, ideas and resources to change the circumstances that make life difficult for poor and marginalized communities. We always seek to do this in a sustainable way by empowering those most adversely affected by poverty and discrimination and by strengthening their ability to do what's needed to change their circumstances on an ongoing basis.

Synergos is headquartered in New York and has staff on the U.S. - Mexican border, in Brazil, Southern Africa, Namibia and India.

Synergos seeks an intern to provide to provide assistance to The India Resource Group -- a regionally focused team within Synergos tasked to monitor and assess the evolving development landscape of India, with the purpose of developing new initiatives for Synergos to participate in.

The program seeks an intern with a time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. Interns are welcome to participate broadly in Synergos activities, including all-staff meetings, staff presentations and meetings with external guests.

Duties

  • Conduct extensive research on specific development topics related to India
  • Conduct due diligence on existing initiatives, activities and stakeholders
  • Work with resource group members to outline the development terrain in India
  • Conduct research to identify the driving issues and root causes within identified focus areas
  • Identify and profile key stakeholders and change-makers involved within the focus areas
  • Prepare profiles and case studies in existing activities, events, initiatives and programs
  • Assess the environment and context as part of a feasibility assessment
  • Assist in designing proposals for Synergos initiatives

Qualifications

  • Ongoing or completed graduate study in economics, international development or public policy
  • A deep understanding of Indian context, economic development and political environment
  • Robust research capabilities and ability to understand and synthesize academic literature as well as other broadly available sources
  • Background and interest in issues concerning poverty and marginalized communities in India and focused on youth, education and climate change
  • Committed to Synergos' mission and values
  • Deep knowledge of and experience in international development issues
  • Strong research, organization and presentation skills
  • Experienced in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access

Commitment

10-15 hours per week, but would welcome more.

Please note that there is no stipend for this internship.

To Apply

Send resume and cover letter to:

Human Resources
The Synergos Institute
51 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10010 USA
Fax: +1 212-447-8119
synergos@synergos.org

Posted April 1, 2008