Operations Intern - Fall 2025

Operations Intern

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Scope of Work

IRC's Operations Team in Silver Spring, Maryland, supports operations functions and provides related administrative support, resulting in a well-functioning, compliant environment for staff, clients, and partners. The Operations Intern collaborates with the Operations team to provide operational support, including assistance with administrative tasks, logistics coordination, office safety and security management, office donations, and other operational tasks and related duties. This is a challenging position that requires strong organizational skills, creative problem-solving, personal initiative, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Operations Team to manage and maintain digital and physical files for office inventory.
• Support office inventory needs, including contributions in-kind (CIK) and procured inventory via day-to-day storage, tracking, and reporting.
• Support on and off-site storage needs.
• Assist with IT and office supply inventory.
• Support smooth functioning of office infrastructure including front desk support.
• Assist with planning and coordinating office events and meetings.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding policies and processes of non-profit daily operation with regard to IT, procurement, safety, and security.
• Understanding the coordination of staff and resources between a local non-profit office and headquarters; understanding compliance standards.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the local refugee, asylee, and immigrant communities.
• Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Experience working in a multicultural office environment.
• Understanding different programs and services offered to our clients within the office.

Minimum Qualifications

· Working towards a degree at a college or university. Must be a current student or within 12 months of schooling.

· Passion to work with diverse and limited-English speaking refugees (second language proficiency a plus)

· Interest or work in logistics, procurement, or IT.

· Highly organized self-starter with demonstrated problem-solving and follow-through ability, and proven success in managing multiple priorities under pressure

· Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

· Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.

To Apply

Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter, and list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is August 22nd, 2025.

This position is for Fall 2025 and requires a minimum commitment of 4 months and at least 24 hours per week (full-time strongly preferred). Ability to come in-person to Silver Spring office is required. Fall 2025 Interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on September 8th, 2025 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.

Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date. Note: Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Fall 2025 interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator Michalina Kulesza.

To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goes directly to programming to support our clients, and your help to cover this cost will ensure that no funding is directed away from serving our clients. Instructions will be provided after you have been selected to intern or volunteer.