Intern- Refugee Investment Network

  • Intern

Company Description

In 2018, there were nearly 70M people forcibly-displaced worldwide, with the number forecast to grow to over 300M by 2030. Creative, new solutions are urgently needed to unlock sustainable investments that promote refugee self-reliance, yet the investment landscape in forced-migration settings is often underdeveloped, fragmented, and risky, limiting the participation of the much needed private capital. Investors and financiers alike struggle to identify, assess, and structure deals in the nascent field of refugee investment.

The Refugee Investment Network (RIN) works to bridge the gap between an increasing number of investors interested in refugee investments and the growing ecosystem of refugee entrepreneurs and ventures. RIN has established itself as the specialized investment intermediary that brings together the impact investing and blended finance communities to create long-term economic solutions to global forced migration. Its mission is to shift the political and social dialogue about the value of refugees and unlock investments that create new jobs and measurably improve the livelihood opportunities for refugees and their host communities. [Note: The RIN defines “refugees and forced migrants” in a broad sense, inclusive of those forcibly displaced across borders, and internally (IDPs) by violence, persecution, climate change, natural disaster and the communities they live in.]

The RIN has secured and facilitated over $200M in new refugee investment commitments, including a $100M venture growth fund for Jordan; a $50M multi-country SME fund; a displaced women’s entrepreneur cohort in Iraq; a land-financing and agriculture facility pilot project for internally displaced people in Colombia; and an early-stage seed fund for refugee investments. 

Current initiatives include a microfinance “Social Impact Fund” designed in coordination with IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity, the Refugee Opportunity Index being developed in partnership with the Economist Intelligence Unit, and the Initiative for Inclusive Investment in Mexico (3IM) a multi-stakeholder project to mobilize capital that supports centers of migration in Mexico. 

Job Description

The RIN seeks a motivated intern to contribute to Team RIN’s effort to build a vibrant refugee investment ecosystem. S/he will provide strategic, product development, and organizational development support in the RIN’s key focus areas: (1) mobilize refugee investment capital, (2) build the refugee investment field, (3) advocate for more inclusive refugee policies, (4) change the narrative around refugees.

The internship is a unique opportunity to work closely with leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are working to unlock sustainable investments that promote refugee self-reliance. Although the intern will work closely with the RIN’s leadership team, s/he is expected to exercise a high degree of autonomy and take on significant responsibility. 

Responsibilities:

Product development

  • Contribute to product design and development

  • Problem-solve around strategic and operational issues

  • Conduct competitor, market, and policy analyses

  • Support coordination of service providers, including assisting managers in preparation, processing, and administration of consultant and technical services contracts/agreements

Research + Writing

  • Track risks, issues, stakeholders, and potential funders in the refugee investment space

  • Support the development and delivery of structured communications, especially presentations

Donor Engagement

  • Assist in grant writing and developing materials for donor meetings

  • Support outreach, network-building, and business development efforts

Support for the RIN Team

  • Participate in weekly check-in meetings with the RIN team

  • Support broader knowledge management and dissemination of RIN collateral

  • Contribute to other team priorities as needed

Qualifications

We look for candidates with a demonstrated interest and passion for the RIN’s mission and the global development space with the following qualifications and qualities:

  • Full-time undergraduate or graduate student with expected graduation in 2020 or 2021

  • International Relations, International Finance, Development Economics, Political Science, Global Development or related disciplines preferred

  • Demonstrated interest in impact investing, or refugee issues

  • A curious and entrepreneurial mindset

  • Razor-sharp problem solving skills

  • A relentless drive to get things done

  • An ability to move fluidly between collaborative and independent work styles

  • An ability to make assessments quickly and identify the best course of action

  • A commitment to thinking critically and creatively about economic development and social change

Additional Information

Duration: TBD, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume in one PDF document.

The Refugee Investment Network is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.