Host organization : Réseau d’Appui aux Initiatives Locales – RAIL NGO
RAIL is a Beninese nongovernmental organization officially founded in 2014, though it has been active in Porto-Novo since 2003. Its mission is to improve the living conditions of families in need in Porto-Novo. The organization develops projects focused on empowering the population and building technical and organizational skills geared toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, particularly for women and youth. RAIL supports and implements initiatives on gender equality to create a more prosperous, equitable, and just world.
Position Title: Environmental Intern
Language: advanced level of French (both written and spoken) is required.
Mandate: During this three-month internship, the intern will assist the NGO RAIL with its research, training, and environmental project development activities.
The intern will have the opportunity to carry out the following activities, in addition to other related tasks depending on the needs of the partner organization:
- Support the creation of illustrated training modules on environmental topics: waste management and recycling, climate-resilient practices, combating deforestation, pollution prevention (water, air, soil), community environmental education, sustainable and ecological agriculture, renewable energy, and the energy transition
- Support the gardener and the project team in training youth in resilient agricultural practices and waste management at their production sites
Required Skills: The candidate must have a strong interest in international solidarity, as well as training or experience in environment or a related field. The candidate must speak French.
Training before departure and upon return from the internship
Before departing, selected candidates must participate in a two-week (10 business days) pre-departure training program in Montreal, conducted in French by trainers who are recognized experts in their fields. The program will cover a variety of topics. A shorter online training program, conducted in English, may also be offered.
The IYIP also aims to help participants enter the job market upon their return. As part of this, the program includes workshops designed to improve interview skills and strengthen job search strategies.
In addition, participation in the IYIP covers:
- Airfare;
- Accommodation costs in the host country;
- Visa fees, if required;
- Required vaccinations*;
- Emergency medical insurance;
- Monthly living stipend;
- Personalized follow-up during your stay abroad.
Duration of the internship abroad: 3 months
However, IYIP is a comprehensive 4–5-month commitment that will take you through pre-departure training (2 weeks), an international internship (3 months), and post-return components including employability training and a mandatory public engagement activity.
To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), the candidate must:
- Be 18-30 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Not have previously completed an IYIP Placement (see our FAQ)
The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) is particularly aimed at youth facing barriers to employment: those who belong to or identify themselves as members of a group that faces discrimination, such as people living with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, racialized youth and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Please access the form below by clicking on apply.
- Only the candidate who send its CV and motivation letter (in PDF via the registration form) will be considered during the selection process.
Information: psij@alternatives.ca
