Please note: This internship takes place in Kenya, in partnership with a Sudanese organization.
Host organization: Ayin Network
The Ayin Network is an independent media organisation founded in 2013 to support a diverse network of journalists across Sudan (Ayin means “look” in Arabic).
With Sudan at an unsettling crossroads, Ayin’s mission is to increase the participation of the Sudanese public in the future of the country through access to reliable, high-quality news and information in the form of films, in-depth journalism, and social media content.
Ayin provides training, resources and a platform for the next generation of Sudanese journalists and film-makers. In just over a decade Ayin has been recognised as one of the most trusted news sources and is a proud founding member of the Sudan Media Forum.
Ayin believes a democratic Sudan is possible where speech is free, news and information are accessible, and storytelling brings people together. However, the independent media face a dire crisis as the country will have been at total war since April 2023.
Ayin’s video content and reporting are often the only dispatches from the frontline of the war in Sudan. Ayin produces documentaries like the film “Khartoum,” which premiered at Sundance and was filmed by members of the Ayin Network. Its investigative reporting and journalism can be seen in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, BBC, PBS and Al Jazeera.
Position Title: Communications Intern
Language: advanced level of English (both written and spoken) is required. Arabic (spoken and written) is also a plus.
Mandate: During the three-month internship, interns will contribute to Ayin’s communication strategy and oversee media and website content.
Depending on their assigned role, they will undertake the following key tasks and responsibilities:
- Develop strategies to strengthen the organisation’s presence on social media and the web.
- Maximize the power and reach of content by promoting it in an engaging way on social media.
- Manage social media calendars.
- Create content and establish a dialogue on existing and emerging platforms.
- Create appealing visual content.
- Create journalistic content for Ayin’s media portal.
- Support training programmes in media and journalism for Sudanese women in the country.
- Produce engaging stories across multiple formats.
- Provide research on multiple topics, including open-source investigations.
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
