Host organization: Colectivo Madre Selva
The Colectivo MadreSelva is an environmental organization based in Guatemala that works with indigenous communities affected by the extractive industry, defending the country’s natural resources and supporting those who fight for environmental protection and freedom of expression.
Position Title: Research & Communications Intern for the Defense of Environmental Rights
Language: advanced level of Spanish (both written and spoken) is required.
Mandate: During the three-month internship in Guatemala City, the intern will play an active role in supporting the Colectivo MadreSelva across key areas of its work, including communication, research, training, and advocacy.
The intern will, among other things, have the opportunity to focus on the following areas:
- Support the strategic communication of Colectivo MadreSelva through the reinforcement of its communication strategy across digital platforms
- Participate in the creation of audiovisual tools and awareness-raising materials to shed light on the challenges faced by rural communities in Guatemala as a result of the overexploitation of natural resources
- Contribute to the observatory of violence against women through research, data collection, and the production of statistics and analysis on violence against women in politics, with the aim of helping to analyze, challenge, and make visible the power gap between men and women in the political sphere
- Develop a training plan in advocacy techniques
Required Skills: The candidate must have a strong interest in international development, education and gender equality, as well as in communications, research and advocacy. They must speak Spanish and have good writing skills.
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
