Overview

Cooper/Smith is currently hiring a Social Media and Communications intern for our Washington, DC-based office.  The intern will support the company’s mission and projects in two core streams of work.  First, the intern will provide support to improve use of social media platforms and web-based tools to increase exposure, promote technical collaboration with global partners, and contribute perspectives and knowledge to relevant international communities.  Second, the intern will provide technical input into the design and implementation of a large-scale project in Malawi aimed at increasing demand for and capacity to use health data.

We are looking for a minimum commitment of 3 months, which may be extended up to one year.  The length and specific scope of work for the internship will depend on the candidate’s skill set and availability.  Additional information on proposed activities is provided below.   

Work Stream #1: Improve use of social media platforms and web-based tools

The intern will assess Cooper/Smith’s current web presence, gather and outline requirements for expanding communications infrastructure and reach, and propose/implement solutions to meet objectives.  Specific tasks may include:

  • Improving website design and organization
  • Better linking website to other networks/platforms
  • Implementing a blog/updates/news function to describe company efforts and share knowledge
  • Generating a knowledge base of useful links and information for external users
  • Generating original content for existing social media tools
  • Proposing/implementing additional tools/platforms to meet communications objectives

The intern would be expected to select, track, and present quantitative metrics that measure progress over time.  S/he would have license to think creatively and be as innovative as they like in their approach. 

Work Stream #2: Provide technical input into design of data use approach in Malawi

The intern will support a recently awarded, 4-year grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  The grant is intended to provide technical assistance to the Government of Malawi to improve HIV and health outcomes by strengthening the supply and use of high-quality, routine data in program planning, performance management, and service delivery.  Principle project activities include:

  • Strengthen the national data systems architecture for collection, transmission, analysis, and presentation of high quality data
  • Improve the use of data by building capacity for data analysis and interpretation, building tools and processes that facilitate use of data, and identifying effective incentives for data use
  • Strengthen governance mechanisms to make informed and binding decisions on national data systems and data use practices, and to coordinate inputs from multiple partners and stakeholders

We are currently in the design phase for this effort.  Focusing on the second core activity above, the intern would be asked to use their skills to assess possibilities for harnessing social media, mobile, and web platforms for improving interaction among clinicians, policy makers, decision makers, and the general public—all with a focus on better flow of health data/information. 

This work has the potential to be groundbreaking and we are looking for a passionate person who can translate ideas into action plans.  Specific activities may include:

  • Conducting landscape analysis of telecom industry in Malawi and patterns of use among target populations
  • Designing surveys or conducting interviews with key stakeholders to hone in on platforms that have the highest propensity for successful expansion
  • Developing proposals for integration of mobile or web-based platforms or processes into the project, designed to increase data use
  • Pilot testing approaches and refining when necessary

For the right candidate, this effort may include travel to Malawi and mentored development of a peer-reviewed publication.  

Who we are

  • A young, dynamic team – with extensive experience in strategic planning, results management, expenditure analysis, resource projections, research design, and program evaluation
  • Innovators, solutions specialists, champions of collaboration, and global citizens with professional experience in over 25 countries
  • Lovers of hard work, good laughs, and passionate about delivering solutions and results to our clients that have broader social impact

Who you are

  • A graduate student or entry-level professional (undergraduate level may be considered for the right candidate)
  • Passionate, driven, and committed
  • Tech savvy

Desired Skills

  • Basic to intermediate web design capabilities
  • Intermediate to advanced skills using social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp
  • Strong writing skills, ability to generate original content, and ability to translate complex technical content for a non-technical audience
  • Basic knowledge of international development community and common actors helpful, but not required (e.g., donors, multilateral organizations, NGOs, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of disease burden in economically developing countries and response efforts helpful, but required (e.g., programs designed to address HIV, TB, malaria, clean water and sanitation, etc.)

Practical Requirements

  • Currently residing or willing to relocate to Washington, DC (relocation benefit not provided)
  • Willing to travel internationally (less than 10%)
  • Eligibility to obtain a visa for the Republic of Malawi
  • Minimum commitment of 3 months; option to extend up to one year with satisfactory performance

What we offer

  • Flexible work hours and locations
  • 24-hr membership and desk access at WeWork Dupont Circle (shared office space and start-up incubator)
  • Paid internship: 15 USD per hour

 

Please submit your resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter to contact@coopersmith.org by no later than February 8th, 2016.  NOTE: Deadline extended to February 19th.