Microcredit Summit Campaign Career Opportunities

The Microcredit Summit Campaign (MCS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Washington, D.C. and seeking to fight global poverty through microcredit programs. MCS brings together microcredit practitioners, advocates, educational institutions, donor agencies, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and others involved with microcredit to promote best practices in the field, to stimulate the exchange of knowledge, and to work toward reaching our goals.

Available Positions

Director of Research and Administration
Communications Associate
Summer Intern

Application Instructions

Director of Research and Administration

MCS is currently seeking a dynamic, hands-on Director of Research and Administration to work closely with the MCS Director and Deputy Director to oversee the Campaign’s research and education strategy.

The candidate should have passion for the Microcredit Summit’s goals.

The duties of the Director of Research and Administration will include:

  • Ongoing monitoring of general trends in the field of microfinance
  • Topic selection and editing of all MCS papers and managing the translation of these documents into French, Spanish and Arabic as necessary.
  • Managing MCS efforts to ensure appropriate long term implementation of integration of microfinance with health education by practitioners in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
  • Assisting in the development of the overall MCS annual work plan and budget.
  • Providing ongoing support to MCS regional organizers in the areas of research, training and budget management.
  • Providing technical project inputs to MCS Development Manager for grant proposals and reporting.
  • Serving as one of the Campaign’s spokespersons to the media and to members of the Campaign.
  • Representing the Campaign at global and domestic conferences.
  • Assisting in the selection and hiring of MCS staff

The ideal candidate will have:

  • 5-7 years work experience, particularly in an international context, and with microfinance and social performance.
  • Experience and/or strong interest in training and adult learning
  • Desire to work closely as part of a dedicated team
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.  Proficiency in Spanish and/or French a plus

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Communications Associate

MCS is seeking a Communications Associate who will work to increase awareness of the Campaign and keep its members informed through a comprehensive strategic communications program. Using a wide range of communication tools, including the web, broadcast emails, and an online newsletter, the Associate will deliver priority messages to internal and external audiences.  The Associate will also serve as database administrator and will coordinate with an IT consultant to address any technology-related issues.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement communications designed to raise awareness of the Campaign’s activities and disseminate information to shareholders and the general public.
  • Increase recognition of Campaign’s work by seeking publicity opportunities and pitching stories to press.
  • Update and maintain the Campaign’s website, including the addition of further vehicles for increasing the website’s efficacy, reach and utility. These may include online discussion forums, multimedia content and data collection forms.
  • Coordinate writing, editing, production and distribution of e-newsletters.
  • Serve as database administrator and provide data entry training for staff.
  • Troubleshoot basic IT issues and coordinate office-wide IT solutions.
  • Collaborate in promotion of various Campaign projects as needed.
  • Strengthen the Campaign’s identity by implementing a cohesive style across online and print media.
  • Collaborate on the creation, editing, and publication of Campaign literature and materials.
  • Work with senior management to coordinate activities relating to Council Co-Chairs.

Qualifications

Minimum requirement includes Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of professional
experience in communications.

Essential Skills & Abilities

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills are essential. Fluency in Spanish and/or French preferred.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with team members
  • Expertise with a wide range of communications practices including writing, editing, web communications, public relations, and public affairs.
  • Experience with online communications, web development tools
  • Working knowledge of HTML and CSS.
  • Familiarity with design and layout programs such as Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PhotoShop and In Design.
  • Must have experience meeting goals amidst competing priorities.

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Summer Intern

The Microcredit Summit Campaign (MCS), seeks a summer intern to assist in outreach to supporters and member institutions, as well as to assist with day-to-day administration, communications, fundraising and research.  The summer intern will have the unique opportunity to gain knowledge of the international development field, specifically that of microfinance, as well as the ability to attend events and seminars in the DC area representing a leading organization in the field. 

Specific duties include:

  • Initiating on-line outreach to drive traffic to MCS’ website and increase visibility with key constituencies and audiences (i.e. microfinance blogs);
  • Assisting with efficient transfer of information from current to new organizational database;
  • Communicating with member institutions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to encourage action plan submission, answer questions, and clarify data points;
  • Managing and updating existing online organizational profiles (i.e. My Space, Facebook);
  • Researching possible areas for growth and targeting potential new member institutions;
  • Reviewing data on an ongoing basis and aggregating results;
  • Gathering and compiling materials for annual report-related informational and promotional use (i.e. photos for cover and website);
  • Supporting Development Manager with prospect research and writing tasks;
  • Other office administrative support and special projects as needed.

Requirements:

  • Candidates should be able to commit a minimum of three days per week for a minimum of two months.
  • Proficiency in English and either French or Spanish speaking/writing skills required.
  • Experience with writing and donor prospect research highly desirable.
  • Candidates should be highly motivated self-starters with a passion for international development.
  • Preference will be given to those who are available through August 8th

PLEASE NOTE: This is an unpaid internship. A transportation stipend will be provided. Please apply for either the Director or the Associate position before May 30th by sending a resume and cover letter to:

Microcredit Summit Campaign
750 First Street, NE, Suite 1040
Washington, DC 20002
Email: info@microcreditsummit.org.

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Application Instructions:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample and your salary requirements by e-mail to info@microcreditsummit.org. Please mention where you learned of this position. No phone calls please.