Volunteer Program

Much of our work at PlaNet Finance China is supported by the interns and volunteers who contribute to our efforts in a variety of ways at our Beijing office. We recruit individuals to help us with tasks such as translating documents, financialy analysis of Chinese microfinance organizations, and research into the microfinance sector.

All interns/volunteers need to be able to read at least 1,000 characters of Chinese, and speak at a minimum of an intermediate level.

Communications & Development Intern

We are currently seeking a six-month, full-time Communications & Development Intern (C&D Intern) to work in our Beijing office. As the C&D Intern, you will report directly to the Executive Director. Your main tasks will be to manage external and internal communications, contribute to the development of new projects/initiatives, and assist with general administration. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage website and spearheading updates (including blog, news, projects, resource center etc.)
• Coordinate the writing publication of the bi-annual newsletter, sector reports and proposals
• Develop new marketing materials, such as brochures and presentations
• Interface with the donor community and journalists
• Update and manage the communications database of over 600+ Manage staff trainings and weekly team meetings

After familiarization, those who manage their communications tasks efficiently may have the opportunity to become more involved with project activities. Possible work includes contributing to the research, brainstorming and design of new projects, producing project reports and assisting with project coordination and accompanying staff in the field to collect data on target communities.

Qualifications

• A university degree, preferably in communications, economics, public policy or related fields
• Native English speaker with a strong command of Mandarin
• Interest in poverty alleviation, microfinance and China’s development
• Excellent organizational, communication, writing and research skills
• Flexibility to work independently or in a group and able to multi-task
• Experience working with social media and leveraging new media channels for communications
• Knowledge and experience of graphic and/or website design and management a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Publisher. Experience with Adobe Photoshop a plus

The internship is unpaid; however, PlaNet Finance will provide a modest monthly stipend. Based on outstanding performance during the internship period, interns may be invited to join our team as permanent staff.

If interested, please send your CV, cover letter and one English academic or professional writing sample to Katy Wang at recruit@mfchina.cn with the subject line “2012 Communications & Development Intern”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*If you are interested in directly volunteering at a MFI, please see our Field Internship Program. This program entails spending at least 6 months onsite at one of our local partner MFIs and helping them with their operations