Communications Intern

Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Function

The Communications Intern will support the Communications Specialist in gathering, documenting, and organizing compelling field-based content (stories, photos, videos, quotes, and basic data) that showcases program impact, partners’ contributions, and beneficiary voices across Heifer International Rwanda’s projects.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

A. Field Content Collection & Audiovisual Production (60%)

• Conduct regular field visits to Heifer International Rwanda project sites to collect stories, testimonies, photographs, audio recordings, and short videos from farmers, youth, women groups, and project stakeholders.
• Produce basic audiovisual content (short interviews, reels, b-roll footage, voice notes) suitable for social media, website features, and donor visibility.
• Document project activities such as trainings, passing on the Gift ceremonies, innovation challenges, project launches, and community events using photos, videos, and audio.
• Capture human-interest stories aligned with program priorities, including dairy development, small livestock, agro-export competitiveness, youth agritech innovation, nutrition, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Ensure informed consent is obtained from beneficiaries for photos, videos, audio recordings, and stories, in line with Heifer International policies.

B. Content Organization, Drafting & News Articles (25%)

• Organize and archive collected content (photos, videos, audio, interviews, field notes) using agreed-upon filing systems and metadata standards.
• Draft news articles, field briefs, and short human-interest stories highlighting project milestones, innovations, events, and impact for internal and external audiences.
• Draft captions, quotes, and summaries from field activities for review by the Communications Specialist.
• Support the preparation of approved content for social media, newsletters, websites, press kits, and donor reports.
• Revise and update drafted articles based on feedback to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with Heifer International branding and messaging.

C. Communications and Visibility Support (10%)

• Support documentation of key events, campaigns, and visits by donors, partners, and media.
• Assist in updating content trackers and basic stakeholder or media contact lists when required.
• Contribute ideas for storytelling angles and visual content from the field.

D. Other Assigned Tasks (5%)

• Perform other communications-related tasks as assigned by the Communications Specialist in support of Country Office priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, Multimedia, or a related field.
• 6 months – 1 year of experience, including internships or volunteer work in public relations, social media management, content creation, event coordination, and knowledge management.
• Strong interest in development communications, storytelling, and field-based work.
• Basic photography and video capture skills using cameras or smartphones.
• Ability to interact respectfully with rural communities and diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with NGOs or community-based work.
• Basic knowledge of social media content creation.
• Proficiency in Kinyarwanda and English (French or Kiswahili is an added advantage).

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and understanding of social media management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling Heifer values and ethical standards.
• Ability to lead teams effectively and exhibit strong conflict resolution skills.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• May require constant sitting, moving, and working at a computer for extended periods.
• Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project sites.

Key Behavioral Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

Deadline for Application: 6th February 2026.

Skills Required:

• Design / Art / Fashion / Media
• Communication / Pr / Journalism