Partner Organization: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Location: Banjul, The Gambia
Number of Students: 2 students
Dates: Determined by site
In person opportunities summer 2021: Yes
Virtual opportunities summer 2021: No
Participation Requirements:
- Language & Proficiency Requirement: English.
- Gender Requirement: None
- Required Experience: Basic research including computer skills on a variety of software platforms and previous experience in the field; writing skills
- Major Requirement: Willingness and interest in the international development sector and experience working in an NGO field office. Ability to learn and adapt to key institutional principles and values according to the local context; strong interest in contributing to team building and team work to address CRS priority issues
- Student Minimum Age: recommended for students between sophomore-junior or junior-senior
- Special Requirements: commitment to cope with basic ethics and confidentiality guidelines, and to protect information and human subjects involved in any activities. This site requires students who can take initiative, are highly motivated, adaptable, and flexible
- Other: advanced organizational skills, able to multitask and prioritize; and ability to adapt to local cultural context
Special Training Required Prior to Summer Deployment:
The following sessions and workshops will be organized and provided by the ISSLP during the spring semester. Additional training sessions may be added as needed.
- Research methods, project management, and other trainings as identified and required by the site partner
- Self Defense Session
- HIV/AIDS Training
- Any other issue of interest
Site Description:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a non-governmental organization that was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States. CRS works with local organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, fight diseases, and nurture peaceful and just societies. CRS works in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. CRS aspires for a world in which all people – with a preferential option for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized – have opportunities to fulfill their human potential.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been supporting activities in Senegal and The Gambia on a continuous basis since 1960 and 1963 respectively and has established long-standing relationships with the Governments of both countries, development partners, and local communities. The CRS Country Program has provided support and funding for various projects in the areas of health, peacebuilding, microfinance, agriculture, emergency response, and food security. The CRS Senegal office also supports programming in The Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. CRS supports vulnerable populations from all five countries through its work which responds to natural disasters, separatist violence, economic fluctuations, public health emergencies and malnutrition. With a strong focus on partnership, CRS and its partners implement projects that yield immediate results that are sustainable for years to come.
Scope of Work & Responsibilities:
Notice: Scope of work may have some changes based on the needs of the partner organizations at the time of student arrival/engagement.
This site will be in person for summer 2021.
Students will work in close collaboration with the CRS Head of Office and Deputy Head of Programs (DHoP) and will be exposed to all phases of project implementation as well as conception of new projects. The students will also learn how to support data collection and sharing of best practices and experiences, all while ensuring high quality programming.
Students work alongside CRS’s team members and community partners in assigned projects that may encompass a range of issues including peacebuilding, micro finance, agriculture, health, nutrition, gender and emergency response. Students could contribute in a variety of areas that include; drafting quality reports, writing high quality proposals, review Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems, developing communication materials e.g. stories, newsletters; participate in meetings, stakeholder trainings and field work; supporting project creation and design; and other office administrative duties. Students will work from CRS main office in The Gambia and could potentially accompany staff in field visits to partners in various parts of The Gambia.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner given their roles in the community.
Housing & Lodging Information:
Students will stay in housing identified and approved by CRS to ensure that minimum safety, security and health standards are provided.
For More Information:
Visit the CRS Senegal/The Gambia website: https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/where-we-work/senegal#toc-link
Former ISSLP Participants:
Notice: Certain sites may be canceled and other sites added at any point during the selection and orientation process.
