Intern with Opportunity

Volunteers and interns are an integral part of Opportunity International Australia and we are thankful for every person who donates their time, skills and expertise to support us and help people out of poverty. In 2011, Opportunity volunteers donated more than 10,760 hours of work – providing administrative support, organising fundraising activities, sharing skills and contributing to our various projects.

Those who volunteer their time are treated in the same way as other employees and are provided with equal exposure to see how Opportunity functions as an organisation and how different departments interact with one another. In addition to their regular duties, they are invited to participate in staff meetings and office celebrations. Opportunity recruits its volunteers and interns based on their skills and interest in microfinance. We advertise the available roles here on our website, through social networks and on the ACFID website.

An Opportunity Alumni group is also being established for current and past volunteers/interns and staff. Opportunity alumni are invited to keep in touch by way of a six-monthly newsletter, updating them of current programs and Opportunity news. The first volunteer and intern appreciation night was held on 16 November 2011 in Sydney. We look forward to hosting this event annually for all of our current and past volunteers and interns to thank them for their commitment.

About the Internship program

Opportunity’s internship and volunteer program was formalised in 2011 and has been officially launched as a streamlined program in 2012.

We recruit for our voluntary internship program three times per year with internship start dates in January, May and September. Positions are based in our Sydney office and generally require a commitment of 3-5 days per week (dependent on the role) for 4 ½ months. Applications open approximately 8 weeks prior to the start date.

New interns have an induction training week, which incorporates a handover from the outgoing intern and training with department heads. They are encouraged to complete an online UNDP microfinance training course during their internship. Each month, interns informally meet with their manager to discuss what they are working on and what they’d like to be involved in to ensure they get the most out of their internship. Monthly training sessions also bring together interns for interesting presentations that expand their knowledge of microfinance and the not-for-profit industry. Prior to their departure, interns attend an exit interview to provide us with their valuable feedback to ensure that our intern program continues to bring mutual benefit.

Please note that overseas applicants to the intern program are required to have an appropriate visa that allows them to work and reside in Australia. Although interns are unpaid and they participate in the program on a voluntary basis, tourist visas are not sufficient. Overseas applicants should contact the Australian Department of Immigration for further information on visas as Opportunity is not able to offer immigration advice. 

Opportunity International Australia is not able to provide interns with:

- Monetary allowances or remuneration
- Accommodation or accommodation allowances
- Travel allowances
- Assistance in organising visas.

Benefits of an internship at Opportunity International Australia

Opportunity is a highly regarded non-profit organisation that uses a business approach to solve the problem of poverty. An internship with us will provide you with valuable on-the-job training and exposure to how the ‘back office’ of a development organisation operates. Not only will you build your skills and assist the team with interesting projects, an internship with Opportunity will also highlight your initiative and commitment to future employers.

What it’s like to intern at Opportunity

As a small and vibrant team, we are passionate and dedicated to our role in eradicating poverty. We cultivate a friendly, professional culture where staff can apply their talents and skills with the knowledge that they are making a real difference.

Our experienced team is committed to providing the best on-the-job training to our interns, whom we ask to uphold and support the organisation's core values of commitment to the poor, humility, respect, integrity and stewardship. Interns should also be:

- Keen on tackling challenges head on
- Keen on working hard and learning a lot
- Genuine team players
- Independent and self-motivated
- Passionate achievers

We treat our volunteers and interns like regular staff members – interns are included in staff meetings and discussions, providing equal exposure to see how Opportunity functions as an organisation and how different departments interact with each other.

Internship positions