Remote internship, Media and graphic Designer

About the Organization

MERA International is an applied research firm based in Turkey using data to generate evidence for better policy and decision-making. MERA was established in 2019 in response to the rising need for independent monitoring, evaluation, and research of humanitarian and development programs in remote-access and fragile settings. MERA is now a well-established leading provider of M&E, research, capacity building, and data collection services for development and humanitarian programming in MENA region.

MERA leverages its extensive on-the-ground networks and in-house expertise to garner high-quality and useful information that helps our clients maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their programming. The MERA team is highly experiences in using state-of-the-industry qualitative and quantitative methodologies to produce learning-focused data and reports presented in a succinct, readable style with detailed analysis and data visualization where required

About the Internship Position

MERA is looking for a remote media and communication intern to oversee, update, and create content for MERA’s presence on traditional and social media. MERA is looking for someone who is passionate about humanitarian and development work and who would like to intern with an organisation working to make a difference. This internship is beneficial for a person who would like to know more about the humanitarian sector, particularly; monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and offers the opportunity for close insight into MERA’s operations and projects.

MERA offers internship position as Junior Officer (JO) focusing on media and communication throughout the duration of the internship.

• This is a 4–6 months remote, part-time/full-time internship.
• During this internship, interns will go through various media and communication-related tasks in our Organisation.
• This is an unpaid internship.

Orientation

Before joining a team in MERA, the intern will have one week of administrative orientation. During the orientation week, intern will be introduced to the MERA and have time to get to know one another. Even though MERA works primarily in a remote setting, we organize weekly social gatherings online, namely MERA Cafes!

Tasks and Responsibilities

Interns will be involved in some or all of the following tasks, depending on preferences, capacities and projects we have in MERA at the time, which will be discussed and agreed upon with their line managers. Some of the tasks can include:

1. Overseeing and updating the website
2. Managing the MERA’s social media, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and executing social media strategy that reflects MERA’s vision, mission, values, and activities
3. Developing and publishing creative content for social media accounts, including Facebook and LinkedIn
4. Working to continuously improve by capturing and analyzing the appropriate social data/metrics, insights and best practices and then acting on this information
5. Writing for the MERA website and blog
6. Assisting in planning and compiling the monthly newsletter
7. Collaborating with staff on new ideas, directions, and strategies for promotion and communications
8. Creating infographics, videos or other multimedia content
9. Writing, editing and proofreading media material for use in different events
10. Other (based on interns’ interests/experience and needs in MERA)

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position should:

1. Hold a University Degree in a relevant field, preferably MA student in media, design, journalism, communication, Marketing, Public Relations or other relevant fields
2. Be a fluent/native English speaker
3. Have strong writing and editing skills for different purposes
4. Have strong research skills
5. Be able to work in a multicultural work environment
6. Have prior experience with social media writing for an Organisation
7. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

The graphic designer will undertake the following tasks:

 Work on the layout and preparation of a wide variety of print and electronic communication materials (e.g. brochures, infographics, banners, posters, leaflets, flyers, reports etc.)

 Produce communication materials in both English and Turkish, ensuring that all language edits are included in both language versions;

 Liaise closely with the relevant teams in the development, review and approval of the communication materials;

 Assist with scheduling of the production process (e.g. copy and proofreading, graphics, translation services, typesetting, printing, etc.);

 Track and monitors production flow to ensure that deadlines are met;

 Perform other SWM Programme graphic design related work as required.

 Other graphic design tasks as assigned.

Benefits

MERA Consultancy is a small but growing consultancy with great success since it was established in 2019. This is an unpaid internship; however, there are several benefits for our interns. The interns will:

1. Gain hands-on experience in the areas of their interest (many of our interns were involved in projects during the first week they joined MERA).
2. Benefit from various training programs MERA conduct with no fees. We have at least 1-2 training sessions a month. Some of the training we offer include project management, program management, core humanitarian standard, Sphere, gender-based violence, and more. Please consult our website and Relief Web for more information about our training.
3. Have a networking opportunity. During the internship, interns can communicate with stakeholders externally and internally (NGOs, donors, consultants). In addition, MERA has a LinkedIn Alumni group where all those who worked and still working in it join, so they keep communicating with each other for possible work/opportunities.
4. Improve communication and presentation skills. Our interns will have the opportunity to manage internal and external webinars, arrange for debates, and organize social events.
5. Have possible opportunities with future employment with MERA, depending on individual performance and our organization’s needs. There will be opportunities to work with MERA after the internship; as an officer or technical consultant, full-time/part-time or task-based assignments. Many of our current staff now occupy key positions with MERA; some of them became project managers in less than a year.
6. Gain fieldwork experience. If interns are asked to be involved in fieldwork with travel, MERA is responsible for all expenses such as accommodation, travel, and per diem. Many of our interns travelled within Turkey, Kurdistan, Libya and Jordan as part of their internship, where they collected data, coordinated training, and presented our work
7. Gain better experience in external communication with external stakeholders;
8. Enhance their public speaking skills as interns will manage webinars and meetings.