External Relations Intern

About GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly (GD) aims to reshape international giving – and millions of lives – by providing cash grants directly to the world’s poorest. The Brookings Institution estimates that $70B of cash transfers would be required to eliminate the poverty gap; the aid sector currently spends $135B each year, much of it on evidence-free interventions. GiveDirectly wants to change that, establishing cash transfers as a benchmark for foreign aid – as the index fund is a benchmark for the financial industry – and in the process accelerating the end of extreme poverty.

GD has raised over $1B since launching in 2011, delivered cash to more than 1.5 million people in 15 different countries. We’ve also supported large-scale, experimental research that indicates strong recipient impact of our programs. As a result, GD has been celebrated as one of the most innovative non-profit companies by Fast Company, while the growing cash transfer movement (and GD’s leading role within it) have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, This American Life, Foreign Affairs, and The Economist.

Our culture is candid, analytical, agile, and non-hierarchical. Our global team of ~150, and country operations teams of ~650, together come from 21 different countries speaking 69 different languages. Team members bring experiences from the private sector, NGOs and government. From software engineers to seasoned humanitarian workers, former management consultants to public servants, researchers to field operations -- it’s an incredible group of people.

Our values are central and deliberately opinionated. We genuinely center the people we serve in our decision making, and strive to build an ambitious, fast moving and high performing environment. We strongly encourage you to read through our values carefully, if they reflect how you like to work and energize you, this could be a great fit.

We work hard to create an environment in which all our team members can thrive, succeed and grow.  We support flexibility, take care of each other, have fun, and create professional growth opportunities.

Internship Program Overview

We are seeking motivated and talented individuals to join our comprehensive internship program. This program offers hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our GiveDirectly's mission.

Program Duration: 2 months - July to August 2025

Location: Kampala 

Compensation: Ugx. 500,000 gross per month.

Application Deadline: 24th June, 2025

External Relations Intern

Department Overview:
The External Relations department is responsible for developing and implementing GiveDirectly's government and external outreach strategy to create awareness of GiveDirectly's work in Uganda. It leads GD's ability to understand and track in-country external risks and develop mitigations. The team works with our global communications team to provide high-quality impact content and oversees local and national government, legal, and regulatory contexts.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist in developing and sustaining relationships with media partners

2. Support the team of Associate Field Managers in crafting key messages for public and partner communications

3. Help coordinate external events, meetings, and conferences

4. Conduct research on potential partnership and collaboration opportunities

5. Contribute to the development of in-country social media and digital outreach

6. Monitor media coverage and support analysis of public perception

7. Assist in preparing briefing materials for leadership engagements

Required Qualifications:

1. Current student or recent graduate in Mass Communication, Marketing, or Public Relations

2. Additional knowledge in Cybersecurity, Audit, Risk, or Compliance is a plus

3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

4. Strong interpersonal and networking capabilities

5. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in content development and marketing

2. Social media content management skills

3. Media Design systems proficiency 

4. Understanding of media relations and public communications

5. Multilingual proficiency is an asset

Working at GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Flagging for US applicants: We invite you to "Know Your Rights" as an applicant.

Commitment to Safeguarding

As a global organization serving some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, GiveDirectly takes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners seriously. To that end, GiveDirectly is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and will systematically check with previous employers about any sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment issues relating to potential new hires. We may also employ other robust pre-hire screens, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens.

GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect children, vulnerable adults, and basic human rights of all. GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH)” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.

These efforts help us continue to build and maintain trust with the communities we serve, and prevent harm to our recipients.

Want to put your best foot forward on your GiveDirectly application? Take a look at our Candidate Application Prep Guide!