The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Photography Teaching Assistant Intern at the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office will support the lead photography instructor during a photography class for newcomer youth. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with refugee and immigrant youth, helping them develop creative skills while learning the technical aspects of photography. The intern will assist in creating a positive, educational, and supportive environment where students can express themselves and document their personal experiences through photography.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons, ensuring that students understand concepts such as camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
- Provide one-on-one support to students during class activities, helping them with camera settings, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing feedback on their work.
- Help set up and break down equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting) before and after each class.
- Assist students with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom), helping them enhance their images and learn basic editing techniques.
- Review student work regularly, offering constructive feedback on composition, creativity, and technical skills.
- Help with administrative tasks including class attendance, tracking student progress, and ensuring that all necessary materials (cameras, memory cards, notebooks) are available for each session.
- Organize and manage student portfolios, collecting and categorizing images.
- Support in planning and development of lessons and materials, including the preparation of class presentations or visual aids as needed.
- Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assisting students with their photography projects in real-world settings.
- Assist students in applying classroom lessons to outdoor or off-site environments.
- Help with translating written materials into different languages through a language service (training provided).
- Help coordinate communication with parents about class updates, special events, or any issues that may arise during the program.
- Other relevant tasks as assigned by the lead instructor
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Gain experience in photography education and mentoring, particularly in working with refugee and immigrant youth.
- Develop skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and providing individualized instruction in a creative subject.
- Build professional experience in an educational, nonprofit setting with a focus on youth development and cultural integration.
REQUIREMENTS: Competitive applications will represent most/all of the following:
- Proficiency in photography, including experience with DSLR cameras, composition, and photo editing software.
- Interest in working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
- Experience in education, youth development, or mentorship is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students and work collaboratively in a classroom setting.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing class logistics and student work.
- Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in any of the listed languages: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic;
- Self-starter and team player;
- Competency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook);
- Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies
This position reports to the Lead Photography Instructor.
IRC leading the way From Harm To Home.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.