JOA’s Programme Associate (intern) scheme, which launched in 2018, has given 10 islanders to date their first opportunity to embark on a career in International Development, a hugely rewarding but notoriously difficult sector to get into.
Each JOA Programme Associate spends 18 months learning and contributing to International Development and humanitarian projects, with an initial placement in the JOA office in Jersey. This is followed by 12 months spent with one of JOA’s partners, which have included internationally recognised charities and Non-Governmental Organisations such as HelpAge International, Street Child and Ripple Effect. Starting in November 2024, this successful applicant will spend six months with the JOA team in Jersey, before embarking on 12 months at the British Red Cross in the UK, including eight weeks working overseas.
The paid role will give the successful candidate the skills and experience necessary to enable them to take frontline roles with international relief and development organisations in the future.
“One of JOA’s goals is not just to assist the world’s poor through its grant making, but to enable people from Jersey to actively contribute in addressing their needs. This is why we fund Jersey charities working overseas, it’s why we send volunteers abroad, and it’s why we support islanders to pursue a career in International Development. It’s been great to see passionate, hardworking islanders move through the programme and into roles with international NGOs or the United Nations,” said Chair of the JOA Commission, Deputy Carolyn Labey. “We are delighted that this will be our first Programme Associate placement in partnership with one of our longest standing and most valued partners, the British Red Cross.”
JOA has partnered with the British Red Cross for a number of years, supporting its critical work in delivering global life-saving assistance. Recently, interventions have included addressing needs of populations affected by conflict in Ukraine, flood response in Libya, and search and rescue missions following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey-Syria.
“‘Ever since the Second World War, the British Red Cross has had an important relationship with Jersey. Now, we have a strong and longstanding partnership with JOA – delivering key programmes together such as on healthcare in Ukraine and conservation in Nepal. It’s a really exciting time to be working in the sector and at BRC. We’re sector leaders in Cash and Voucher Assistance; we are focussing on sharing skills with our partners and promoting locally-led development. We’re really excited to work together with JOA to really support new talent in the sector at this key time,” said Inmaculada Lopez de la Cova Pena, Director of Programmes and Partnerships, International Directorate, British Red Cross.
All of JOA’s Programme Associates have gone on to secure employment in the International Development sector. Two former Programme Associates are currently employed by the United Nations in Egypt and Bangladesh, while Harriet Hall, who was JOA’s Programme Associate in 2021-2022, joined JOA as Monitoring and Impact Officer, following six months in Jordan.
Luke Tumelty, one of JOA’s two current Programme Associates, is nearing the end of his placement in Ethiopia with HelpAge International, while Richard Crane, who is currently based at JOA in Jersey, will soon be embarking on his year-long placement with Street Child, one of the world’s fastest growing international children’s charities. “In my short time here, I’ve actively contributed to a diverse range of programmatic areas including financial inclusion, communications and outreach and humanitarian relief. I’ve learned how Jersey’s publicly funded relief and development agency operates on the global stage and I am really looking forward to the next stage of the placement with Street Child.”
Faye Coggins, JOA’s 2019 Programme Associate, went on to become a Jersey sponsored United Nations Junior Professional Officer in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and is now employed as a UNHCR Associate Programme Officer. “I had a fantastic experience on the Jersey Overseas Aid Internship Scheme; it provided me with invaluable experience of development programming from the perspective of a UK NGO and in an overseas context and gave me the opportunity to build my professional skills in order to launch my career in the sector. I would highly recommend anyone considering a career in international development to apply.”
Programme Associates are paid an entry-level salary, plus travel and accommodation expenses. No age limit applies, and career-changers are welcome. JOA looks to recruit individuals who are serious about embarking on a fulfilling but demanding new path, including being prepared to spend significant time in challenging places. Details about JOA’s Programme Associate scheme, including blogs from current and past Associates, can be found on the website.
Jersey Overseas Aid is deemed a ‘World-Class’ employer having been awarded three stars in the 2023 Be Heard employee survey, an anonymous survey that measures exactly how employees feel about their organisation.
For more information: www.joa.je/get-involved/jobs/ The deadline for applications is 27th September 2024.