Paid Internship at Washington CASH

February 9, 2009 1 Comment

Citi Aspen Research Internship

with Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (CASH)

Job Description

Internship Dates: May 26, 2009 through August 14, 2009

Hours per week: 40

Hourly rate: $14.50/hour

Join a statewide microenterprise development organization located in Seattle, Washington providing small business loans and business training to women with low incomes, people with disabilities and other underserved individuals. Be a part of a national project to improve microcredit in the United States and around the world.

The primary responsibility of the intern will be to assist Washington CASH with the collection of client outcomes data using MicroTest tools and data collection protocols. MicroTest is an evaluation created by the Aspen Institute which enables microcredit practitioners (like Washington CASH) to gauge and improve the performance of their program and the success of their clients. Washington CASH participates in this national survey annually in order to compare its outcomes to microcredit organizations across the country, improve its programs, and provide evidence of program success to funders.

The Citi Aspen Researcher will administer the MicroTest survey to a random sample of 100 Washington CASH clients, work with the Aspen Institute to clean the MicroTest data, and complete other evaluation projects, time permitting. Interns will be collecting data on client outcomes, such as income changes and business success after receiving microlending services from Washington CASH.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

§ Attend Citi Aspen Researcher Internship orientation and close-out meetings at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. (mandatory).

§ Using MicroTest protocols, assist in the development of program research design, timelines and procedures.

§ Assist in pre-interview activities, including selecting a random sample, preparing contact information, alerting clients of potential interviews and consolidating client intake data.

§ Complete 100 client phone and in-person interviews.

§ Perform all data collection activities and enter interview data into the MicroTest workbook.

§ Perform client follow-up calls, data cleaning and verification activities.

§ Assist in data analysis and report development. Assist in framing significant issues.

§ Assist in the improvement of data collection and report generation for significant client outcomes (business longevity, poverty alleviation, economic impact and income increases).

§ Through the interview process, compile a set of “Success Stories” for future outreach use.

§ Manage, with Evaluation Coordinator oversight, the July in-house survey and subsequent data analysis.

§ Manage, with Grants Manager oversight, the annual Client List compilation.

Qualifications:

§ Graduate students, having completed their first year of graduate studies, in the social sciences, public policy, administration, planning, business administration, or related fields.

§ Excellent written and oral communication skills (English). Must be a great listener.

§ Statistics course work.

§ Extensive experience and strong skills with Microsoft Office Programs, especially Excel.

§ Preferred Qualifications: 1+ years experience working in evaluation and analysis, and/or experience or coursework in economic development, small business education, private sector business or microenterprise issues.

§ Available during the period May 26 through August 14, 2009.

§ Able to work in the Seattle office, flexible hours.

§ Willing to arrange interviews at non-traditional times to accommodated client schedules.

The capacity to function in a fast-paced, growing organization is vital. High energy, strong work ethic, excellent people skills are necessary. The ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse audiences is necessary.

Educational benefits of the position include:

„ Training at ‘The Aspen Institute’ in Washington D.C.

„ Learning about microcredit and small business development.

„ Working with diverse groups of people in a fun, positive environment.

„ Improving research, statistics and analytical skills.

„ Developing interview skills.

How to Apply:
Email or mail a cover letter and resume to be considered to:

michelle@washingtoncash.org
Michelle Grocke
Washington CASH
2100 24^th Avenue S., Suite 380
Seattle, WA 98144

Posting closes on March 13, 2009.

Tags: internship, microfinance, washington cashJob Postings