Project Assistant Intern – Central America and OFAP
Terms of Reference
Status: Full/Part Time, Minimum 4 month commitment
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Reports to: Project Manager
Salary Range: Unpaid Internship.
Background:
The Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade (FAST) is a global, member-driven non-profit association representing financial institutions (FIs), sustainable small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and other stakeholders working to improve access to finance for sustainable SMEs. The Project Assistant Intern will report to the both the Project Manager for the El Salvador cocoa sector project and the Project Manager for the Online Finance Access Platform (OFAP). The OFAP is FAST’s latest innovation for linking SMEs to FIs. FAST created the Platform as a tool for the international SME financing sector, increasing efficiency and reducing transaction costs both for FIs seeking clients, and SMEs seeking financing.
Current Key Responsibilities:
FAST Access Platform
· Support FAST Project Manager in implementing key activities of the OFAP such as reaching out to Financial Institutions and SMEs to create profiles for them on the Platform.
· Assist in the review process of the “Expression of Interest” forms sent within FAST network to identify potential partners and users of the OFAP.
· Support FAST Project Manager in the communication and marketing strategy to promote the development of the OFAP.
· Contribute in the selection process of Financial Institutions and SMEs to participate in the pilot testing of the platform, by collecting (when necessary) and analyzing their profiles.
Promoting Investment in the Cocoa Sector in El Salvador
· Work withFAST Project Manager in the organization of a Training of Trainers workshop for local financial advisors, including the identification of participants, managing registration, supporting logistics and producing communications materials in Spanish.
· Work withFAST Project Manager in the organization of an Executive Breakfast event for local and international financial institutions, including the identification of participants, managing registration, supporting logistics and producing communications materials in Spanish.
· Support the Project Manager with any additional responsibilities related to the project.
Skills and Experience:
- Completed or currently studying towards a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to FAST’s mission, preferably in International Relations, Business Management, International Development, or comparable academic preparation.
- Experience working in a communications, business, finance, development role an asset.
- Experience organizing events and event logistics an asset.
- IT background with experience in website design and management a desirable asset.
- Fluent in English and Spanish.
- Knowledge and interest in international development, experience working in a non-profit environment an asset.
What we offer you:
- A vibrant and challenging environment that welcomes talent, ideas and creativity.
- Join a growing non-profit organization with a mission to promote sustainable economic development globally.
- The opportunity to exercise your creativity and leadership in the continued growth and formation of an exciting new program within a non-profit organization.
- The experience of reaching out to international group of stakeholders as a day-to-day part of the position.
Application Instructions:
Please visit our website at www.fastinternational.org for more information about the organization. We thank all applicants however, only those under consideration will be notified.
Please send your cover letter and resume by email to
Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade
1255 rue Robert Bourassa, Suite 801
Montreal, QC H3B 3W3, CANADA