ECHO Internship Program – General Interest Application (Ongoing Recruitment)

ABOUT ECHO

ECHO is a global Christian agricultural networking, training, and resourcing organization. Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of a diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable food and agroecosystem strategies.

For more than 45 years, ECHO has developed a network of over 20,000 individuals and organizations working in more than 190 countries. Through this network, ECHO equips partners with practical agricultural knowledge, resources, and strategies that help improve food security and strengthen communities around the world.

WHY JOIN ECHO? At ECHO, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a global Christian organization committed to defeating hunger and restoring hope through sustainable agriculture.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and dedicated to equipping individuals and communities with practical solutions that create lasting impact.

An internship with ECHO offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful projects while learning more about nonprofit operations, international development, sustainable agriculture, and faith-integrated service.

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

ECHO welcomes individuals interested in gaining practical experience while contributing their skills, knowledge, and talents in support of our mission.

This general internship posting serves as an ongoing recruitment pipeline for individuals interested in current or future internship opportunities across ECHO's departments.

Rather than applying for a specific position, applicants may express interest in internship areas that align with their education, skills, professional interests, and career goals.

Internship placements are based on organizational needs, available projects, supervisory capacity, location, and each applicant's qualifications, interests, and availability.

ECHO may also advertise separate internship opportunities when departments have specific project needs or require specialized qualifications. Applicants interested in those opportunities are encouraged to apply directly to the individual postings when available.

POTENTIAL INTERNSHIP AREAS

Depending on organizational needs and available projects, internship opportunities may be available in the following areas:

• Finance and Accounting
• Marketing and Communications
• Agriculture and Sustainable Farming
• Human Resources
• Education and Training
• Information Technology
• Development and Fundraising
• Operations and Administration
• Research and Resourcing
• Other areas based on organizational needs

WHAT YOU MAY GAIN

Depending on the internship assignment, participants may have opportunities to:

• Gain hands-on experience related to their education, interests, or career goals.
• Work alongside experienced professionals and gain insight into departmental operations.
• Participate in meaningful projects and activities that support ECHO's mission and programs.
• Develop practical, professional, and technical skills.
• Receive guidance, training, and constructive feedback from assigned supervisors.
• Gain exposure to nonprofit operations, sustainable agriculture, and international development.
• Strengthen communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Explore potential career interests while contributing to a mission-driven organization.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

ECHO welcomes applications from individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, experiences, and professional interests. Specific qualifications may vary depending on the internship assignment.

Ideal candidates should:

• Demonstrate an interest in ECHO's Christian mission and organizational values.
• Have a willingness to learn, grow, and contribute as part of a team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and effective communication skills.
• Be receptive to guidance and feedback and work collaboratively with others.
• Possess relevant education, experience, skills, or interests appropriate to their preferred internship area.
• Be able to meet the scheduling and participation requirements of the assigned internship.

INTERNSHIP DURATION, SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY

ECHO's internship opportunities are designed to provide meaningful, short-term learning experiences with flexible scheduling options.

Internships typically range from three to six months, with schedules and durations varying based on departmental needs, project requirements, and applicant availability.

ECHO welcomes students, individuals exploring career opportunities, and those seeking practical experience while balancing academic, professional, or personal commitments.

Potential arrangements may include:

• Part-time or flexible weekly schedules.
• Scheduling accommodations for academic or other commitments.
• On-site, hybrid, or remote participation, depending on the internship assignment.
• Internship durations that may vary based on project requirements, academic schedules, and organizational needs.

Applicants will have an opportunity to indicate their weekly availability, preferred days, and desired internship duration during the application process.

Specific schedules, durations, locations, and participation expectations will be determined before placement based on departmental needs and applicant availability.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Unpaid Internship: All internships offered through this program are unpaid and are intended to provide meaningful learning and practical experience. Specific responsibilities, schedules, duration, location, supervision, and learning objectives will be discussed with candidates being considered for an available opportunity. Internship arrangements are subject to applicable legal requirements.

Ongoing Recruitment: This posting is intended to maintain a pool of interested candidates for current and future internship opportunities. It does not necessarily represent an immediate opening.

Placement Consideration: Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or placement in an internship. Opportunities are dependent on organizational needs, available projects, and supervisory capacity.

Next Steps: Applicants whose qualifications, interests, and availability align with an available opportunity may be contacted by a member of the ECHO team to discuss potential assignments and next steps.

Application Retention: Applications may be retained for consideration for future internship opportunities in accordance with ECHO's applicant record-retention practices.

HOW TO APPLY

Individuals interested in internship opportunities with ECHO are encouraged to complete the general internship application and identify the department or areas in which they would like to gain experience.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information regarding their educational background, relevant skills, professional interests, preferred internship areas, and general availability.

Applications will be reviewed as internship opportunities become available. Candidates whose interests, qualifications, and availability align with departmental needs may be contacted for further consideration.

We appreciate your interest in ECHO and your desire to contribute to our mission of defeating hunger and improving lives around the world.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (AAP/EEO) STATEMENT

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair and nondiscriminatory employment practices in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

ECHO considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law, subject to legally permitted exceptions.

As a Christian religious organization, ECHO maintains its religious identity and may exercise applicable religious-organization exemptions and preferences as permitted by law.

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