Internship

Job Description

Internship Learning Opportunity

TITLE: Business Process Optimization (BPO) Intern

REPORTS TO: Andrés Nuñez, Deputy Director Program Management

JOB LEVEL/RANGE: Intern, Paid ($18/hr.)

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt, Part-time

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

SCOPE AND PURPOSE:

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For over 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, through its International Development Department (IDD) NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 85 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. As part of project management, NCBA CLUSA IDD uses numerous ICT tools to optimize work. These tools include MS Office, MS Teams, SharePoint, Monday.com, and financial and accounting software, among others. Since the pandemic in 2020, MS Teams and Monday.com have become key tools in terms of ensuring efficient and accurate implementation of the roughly $30+ million in projects that NCBA CLUSA implements annually. However, NCBA CLUSA IDD identified some issues in the use of Monday.com and MS Teams, which need to be addressed through Business Process Optimization.

NCBA CLUSA’s IDD is seeking a Business Process Optimization (BPO) Intern to support a variety of BPO efforts. This internship offers the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule of 20 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks.

By the end of this internship, the intern will have accomplished/learned the following:

An understanding of NCBA CLUSA’s project portfolio, as well as International Development Department’s work, and program management processes, systems, and practices.

Contribute to the expansion of NCBA CLUSA’s Business Process Optimization, including the use of Monday.com and MS Teams.

Propose innovative approaches to data storage/organization/access that can be used by Program Managers and support the development of new guidelines on Business Process Optimization.

Support the IDD in organizing and managing data available in Monday.com and MS Teams.

Contribute to knowledge-sharing work sessions, including presentations (written and oral).

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILTY:

Meet with managers across the organization -domestically and internationally - to understand NCBA CLUSA business model and systems.

Understand current tools used as part of program management and develop practical actions to improve their use.

Interview managers from at least two other organizations to establish benchmarks on staffing, business processes, and costs.

Develop a process map for programs/projects data management, identifying redundancies, bottlenecks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Work with senior managers to design and configure Monday.com and MS Teams so that staff can improve efficiency and quality in the use of these tools.

Configure Monday.com and MS Teams to maximize opportunities for business process automation.

Develop a management and maintenance protocol to ensure the continued evolution of Monday.com and MS Teams processes.

Create and distribute targeted communications (email, briefings, guidelines) to Program Managers to notify them of Business Process Optimization actions.

Support the utilization of AI tools in, including tools that improve the efficiency of process optimization.

Provide additional support to the IDD, as needed.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

The right candidate will be a current student who has completed at least a BS in a relevant IT systems program

Preferably, Master’s level work in a relevant IT systems program, and proven interest in knowledge management systems.

Excellent organizational, time management, analytical and planning skills.

The applicant should have an interest in learning about international development, program management, and optimization of processes in a work environment.

Experience configuring Monday.com and MS Teams for complex business practices.

Experience working in an enterprise environment – for-profit and/or non-profit.

Experience and skills in logical systems design and management in any relevant setting.

Enjoy interacting with a diverse workforce in a pleasant and professional manner.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

None required.

Languages: Excellent communication skills and fluency in English required; fluency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese is desirable.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve complex process-flow challenges, reconcile multiple (sometimes redundant) systems, analyze and synthesize data, and bring order to chaos.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to write or type, use arms to reach for items and turn head to speak and/or hear others. The employee will frequently move about to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a printer, copier, etc. The employee may need to transport an item weighing up to 20 lbs. During site visits, the employee will be required to frequently move about in an outdoor setting. WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and should remain low to moderate during normal business hours. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

RELATIONSHIPS: The IDD Intern reports to the Deputy Director Program Management and works closely with the Senior Practice Area Director for Economic Opportunities and Resilience. S/he is expected to work in a positive, professional manner with all NCBA CLUSA/CLUSA staff, former staff, members, potential members, vendors and the general public.

I understand and agree to perform the responsibilities as outlined in this position description.

Signature Date

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities of this job. The incumbent may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description, commensurate with the needs of the organization. As a minimum, the job description will be reviewed and revised as necessary in conjunction with the incumbent’s annual performance review.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non- merit factors.