Career Center

The Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) works to provide rural villages in developing countries with affordable and environmentally sound technologies that meet their needs for electricity, sanitation and clean water. Through a combination of business incubation, education, training and
outreach, AIDG helps individuals and communities gain access to technology that will improve their lives.

Our model provides a novel approach to sustainable development by empowering people with the physical tools and practical knowledge to solve infrastructure problems in their own communities.

The AIDG Guatemala Intern Program seeks to provide assistance to AIDG's incubated businesses in the form of specialized training and product research and development, bringing in talented young professionals and experts from around the world with a passion to contribute to the developing world and
help make a difference.

Currently, AIDG-Guatemala seeks passionate and dedicated individuals to apply for a position within the business incubation program.  The role and responsibilities of this internship are described below. NOTE: THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP. INTERNS RECEIVE MONTHLY FOOD AND BOARD
REIMBURSEMENT. For more information on the offerings of the AIDG Guatemala Intern Program (such as work expectations, life in Guatemala, housing, etc.) please refer to AIDG's website (www.aidg.com).
 
Business Intern Position:
The successful candidate responsibilities will include:
- Investigate the economic and business climate in Guatemala
- Evaluate the market in Guatemala and assess opportunities for the development and sales of appropriate technologies
- Develop valuable materials for the small and medium enterprises AIDG incubates; such as training materials, managing tools, or marketing strategies
- Meet with incubated businesses to execute small enterprise training materials and facilitate business start-up plans that promote business' self-sufficiency
- Assist with the preparation or execution of AIDG's business plan competitions
- Utilize project leadership role not only to guide other workgroup members in achieving project goals and deadlines, but also by instituting a comprehensive and sustainable approach to business incubation that takes into consideration: cultural norms, participatory-planning, marketing strategies, local economic development, and promotion of appropriate technologies 

This is a full-time position with a minimum commitment of 6 months, with preference given to candidates available for a longer time period. The position will generally require the applicant to work from 8:30am- 5:00pm Monday-Friday (flexibly).
 
Preferred Qualifications
Applicants interested in this internship should possess the following skills:
- An MBA degree or equivalent background in business administration or international business management
- Strong understanding of models and strategies for social enterprise / micro-enterprise development
- Prior experience in business start-up plans and development of training materials
- Prior experience in project management and coordination
- A basic understanding of sustainable, appropriate technologies
- Advanced/Fluent level of Spanish, both speaking and writing ability
- Prior international experience, particularly in developing countries
- Research and organizational skills
- All candidates should possess strong communication skills, be self-motivated, and willing to work hands-on.

AIDG seeks versatile, mature, friendly, independent, and dedicated individuals, who also possess a good sense of humor.  

Application Instructions
Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume or CV to internships@aidg.org.  Please include your earliest date of arrival and duration availability.