Job description
About us:
Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. Lenders on Kiva can start with as little as $25 to support causes that matter most to them, whether that’s gender equity and support for women, refugees, climate change, small businesses, agriculture, and more. Since our founding, over two million people have invested over $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunity, spanning more than 100 countries and over 5 million borrowers.
As we work toward our mission, Kiva invests in building and retaining a global team of talent to add to our values-driven and digital-first culture. Our organization is supported by over 700 volunteers and 130+ full-time employees dispersed around the world, as well as within team hubs located in San Francisco, Nairobi, Bogota, and Bangkok. Kiva’s team is growing as we pursue exciting new opportunities to scale our impact and create a financially inclusive world.
Kiva’s values:
Impact first - This is why we exist. This is the drumbeat we march to. Every day.
Extreme ownership - Own it; you, your relationships, your impact. Insist that others support you and hold you accountable.
Be curious and bold - Never stop learning. Question assumptions. Take Risks and dream big.
Inclusion. Equity. Diversity. - Without reservation and without caveat. In our hiring, in our workplace and in our impact in the world.
Honor and integrity - Do the most right thing in the most right way. Cherish diversity and respect each other.
Love and kindness always - Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And don’t say it mean. Clarity. Courage. Kindness.
Internship Program
Since its founding, volunteerism has been an integral part of Kiva’s foundation and success. As a Kiva Intern, you will contribute your passion, drive, ideas, and expertise to expanding our reach and impact while taking on immediate and significant responsibilities within your team. In addition to learning on the job, you’ll partake in a variety of educational, social, and professional development workshops and events that will accelerate your professional growth while learning about Kiva and the non-profit, technology, and microfinance sectors.
Through this volunteer internship, we’re hoping to provide a high-caliber learning experience. With the completion of our internship program, you will take away many in-demand job skills. Additionally, all Kiva interns will gain exposure to foundational microfinance concepts and ongoing professional development tailored to your career goals. This position will also put you in contact with a wide array of employees around the world, giving you a jump start on networking opportunities.
This Kiva internship is a 6-month, part-time (24 - 32 hours per week), United States-based, remote volunteer position.
Placement Process
Kiva places interns within most departments of the organization. During recruitment, we evaluate your application and interests to match you to a specific team that will leverage your talents while providing you with an opportunity to develop and grow.
Although Kiva Interns range in age and experience, a common theme among our participants is a “can do” attitude as well as a desire and willingness to dive in and get their hands dirty.
Department overview:
The sponsoring department for this role is one of Kiva’s volunteer programs: the Review and Translation Program. Meanwhile, the scope of this role is meant to support two community-related initiatives, which launched last year: The Kiva Alumni Network and the Kiva Ambassador Community.
The Kiva Review and Translation Program works with over 400 volunteers worldwide to translate, edit, and review more than 95% of all loan profiles, including personal stories of Kiva borrowers before they are posted for funding on Kiva in a timely manner.
Last year, the senior manager of the Review and Translation Program branched out to launch Kiva’s first Alumni network–which is meant to maintain points of connection with former staff members–as well as Kiva’s most recent iteration of an Ambassador Community–which is intended to support Kiva enthusiasts as they spread the word about Kiva. This is a great opportunity for a self-starter who is interested in supporting Kiva’s success with two new programs.
Role overview:
As an intern with the Kiva Review and Translation Program (RTP), which is in the process of expanding the scope of the program to incorporate other Kiva Communities, you will play a critical role in supporting and engaging remote Kiva supporters while aiding the growth and development of Kiva’s community programs. You will be the face of Kiva, communicating with Alumni and Ambassadors over the globe via email and Slack.
The ideal individual for this position is a self-starter who is detail-oriented, well-organized, loves executing on new ideas, and enjoys interacting with a wide range of people. Those who want to learn more about nonprofit or community management will greatly benefit from the insight and hands-on experimentation with program development gained by being a member of our team.
At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately we cannot provide visa sponsorship.
Key responsibilities include:
- Engage the Alumni and Ambassador communities – Monitor discussions in Slack (the programs’ online community forum) and coordinate engagement and recognition efforts. Alert Ambassadors and Alumni on opportunities to connect with Kiva.
- Support with cross-functional event planning and motivational messaging during various Kiva campaigns.
- Ambassador recruitment – Research recruitment resources as needed, post job descriptions, and assist in the initial screening of applications.
- Assistance with the creation of new reference materials (e.g., FAQs, training videos)
- Team collaboration on volunteer engagement logistics – Draft motivational messaging, plan events, design and analyze surveys, and strategize on timing and method of communication.
- Enhance process efficiency – Provide input on streamlining recurring engagement responsibilities for efficiency gains. Propose initiatives that would minimize manual program administration.
Secondary Responsibilities
- General data analysis – Compilation and analysis surveys, polls, and monthly reports
- Additional support – Contribute to and manage aspects of various projects as needed.
Preferred qualifications:
- At least 21 years of age or older by July 15th, 2025
- Able to commit to the full 6-months term
- Strong critical thinking, with an eye for detail and ownership for your work
- Enjoys problem-solving and relationship building
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Highly proactive and able to work independently
- Highly organized individual with an aptitude for working in a start-up environment.
- Intermediate skills in Google docs, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
What we offer:
Perks:
- Professional development and skills workshops
- Access to Kiva’s network of Kiva Fellowship and Internship Alumni
- Optional participation in Kiva’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and social activities such as happy hours and coffee chats
- References are gladly given for successful participants
Kiva’s Internship is a part-time volunteer position, however, to help offset some expenses, Kiva will provide a modest stipend of $800 a month (before taxes) to its volunteers. Please note that the stipend is considered taxable income and we expect interns to do their own research as to how this may affect their personal/tax implications.
The weekly time commitment for a Kiva Internship is 24 - 32 hours per week, from July 15th, 2025 - December 31st, 2025 . Please make sure you have the availability to commit for the entire internship period before submitting an application.
A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kiva’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!
We will only accept applications directly from candidates. Kiva will not be responsible for any recruiting agency fees, absent a formal agreement.
