IT Internship

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Program / Department Summary

The operations department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in daily administration, logistics, procurement, asset management and IT for field offices Kenya. The overriding objective for all Mercy Corps (MC) operations activities are the prompt and effective provision of on-time solutions MCs’ beneficiary populations in compliance with MCs’ and donor policies, procedures, regulations and specifications.

General Position Summary

The primary role of the IT Intern is to support the IT infrastructure at Mercy Corps Kenya’s Field Office. The IT Intern will assist in ensuring the proper functioning of equipment and networks to meet organizational needs and demands. The intern will support daily IT operations, assist with network troubleshooting, provide basic IT training, and help with IT documentation. They will work under the guidance of the ICT Systems Administrator.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Read and understand the Mercy corps ICT Systems Policy on appropriate use. Orient staff on appropriate use and monitor use activities to ensure adherence to these policies.
• Assist with daily IT operations including user support and troubleshooting of hardware and software issues.
• Provide first-level support to staff for IT-related problems and escalate more complex issues to the ICT Systems Administrator.
• Assist in setting up and configuring new computers, laptops, and other IT equipment.
• Support the installation, configuration, and updating of software and applications on user devices.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of IT assets, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Support the implementation of IT policies and procedures and ensure compliance with IT standards.
• Assist in conducting regular maintenance checks on IT equipment and report any issues to the ICT Systems Administrator.
• Provide basic IT training to staff, including how to use common software applications and best practices for IT security.
• Assist with ProSource Vendor Data Administration (VDA) setup and troubleshooting.
• Conduct oneself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.

Safeguarding

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To:   ICT Systems Administrator

Works Directly With:   Operations Officers, ICT Assistants and Program Staff in identifying IT needs.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Enrollment in or recent graduation (within a year) from a recognized academic institution in Kenya with a Degree or a Diploma or a certificate.
• Ability to support both hardware and software requirements in local area networking (LAN)
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Ability to troubleshoot, plan and design low maintenance systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain both wireless and cable connections is required.
• Must understand, follow and implement existing policies on IT equipment use and best practices.

Success Factors

A successful driver will have respect and adherence to all safety and traffic rules, excellent sense of judgment as well as willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and excellent interpersonal skills.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Turkana. Housing for this role is individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).