Programs Intern

Location: Remote

Commitment: 10-15 hours per week

Duration: 3-6 months

Reports to: Programs Manager

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship with academic credit available in partnership with a university.

Organizational Context

Sahar Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for girls and young women in Afghanistan. Sahar partners with grassroots, locally-based organizations to create educational opportunities and safe learning spaces for girls and women in Afghanistan, empowering and inspiring children and their families to build peaceful, thriving communities. Through innovative programs focused on digital literacy, coding, leadership development, women’s health and empowerment, and sewing and literacy training, we empower young women to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Due to the bans on girls’ and women’s education in Afghanistan, all of our programs are underground.

Position Overview

Sahar Education is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Programs Intern to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of our education initiatives. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates passionate about international education, nonprofit work, and gender equity. The intern will work closely with the program manager to assist with program coordination, research, monitoring and evaluation, and administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating program activities, including scheduling and communication with partners and beneficiaries.
• Support the development and organization of program materials, reports, and presentations.
• Conduct research on best practices in education, gender equity, and nonprofit programming.
• Help maintain program records and ensure accurate documentation of activities.
• Provide administrative support, including drafting emails, organizing files, and supporting virtual meetings.
• Assist in collecting, transcribing, and translating student success stories from Dari to English
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for program improvement.

Qualifications & Skills

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Interest in women’s studies, girls’ education, and gender equity, mandatory;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Interest in education, nonprofit work, and gender equality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Experience with research, data collection, or program coordination is a plus.
• Secondary knowledge of Persian and/or Dari,

Core Values and Ethics

• Commitment to Sahar’s Mission and Values and the ability to convey with enthusiasm Sahar’s role in promoting girls’ education and gender equity;
• High integrity, honesty, and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people, and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value;
• Willingness to work in a flexible, multicultural environment

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in program coordination within an international nonprofit.
• Exposure to real-world challenges and solutions in girls' education.
• Professional development and mentorship from experienced nonprofit professionals.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that empowers young women in Afghanistan.
• Academic credit in partnership with a university.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the role and how their skills align with Sahar Education’s mission. Applications can be sent to farzanah@sahareducation.org.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about education and gender equality.