Application Guide

How to Apply for Review and Translation Program Project Manager Intern

at Kiva

🏢 About Kiva

Kiva is a nonprofit that enables individuals to lend as little as $25 to entrepreneurs around the world, creating economic opportunity and alleviating poverty. Unlike traditional charities, Kiva's model empowers borrowers to build sustainable livelihoods, fostering dignity and self-sufficiency. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that has facilitated over $1.6 billion in loans.

About This Role

As a Review and Translation Program Project Manager Intern, you'll support the volunteer community that reviews and translates loan applications, ensuring timely and accurate processing. This role is impactful because high-quality volunteer engagement directly accelerates funding for entrepreneurs in developing countries, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by checking volunteer discussion boards and responding to queries, then review a batch of new volunteer applications and screen candidates. Later, you could draft a motivational post for the community or coordinate with the team on an upcoming campaign event, updating tracking sheets in Salesforce.

🎯 Who Kiva Is Looking For

  • Passionate about global development and microfinance, with a demonstrated interest in Kiva's mission
  • Highly organized and proactive, capable of managing multiple volunteer communication channels independently
  • Excellent written communicator who can craft motivational messages and clear instructions for a diverse volunteer base
  • Comfortable with data entry and tracking tools like Salesforce and Google Sheets, with willingness to learn internal systems

📝 Tips for Applying to Kiva

1

Highlight any experience managing online communities, forums, or volunteer groups, as this role involves monitoring discussion boards and coordinating recognition.

2

Showcase specific examples of process improvement or tool research you've initiated in past roles or projects.

3

Mention any familiarity with Kiva's platform or microlending, even if just as a lender or supporter.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize cross-functional collaboration, event planning, or campaign coordination.

5

Use the cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Kiva's unique lending model and how volunteer engagement drives impact.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with Kiva's mission and understanding of how microfinance empowers entrepreneurs.", 'Specific examples of engaging or motivating a community, whether online or in person.', 'Your organizational skills and ability to work independently in a remote, part-time setting.', 'Proficiency with tools like Google Suite, Slack, or Salesforce, and willingness to learn new systems.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Kiva's website to understand the borrower journey and the role of volunteer translators/reviewers.
  • Read Kiva's blog or impact reports to see examples of successful loans and community stories.
  • Review Kiva's volunteer portal or resources to understand how volunteers are currently managed.
  • Familiarize yourself with Kiva's recent campaigns or initiatives to discuss in your application.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you keep volunteers motivated and engaged over time?
2 Describe a time you improved a process or introduced a new tool to increase efficiency.
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple communication channels?
4 What do you know about Kiva's loan review and translation process?
5 How would you handle a situation where a volunteer is frustrated or disengaged?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about your interest in 'helping people' without connecting to Kiva's specific model.
  • Neglecting to mention remote work experience or self-discipline, as this role is fully remote.
  • Overlooking the part-time nature; ensure you can commit to the required hours and flexibility.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kiva!