Organization: SSG Advisors
Posted: September 15 2009
Location: Burlington, VT, US

Do you want to help bridge the Digital Divide in some of the poorest communities in the world?  Do you believe in the power of entrepreneurship?

SSG Advisors, an international consulting, training and project management firm, has an opening for a graduate-level research intern for its Base of the Pyramid (BoP) Practice.  The primary responsibility of the intern will be to assist project staff to research best practices in micro-franchising and rural community broadband projects in anticipation of the establishment of a large-scale BoP rural iCafe Micro-Franchise social enterprise in Southeast Asia in 2010.  Specific tasks include:

• Reviewing SSG micro-franchising icafe project in Sri Lanka for best practice and lessons learned;
• Conducting research on the operations of successful micro-franchise projects, particularly in South and Southeast Asia;
• Preparing a consolidated Rural iCafe Franchise Operations Manual;
• Preparing a series of model business plans;
• Preparing pro forma financial statements for both Micro-Franchisor and Micro-Franchisee;
• Developing PowerPoint presentations on the iCafe Micro-Franchise; and
• Drafting short articles and briefs on Micro-Franchising.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Enrolled in an MBA or MPA program with an international focus;
• Outstanding academic record, particularly in finance and economics;
• Some work experience, preferably in either finance or operations management;
• Strong MS Excel and PowerPoint skills;
• Ability to synthesize and consolidate analysis from multiple sources;
• Passion for developing sustainable solutions to global poverty; and
• A sense of humor.

Though this internship is unpaid, it is our goal that this internship could translate into a paid position for a successful candidate, pending the availability of funding.  SSG Advisors is located in Burlington, VT on the ‘West Coast’ of New England.  Nestled in the scenic Champlain Valley, the Burlington area offers access to a wide range of outdoor and cultural activities.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and recent writing sample to interns@ssg-advisors.com.  Please no phone calls.