Movement in Refuge Opens Programme and Community Internship for Sport-Based Humanitarian Work | Apply by 9 August 2026

Young professionals, students, and sport enthusiasts interested in humanitarian work, community development, and refugee support have an opportunity to join Movement in Refuge (MiR) as a Programme and Community Intern. This remote internship provides practical experience in programme development, partnerships, communications, and community engagement while supporting sport and movement initiatives for conflict-affected communities.

Applications are open until 9 August 2026.

About Movement in Refuge (MiR)

Movement in Refuge (MiR) is an international organization using sport and movement training to promote physical and mental wellbeing among communities affected by conflict and displacement.

The organization began its work in the Rohingya refugee camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, one of the world’s largest refugee settlements. MiR believes that sport, play, and structured movement activities can help people recovering from trauma and displacement build confidence, resilience, connection, and hope.

Working alongside Bangladeshi partner organization Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI), MiR delivers safe and inclusive coaching programs for women, girls, men, and boys. The organization works with community-based coaches from refugee communities and collaborates with academic and international partners to strengthen evidence-based programming.

About the Programme and Community Intern Role

The Programme and Community Intern will support one of MiR’s six programme areas while helping expand partnerships, visibility, and community engagement.

Interns will select a programme track that matches their interests, skills, and experience:

• Chess Programme.
• Ocean Sports.
• Roundnet Sports.
• Swim Sports.
• Yoga Sports.
• Youth Connection.

The role combines programme development with external outreach, allowing interns to contribute both to field-based initiatives and global community-building efforts.

Available Programme Tracks

Chess Programme

The Chess Programme creates opportunities for children and young people in refugee settings where physical space may be limited. Interns will help strengthen chess activities, build partnerships, and support connections with global chess communities.

Ocean Sports Programme

This track focuses on expanding MiR’s coastal sports activities in Sonarpara, Cox’s Bazar. Activities include:

• Swimming.
• Surfing.
• Water safety.
• Coastal sports.

The programme aims to reach between 1,000 and 1,600 children over three years while addressing critical drowning risks affecting children in the region.

Roundnet Programme

Interns supporting the Roundnet track will help grow MiR’s international connections within the global roundnet community, including partnerships linked to upcoming competitions and events.

Responsibilities include community outreach, partnership development, and strengthening programme delivery in Cox’s Bazar.

Swim Programme

The Swim track focuses on developing evidence-based swimming education aligned with international drowning-prevention approaches, including WHO guidance and programs such as SwimSafe.

Yoga Programme

The Yoga track supports relationship-building with yoga communities, studios, and teachers while helping ensure activities delivered in refugee settings are trauma-informed and adapted to participants’ needs.

Youth Connection Programme

This track focuses on connecting schools, universities, and young people internationally with communities in Cox’s Bazar through partnerships, fundraising activities, creative exchanges, and educational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Community Interns will:

• Build relationships with clubs, schools, organizations, and communities related to their programme area.
• Identify partnership, sponsorship, and equipment donation opportunities.
• Support programme design, curriculum development, and coaching resources.
• Represent MiR at relevant events and community activities.
• Create communications and social media content.
• Track outreach activities and partnership progress.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection standards.

Time Commitment

This is a flexible remote internship requiring:

• 5–20 hours per week.
• Minimum commitment of 4 months.
• Flexible scheduling around academic or professional responsibilities.

The internship is unpaid. For Ocean Sports and Swim tracks, MiR strongly encourages and supports a field visit to Sonarpara, Cox’s Bazar.

What Interns Will Gain

Successful interns will gain valuable experience in international humanitarian programming, including:

• Hands-on experience with NGO programme development.
• Exposure to refugee community initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships and global networks.
• Understanding of sport-based approaches to wellbeing and resilience.
• Mentorship from humanitarian professionals.
• A formal reference letter upon successful completion.
• Connections with academic, UN, and civil society networks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have a genuine interest in using sport and movement to improve lives in humanitarian settings and should demonstrate a connection to their chosen programme track.

Applicants may apply if they are:

• Chess players or enthusiasts.
• Swimmers, surfers, aquatics students, or water-safety professionals.
• Active members of the roundnet community.
• Yoga practitioners or teachers.
• University students or early-career professionals interested in youth engagement.

Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred programme track during the application process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the application form:

Applicants should specify whether they are applying for:

• Chess.
• Ocean Sports.
• Roundnet.
• Swim.
• Yoga.
• Youth Connection.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 9 August 2026

The Movement in Refuge Programme and Community Internship provides an excellent opportunity for students, emerging professionals, and sport enthusiasts to gain meaningful humanitarian experience while contributing to initiatives that promote health, wellbeing, and dignity for refugee communities.

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.