As a Website and IT Intern with an NGO in Portugal

The non-profit sector must keep up with digital advancements to achieve its goals and raise public awareness of its missions.

Key IT topics for NGOs include:

Tasks Related to Websites:   

• Developing new websites
• Ensuring the technical maintenance and security of existing websites while improving or expanding their functionality
• Focusing on accessibility and inclusive design, especially for organizations targeting individuals with special needs (e.g., visual impairments), children, or elderly users. Commonly used platforms include CMS tools such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or Magento, as well as e-commerce solutions like Shopify or WooCommerce.
• Typical Tasks:   
  • Installing and maintaining CMS and e-commerce systems, along with their databases
  • Managing servers and hosting packages
  • Installing and customizing extensions (e.g., appointment booking systems)
  • Writing custom code (making use of PHP, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, Python)
  • Creating responsive web layouts
  • Fixing bugs and addressing technical issues
  • On-site SEO optimization

Besides websites, common IT tasks of relevance to the NGOs are:   

• Selecting, implementing, and customizing software solutions such as project management tools and customer databases to optimize internal workflows and improve service delivery for the NGO's beneficiaries
• Exploring and testing innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation
• Creating documentation and training materials for NGO staff to use websites, intranets, and software effectively

Your Learning Experience as an IT Intern

As an IT intern, you will be with an NGO involved in sectors such as social work, education, healthcare, environmental protection, human rights, arts and culture, or animal welfare.

You will gain hands-on experience in tailoring IT solutions to the specific needs and budgets of non-profits. Accessibility and inclusive design are particularly emphasized, given their importance to social organizations.

The NGOs we collaborate with for these internships in Portugal vary in size and technical expertise. You may be with larger or smaller organizations, as well as with those that have already implemented complex systems or those that are less technologically advanced. You can contribute new ideas, test them, and adapt them to the specific needs of the NGO. You will be for 5-7 hours per day, from Monday to Friday, at your internship.Every organization provides a supervisor to guide you during the internship. After booking, we conduct an online consultation to assess your skills and expectations, matching you with the most suitable NGO.

How do you apply?

After booking the program, we will schedule a call to get to know you and find the most suitable internship placement for you. As soon as we found a suitable internship, you will receive more information about the proposed organization as well as the next steps.