Sample cover letter for Internship position at IDLO

Dear Human Resources Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Africa Program Internshipposition as I would be enthusiastic of joining your team and I believe I have the perfect combination of skills and capabilities for this role.

I am currently working at Ericsson Telecomunicazioni SpA as part of the Innovation, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Team for the Region Mediterranean. I report directly to the Head of the Unit supporting the development of sustainability programs, follow up and communication. In particular, I assist in coordination between the different Hubs of the Region Mediterranean, I provide support in the development of communication material (articles, reports, etc.) and I conduct research in the environmental and sustainable fields.

I have international work experience as in my previous job I worked as Project Manager Assistant in the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Service at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels. My main responsibilities involved the organisation of awareness raising campaigns initiatives. In particular, I organised the European Week for Waste Reduction (with a focus on Food Waste) and the Fair Trade Week. I was in charge of creating the promotional material, the content for internal and external communication and liaison with external bodies such as the FAO. Thanks to this experience I have discovered my passion for communication with particular reference to environmental issues and agriculture.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Development Economics and a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies with distinction from the University of Strathclyde in United Kingdom. Both my degrees allowed me to gain a sound knowledge of the principal environmental and social issues that developing countries such as Africa are facing and of how important it is to correctly communicate and address them. I am now particularly excited about fulfilling my potential in this field. Reason why, I decided to apply to the Master in African Studies at the Link Campus University in Rome.

I feel I have a range of relevant skills that I can bring to IDLO. My communication skills have greatly developed both through my work experience and academic life. I frequently present papers, power point presentations and arguments orally in meetings and I have recently hosted an episode of RMED360 TV, the internal tv channel of Ericsson RMED. Additionally, I have developed a high level of IT skills: I regularly use Word, Excel, the Internet and social media and I am comfortable in sourcing and handling data electronically. I have always handed my work in on time and never missed a deadline.

What makes me a suitable candidate for this position are not only my qualifications, but also my passion for the field and for IDLO’s mission with special regard to its commitment towards African development.

I hope my Personal History Form shows that I have the skills and potential to join your team.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Giorgia Fogu