User Research Intern

About us:

Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. Lenders on Kiva can start with as little as $25 to support causes that matter most to them, whether that’s gender equity and support for women, refugees, climate change, small businesses, agriculture, and more. Since our founding, over two million people have invested over $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunity, spanning more than 100 countries and over 5 million borrowers.

Kiva's values:

Impact first - This is why we exist. This is the drumbeat we march to. Every day.

Extreme ownership - Own it; you, your relationships, your impact. Insist that others support you and hold you accountable.

Be curious and bold - Never stop learning. Question assumptions. Take Risks and dream big.

Inclusion. Equity. Diversity. - Without reservation and without caveat. In our hiring, in our workplace and in our impact in the world.

Honor and integrity - Do the most right thing in the most right way. Cherish diversity and respect each other.

Love and kindness always - Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And don't say it mean. Clarity. Courage. Kindness.

Internship Program

Since its founding, volunteerism has been an integral part of Kiva's foundation and success. As a Kiva Intern, you will contribute your passion, drive, ideas, and expertise to expanding our reach and impact while taking on immediate and significant responsibilities within your team. In addition to learning on the job, you'll partake in a variety of educational, social, and professional development workshops and events that will accelerate your professional growth while learning about Kiva and the non-profit, technology, and microfinance sectors. 

Through this volunteer internship, we’re hoping to provide a high-caliber learning experience. With the completion of our internship program, you will take away many in-demand job skills. Additionally, all Kiva interns will gain exposure to foundational microfinance concepts and ongoing professional development tailored to your career goals. This position will also put you in contact with a wide array of employees around the world, giving you a jump start on networking opportunities.

This Kiva internship is a 6-month, part-time (24 - 32 hours per week), United States-based, remote volunteer position. 

Department overview:

Kiva’s product team is responsible for improving the web experience to motivate more people to lend, helping more borrowers around the world. User research at Kiva supports this goal by bringing in the voice of users to help teammates make better decisions.  

Your role:

We’re looking for a User Research Intern to support key projects and gain hands-on research experience.

You’ll refresh foundational research, help manage our research library, and contribute to smaller evaluative studies.

At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately, we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead 1–2 smaller research projects from end-to-end, including planning, recruitment, facilitation, analysis, and sharing findings.
• Work with our Principal Researcher and cross-functional partners to see how insights shape product decisions.
• Update examples and training materials that illustrate user motivations
• Organize, tag, and maintain our research library to keep insights accessible and privacy-compliant.

Preferred qualifications:

• At least 21 years of age or older by January 13, 2026
• Able to commit to the full 6-month term
• Exposure to user research methods (qualitative or quantitative) through coursework, academic projects, internships, or independent work in fields like HCI, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or related areas
• Critical thinking and curiosity about people, with interest in how user insights influence product strategy
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Comfort collaborating with a distributed team using digital tools

Perks:

• Professional development and skills workshops
• Access to Kiva’s network of Kiva Fellowship and Internship Alumni
• Optional participation in Kiva’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and social activities such as happy hours and coffee chats  
• References are gladly given for successful participants

Kiva's Internship is a part-time volunteer position; however, to help offset some expenses, Kiva will provide a modest stipend of $800 a month (before taxes) to its volunteers. Please note that the stipend is considered taxable income, and we expect interns to do their own research as to how this may affect their personal/tax implications.

The weekly time commitment for a Kiva Internship is 24-32 hours per week, from January 13, 2026 - June 30, 2026. Please make sure you have the availability to commit to the entire internship period before submitting an application.

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kiva's culture.  We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!

We will only accept applications directly from candidates. Kiva will not be responsible for any recruiting agency fees, absent a formal agreement.