Programme intern

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is the UK charity that promotes and supports Wikipedia, its sister projects, and other open educational resources in the UK. "Open" refers to information which is available for copying, reuse and modification, including for commercial uses, without cost or restriction other than attribution. Following the principles of Wikipedia, we are a volunteer-led organisation, and volunteers have a central role in all our activities.

We were established in 2008 and are one of over thirty similar associations in countries around the world, recognised by the Wikimedia Foundation but operationally and legally independent. We work with individuals, museums, universities, businesses and media companies to make freely licensed content available and to help other people re-use open content. We seek to have a close relationship with other open content organizations in the UK, and with the global community of Wikimedia readers and editors.

Our annual income is just under around £700,000 and we have over 260 members. There are approximately 15 million people in the UK who regularly use Wikimedia projects and 10,000 people who regularly contribute to them. With ambitious plans for growth and an active Board of Trustees, we are now entering an exciting new phase.

We are now looking for a paid intern for the period of September-November. The role will be to organise and support the delivery of Wikimedia gender gap related events, particularly Women in Science editathons, focusing on Ada Lovelace October celebrations. We would particularly welcome applicants with an understanding of, and experience of, our mission.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 18 August.

About Wikipedia gender gap events

One of our key aims as a charity is to to teach under-represented groups how to edit Wikipedia (women currently make up about 10% of editors), and develop under-represented content (e.g. Women in Science). Wikimedia UK has been running 'Women in Science' editathons for the last two years, during which 15-30 people gather for an afternoon to learn how to contribute to Wikipedia. They then create or improve articles about women in science, and other relevant pages. In 2013 our editathons received extremely positive responses from the attendees and in general. They have been organised with a strong support from the MRC. The events were delivered in partnerships with other organisations who host them and invite people from their networks to attend. They are also made possible thanks to the support of volunteer trainers.

During 2013-14 we have been getting many more enquiries than we were able to assist with, and would now like to explore these opportunities.

Job Description

Job Title: Programme Intern

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week), with flexibility for part time

Location: The office of Wikimedia UK near Old Street, London.

Timescale: For three months; start of September 2014 until end of November 2014. This role will be for a fixed term.

Remuneration: London Living Wage for 35 hours per week (£8.80 p/h). The role may include evenings and some weekend work, with time off in lieu.

Objective

The objective is to support the organisation and delivery of Wikipedia gender gap events in 2014. To do this, the Programme Intern will need to:

• Organise and deliver a series of editathons around Women in Science, addressing gaps in content on Wikipedia, in cooperation with the host partners.
• Research individuals and organisations to approach around event partnership opportunities.
• Liaise with partners in organising the logistics of the events. Advise on Wikimedia requirements for running a successful event.
• Create a write up of a 'how to' organise and deliver this type of events to be of use to future partners.
• Work to develop our active volunteer base by inviting volunteer trainers to support the events.
• Undertake accurate data recording and entry to capture relationships with contacts, attendees at events and outcomes of those.
• Produce written report to summarise the achievements of the events.
• Be willing to undertake some administrative duties in support of the team and other areas of programme work.

Person specification

As the successful applicant, you will have the following skills:

• You will be an enthusiastic and highly competent individual able to work as part of a team and bring a mature attitude to supporting our volunteer community with special attention being paid to our target audience of minority groups.
• You will have experience in organising events.
• You will be highly literate and numerate.
• You will be able to work unsupervised and show initiatives in helping to develop events.
• You will be a believer in open access to information and the mission of the Wikimedia movement.
• You may have contributed already to Wikipedia and its sister sites as an editor.

Application process

How to apply: Please download the application form (Word, Open Office, PDF) and send a completed copy to: richard.nevellwikimedia.org.uk with 'Intern' in the subject line.

Deadline: August 18th 2014 at 5pm BST.

Please ensure you give details of why you feel you would be the best candidate for this post with reference to the key tasks and your relevant experience, using examples. Please also explain your understanding of and commitment to the Wikimedia ethos with personal examples to demonstrate this. We will need two referees whom we can approach.

Background information

• Equal Opportunities: Wikimedia UK has a commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to our members and clients, and in the employment of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to understand and promote its policies in their own work. Our office is fully accessible, and all reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure equality of opportunity for applicants, employees and volunteers.
• Fire, Health and Safety: Wikimedia UK is committed to a healthy and safe working environment and expects all its employees to consider and integrate health and safety in all work activities.
• Data Protection: Wikimedia UK holds sensitive data on its members, volunteers, donors and those using its services. All employees are required to maintain an awareness of data protection responsibilities and to execute all relevant duties with tact, discretion and due respect to confidentiality of clients, members and staff.