Design System Intern

About Kiva

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.

As we work toward our mission, Kiva invests in building and retaining a global team of talent to add to our values-driven and digital-first culture. Our organization is supported by over 700 volunteers and 130+ full time employees dispersed around the world, as well as within team hubs located in San Francisco, Nairobi, Bogota, and Bangkok. Kiva’s team is growing as we pursue exciting new opportunities to scale our impact and create a financially inclusive world.

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 aim 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.

Kiva is currently recruiting for our July 2025 through December 2025 internship class. 

This Kiva Internship is a 6-month, part-time (24-32 hours per week), United States-based, remote volunteer position. Please make sure you have the availability to commit for the entire internship period before submitting an application.

Our team

Joining Kiva’s Design Team, you’ll be reporting to our Senior Product Designer. Our Product Design team has worked on experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world, including Apple, Google, and Mastercard. Your work at Kiva will enable people across the world to do good and help each other. This role requires a high level of collaboration with our Product Management and Engineering teams. We’re looking for curious, thoughtful, collaborative people who want to live their values.

Your role

We’re looking for a talented Design System Intern to help us evolve and maintain Kiva’s cross-platform design system. You’ll work closely with designers, engineers, and product managers to bring clarity and cohesion to the experience across Kiva.org. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about system-level design, visual craft, and building foundational design infrastructure at scale.

Primary Responsibilities (dependent on design skill-set)

• Assist in auditing, designing, and documenting UI components and patterns in Kiva’s design system
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to ensure consistency and accuracy across Figma libraries and code components
• Contribute to system-level explorations: color, typography, spacing, motion, accessibility, and responsiveness
• Maintain clean and organized design libraries in Figma, including naming conventions and documentation
• Participate in design system rituals (e.g., weekly design system critiques, triage meetings, contribution reviews)

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older by July 15th, 2025
• Able to commit to the full 6-months term
• Strong foundation in visual design and systems thinking
• Experience or coursework in building and maintaining Figma libraries
• Familiarity with tokens, component variants, and auto layout in Figma
• Understanding of atomic design principles and accessibility best practices
• Comfortable navigating design documentation and writing clear usage guidelines
• Bonus: Familiarity with basic front-end technologies (HTML, CSS) to communicate effectively with engineers

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 July 15th, 2025 - December 31st, 2025. Please make sure you have the availability to commit for 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!