About the Program
The Business Administration Program affords young people the opportunity to explore South Africa while imparting skills and expertise in much needed developing communities. Not only do applicants get to immerse themselves in local culture, but explore areas such as the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Interns are able to offer their services in an office environment, working at NGO’s, human rights offices etc.
Qualifications Criteria
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise, experience or interest in human rights, with an emphasis on social and economic rights. All interns would need to demonstrate that they are committed to human rights issues, be fluent in written and spoken English, and be computer literate. Interns would need to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week over a minimum of 4 weeks, with full time working hours, with some flexibility.
Interns would preferably bring their own laptops (if computer work is envisioned) and would be contactable by cell phone.
We currently make use of volunteers and interns in five main
capacities, depending on the skills, experience and interest of the applicant,
the current needs of the organisation, and the availability of a supervisor for
the work required.
1. Advocacy Research and Support
We would require interns with the equivalent
of a masters’ level degree, or someone currently enrolled for such a degree.
Please note that we do not use our interns/volunteers in direct advocacy work,
which we believe requires contextual experience, but utilise such
interns/volunteers in research, analysis, document development, logistics for
meetings and events etc.
2. Media and Materials Development
While graduates would be very welcome, many undergraduates
would be suitable for aspects of this work. We would require volunteers or
interns with strong computer skills, and at the very least a high level of
proficiency in MS Office and internet-based research; communications, public
relations, photographic, website, social media and/ or public media experience.
3. Legal Research and Support
We would require interns with a law degree or
who are senior law students, and who have strong research, analytical, writing
and presentation skills.
4.
Community Outreach
We require interns with a strong human rights
ethos, knowledge of the law, adult education and/or community development
experience to assist in activities and events in communities. As community work
is complex, we prefer mature applicants. Undergraduates may be able to assist
in support capacities.
5.
Administrative and Logistics Support
While graduates would be very welcome, many undergraduates
would be suitable for aspects of this work. They would need to be prepared to
be involved in data capture and analysis, filing and resource management,
materials compilation, events preparation and organisation, communication with
stakeholders etc. We are looking for applicants who are especially efficient,
organised and methodical in their work, with a good understanding of systems
and logistics.
6. Fundraising (Administrative Support, Work on Specific Projects and Events)
While graduates would be very welcome, many undergraduates
would be suitable for aspects of this work. We would require interns or
volunteers to have some experience in a fundraising environment, for example,
an alumni or development office, or have some experience in event planning. We
are looking for applicants who are especially efficient, organised and
methodical in their work, with the ability to do desk top research, and who
have strong communication and presentation skills.
7. Human Resources
While graduates would be very welcome, many undergraduates
would be suitable for aspects of this work. Interns or volunteers with
knowledge of HR processes would be required. We require applicants who are
especially efficient and organised and methodical in their work, with a good
understanding of HR systems.
