Internships at ACCORD

ACCORD offers internships to graduates and post-graduates and others may be considered at the discretion of the Executive Director. Interns work under the supervision and guidance of a Programme Manager performing a variety of duties ranging from conducting research and developing training materials to producing documents for publication. Internships are usually three to twelve months in duration depending on the assignment and the availability of resources. Internships are voluntary, unpaid positions.

The goal of the internship programme is to provide interns with an opportunity to learn from the various areas of expertise offered by ACCORD's staff, as well as ACCORD's various conflict resolution projects. These projects are subject to change based on the work programme of each unit and are designed to challenge and take advantage of the capabilities that the intern brings to the organisation. All internship placements are based on the expertise and personal interests of the intern, as revealed in and derived from resumes, with a view to the mutual benefit of both ACCORD and the intern.

Benefits to Interns

Interns derive many benefits from their work at ACCORD:

• Interns at ACCORD enjoy flexibility. Work at ACCORD affords interns the opportunity to undertake programmes or research topics related to their interests and expertise.
• Interns can receive training in conflict resolution. Interns may also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as trainers while working at ACCORD.
• ACCORD provides interns with a work station and access to a shared computer for the duration of their internship.
• Interns have access to ACCORD's Resource Centre which houses a variety of books and publications on conflict resolution and other peace and security related issues with a particular focus on the African context.
• ACCORD will aid in the furtherance of the intern's personal study through the provision of contacts and/or networks where such aid is possible.
• ACCORD encourages and appreciates the contributions of interns' initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness at all stages of program design and development.
• ACCORD will provide the intern with a report or letter of reference upon the successful completion of the internship.

ACCORD Advisor

For the purpose of providing a comprehensive training experience, each intern will be assigned to a member of the ACCORD staff who will act as an advisor for that intern. The advisor will co-ordinate the intern's work, supervise efforts, ensure productive use of time, and provide guidance and feedback to the intern.

Conditions of Internship

All ACCORD interns will be given a standard letter of acceptance, which outlines their duties and responsibilities.

Working Hours

Normal working hours are from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. All interns are expected to work 8 hours a day with a one-hour lunch break. Seminars, trainings, and workshops may result in interns working after-hours or on weekends from time to time.

Dress Code

All interns are expected to dress in a professional manner.

Confidentiality

Interns are expected to treat the contents of all files, correspondence and documents, both written and electronic, as confidential.

Copyright

All research and work products developed during the internship shall be the property of ACCORD.