Internship Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What type of duties or activities does an internship at ACCORD entail?

The activities and duties undertaken in an internship vary according to the skills and experience of the intern, the duration of the internship, and the activities currently underway within ACCORD. The Internship Programme strives to provide a balanced work plan, which benefits both the intern and ACCORD. The Programme has a four-pronged approach:

Programmatic activities: These are core activities of the Programme/ Unit the intern is assigned to and for which he/she will be responsible for or the main purpose for interning at ACCORD.
Personal development: This includes activities, which enhance the knowledge and skills of the intern in areas of conflict management and prevention. These include possible attendance and/or participation in internal or other workshops and completing research in a field of interest for possible publication with ACCORD.
Institutional development: This incorporates developing skills in the intern, which may benefit the intern’s organisation or institution. This may include writing, research, analytical, training or other skills. Institutional development may also include the intern providing a particular function or skill to ACCORD to enhance its institutional and programmatic development.
Administrative tasks: These tasks refer to regular responsibilities in terms of drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and assisting in the preparation of training materials, as well as logistical and administrative preparation for programmatic activities.
Interns at ACCORD have enjoyed research, analysis, assisting in preparing and implementing workshops, participation in trainings, developing projects, and meeting a host of academics and practitioners in the conflict management field.

What is the duration of an internship?

Internships are offered between February and November of each year. The minimum duration for internships is 3 months; however internships may range from 3 to 12 months.

How many hours a week will I work?

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.

Are internships paid or unpaid?

Internships at ACCORD are unpaid, voluntary positions. Interns are responsible for all their travel, accommodation, transport, living expenses and other costs incurred while preparing for and undertaking an internship with ACCORD.

Does ACCORD offer assistance in terms of accommodation or transport?

ACCORD will provide you with an advisory indicating accommodation options in the Durban area. Contact details are provided for letting/rental agencies, guesthouses, and boarding facilities. Interns are required to explore the various options available and make the arrangements most suitable for you.

The offices in Mount Edgecombe are close to public transport routes and there are a number of car rental agencies in Durban, which you can approach. ACCORD does not have its own transport service.

What should my application contain?

All applicants must complete an application form and provide a covering letter, a CV, and a sample of written work (no more than 8 pages in length).

When should I apply?

The selection panel sits in March, July and November of each year. Applications must therefore reach us by:

Applications for internships beginning in the period February to April

• Deadline: 31 October (of the previous year)

Applications for internships beginning in the period May to July

• Deadline: 28 February

Applications for internships beginning in the period August to November

• Deadline: 30 June

How will I know when ACCORD has received my application?

A notification acknowledging the application will be sent by e-mail to the applicant, which will indicate the selection process.

How will I know whether my application has been successful?

Due to the volume of applications received, only short listed applicants will be notified. In general, notification will be given by the last day of the month on which the panel sits. In other words by 30 November, 31 March, and 31 July as per the period the application is received in.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

All applications and queries must be directed to:

Tamzin Hudson
ACCORD
Private Bag X018
Umhlanga Rocks, 4320
South Africa

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