Wednesday 4 May 2011

TI Kenya - Internship Policy

Internship Policy
The Policy
  • A permanent and effective system that would provide valuable work experience to students pursuing their studies at a first degree, Masters degree and Ph.D. degree levels;
  • A clear defined framework that will guide and give direction to the management of the internship programme within TI-K;
  • A critical bridge between the world of study and the work place for young professionals; and
  • One of the strategies to meet TI-K's staffing needs from time to time.

Goals and Objectives

  • to create an opportunity for students who have just finished their studies and/or those in the process of completing to familiarise themselves with the working environment and gain practical experience;
  • to assist TI-K in its effort and vision of capacity building by empowering young people to gain experience and prepare themselves for the labour market;
  • to assist in the development of young professionals committed to the ideals of good governance.

Guiding Principles

  • Internship will be offered only in line with TI-K's programmes and activities;
  • A restricted number of interns would be allowed at TI-K for a specific period of time taking into account considerations of space, mentorship and equipment. No more than five (5) interns will be deployed at TI-Kat any one time;
  • In a situation where there are many students seeking for internship, a short list and interviews of candidates shall be conducted and managed by a panel composed of the office of the DED, two senior programme officers and a representative of the Finance and Administration Programme. The panel will have the responsibility of determining internship assignments based on competencies and prevailing organisational needs;
  • Interns may be assigned to specific projects or to one of the TI-K programmes;
  • Internship applications may be submitted via mail or at the relevant page on the TI-K website;
  • Applications for summer internships (June-August) will close at the end of March each year at which time a decision on the applications will be communicated to successful applicants;
  • Other internships may be established through the year based on organisational requirements. Requests for the engagement of an intern will be made through consultation with the management;
  • Interns will be assigned to relevant programme /manager for supervision throughout the internship period. Each programme at TI-K:
    • shall make provision to accommodate its interns;
    • shall ensure that interns have work to do and are afforded quality supervision;
    • shall ensure that the interns are aware of their rights, obligations and responsibilities;
    • shall ensure that professional competencies of the intern are enhanced by allocating the intern lesser or no administrative tasks.
  • Preference for internship will be given to students from Kenya.

Administration of the Policy

  • TI-K shall enter into a contract with an intern following a successful application;
  • The contract will be binding to both parties for the duration of the internship;
  • The application of the intern shall be backed up by a supporting letter from his/her institution;
  • The contract period shall range between a minimum of two (2) months and a maximum of twelve (12) months.
  • Interns must receive a proper orientation, which must include both the philosophy and work practices of TI-K;
  • Interns cannot represent TI-K at any public events without the prior consent of management; and
  • Interns will be expected to adhere to all TI-K's regulations, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities of TI-K
  • TI-K shall provide the intern with a conducive working environment
  • TI-K shall provide the intern with working space;
  • TI-K shall provide requisite equipment for her/his internship and mentoring.

Responsibilities of the Intern

  • The intern shall demonstrate willingness to fully and actively participate in the learning experience in the TI-K by planning their programme with the Mentor;
  • The intern shall participate in the introduction and orientation programmes of the TI-K;
  • The intern shall avail himself/herself for relevant skills development intervention planned by the TI-K; and
  • International Interns shall organise her/his own work-permit for Kenya where required.

Benefits

  • International interns shall organise their own funding support for the duration of the internship. This will include all and any insurances, travel and accommodation costs;
  • Local interns may be paid a monthly stipend for the duration of the internship where agreed. The amount will be based on need and relevant experience.

Application Process

Applicants may either write directly to TI-K for the attention of the internship coordinator or email: mailto:internship@tikenya.org
Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their interest in working with TI-K and outlining any other relevant experience and/or information.
A CV detailing education, work experience and any other relevant technical skills should be attached.
An Internship Application Form should be filled and submitted together with the Application
In addition, a supporting letter from the Applicant's institution is required.

Download the Internship Application Form

N.B. APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIPS (JUNE TO AUGUST) MUST BE RECEIVED BY END MARCH OF THE SAME YEAR.

Qualifications:

Applicants must, at a minimum, be enrolled in a recognised undergraduate programme. Applicants should be well-organised, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in good governance and anti-corruption reform. Relevant coursework is highly desirable, and knowledge of foreign languages is a plus. Basic computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.