The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) offers a range of structured internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students seeking practical experience within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. Internships are available across public health, resource mobilisation, information technology, procurement, finance, and other related disciplines, providing participants with valuable, hands-on exposure to real-world projects and operations.

The Internship Programme offers flexible modalities across our three regional campuses including virtual, hybrid and in-person. Placements are typically a minimum of six weeks in duration, providing participants with sufficient time to gain meaningful experience and contribute effectively to departmental projects. Extensions may be offered based on project requirements, organisational needs, and the participant’s performance, engagement, and overall contribution during the placement period.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of a senior staff member of CARPHA, interns will be assigned projects and tasks that are relevant to their educational backgrounds and interests and provide them with an opportunity to apply and advance their knowledge and develop skills while supporting the implementation of CARPHA projects.

The internship will substantially increase understanding of the issues faced by a unique international health organization. Typical tasks will include literature review, data manipulation and analysis, policy research, and writing for reporting. Specific responsibilities will be based on each intern’s experience, knowledge, and skills and on project needs at the time of the internship.

Interns are expected to develop and strengthen their knowledge and understanding by reading relevant CARPHA and other regional publications.

Responsibilities for volunteers will depend upon the placement

• General understanding of the work and mission of CARPHA, the role of CARICOM and stakeholders and partners at regional and global level;
• Insight and hands-on experience of CARPHA’s regional public health role;
• Experience of working in an international organization and in a multicultural environment;
• Opportunity to support delivery of activities that improve the health of the Caribbean people.

• Age requirements: The minimum age requirement is 20 years for both interns and volunteers.
• Both the Internship and Volunteer Programmes operate on a non-remunerative basis. Costs and arrangements for travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer, intern or the sponsoring institution.
• Travel documents: Applicants are also responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging their travel. They are required to have valid medical insurance cover for their stay.
• The purpose of the Internship and Volunteer Programme is not to lead directly to further employment with CARPHA but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end.
• Volunteers and interns may not apply for posts advertised internally to CARPHA staff during the period they are with the Agency or for external posts three months following the end of their time with CARPHA.
• Proficiency in the use of office-related software (MS Office), and excellent writing skills are essential.
• Research skills are an asset.
• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an asset.

1. Can interns apply to more than one department?

Yes, interns may apply to more than one department. However, applicants are typically encouraged to prioritize their preferred area based on their academic background and career interests.

2. Can an intern work in a department located on another campus?

Yes, interns may be assigned to departments located on different campuses, depending on availability, project needs, and logistical arrangements. In some cases, placements may also accommodate remote or hybrid work.

3. What are the eligibility requirements? Applicants are generally required to:

• Be enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a recognized tertiary institution.
• Be pursuing studies.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Meet any additional requirements specified by the department of interest.

4. How long does the internship last?

The duration of the internship typically varies but generally ranges from no less than six (6) weeks up to several months, depending on the program structure and departmental needs.