Internship

We offer a variety of opportunities for undergraduate or graduate students still in university, and for professionals, to participate in the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). All opportunities offer a unique experience in one of many exciting public health fields. CARPHA offers hands-on experience of 6-11 weeks for interns, and welcomes dedicated volunteers for similar or potentially longer periods.

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.