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Internships with Amnesty New Zealand

Posted December 13, 2007 - 3:04pm

Accepting applications for internships NOW for 2008

General Information

The Amnesty International New Zealand Internship Program was established in 1997 with the aim of enabling students to undertake a period of work experience with Amnesty International. During that time AINZ has had more than 34 interns working on a range of projects and for varying lengths of time.

 

Direct Link to Internship Descriptions (and application forms)

 

Comments From Previous Interns:

"Definitely do it because you get involved in everything. Opportunities you wouldn't have in larger offices. Don't be put off by the fact that's it's a small country and doesn't seem to have human rights abuses of its own. It's a great springboard for learning about human rights in Australasia and the Asia-Pacific region. Human rights development in NZ is very active. People are constantly looking forward, looking at human rights all the time, how they can be challenged, people seem more aware of human rights issues here. More willing to listen and develop human rights ideas."

"My internship with AINZ was very important for me. I had the amazing opportunity to observe how a non-government organization such as Amnesty International really works. I realized how intense and complex it is to campaign for Human Rights. I felt that my work for AINZ was essential for the organization, especially for the CHOGM campaign. "

"Because of my background in Development Studies, my overall focus of work during my time at Amnesty has been to participate in AINZ's aim to extend its contribution to the discussion on a human rights approach to development, and to develop AI expertise in the area. The highlight of my work on this theme was the opportunity to represent Amnesty International on a Foreign Affairs delegation to the Pacific Islands led by Hon Phil Goff (Minister Foreign Affairs and Trade). "

Why does AINZ have an internship program?

The AINZ internship program aims to enable outstanding students or graduates specializing in a field relevant to the work of Amnesty International to make a voluntary contribution to the development and implementation of AI's campaigning program, providing them with opportunities to learn how a campaigning NGO contributes to the realisation of human rights and to develop work-related skills.

What will an intern do?

Intern duties generally consist of research, editing and writing, event coordination and general administrative work. Each internship entails a different range of tasks.

For detail on each of the internships on offer (and to apply) please click the links below:

General selection and application information

Qualifications and skills

The participants in the internship program will be selected from among applicants strongly supported by their academic institution. They should hold a relevant tertiary qualification or be studying towards such a qualification in a relevant discipline.

Applicants should be prepared to work in a busy team envioronment, and also have the ability to work with minimal guidance when required.

Some typing ability and familiarity with word processors and computer systems is necessary as AI's work utilises information technology extensively.

Applicants must have a level of English fluency adequate for the tasks of the internship.

Applicants with skills other than those mentioned in each of the specific internship programmes should not hesitate to apply if they are interested; for example, applicants with a strong web development, publications or management background could be equally eligible, however they should note that places may be more limited, and it may pay to make informal enquiries before submitting a full application.

To apply for any of the internships, click on the links above to read the individual job descriptions.

Selection process

Selection is made by the Executive Director. The selection process will take into account the various projects of the organisation at any particular time, the mix of skills amongst the interns, and the timetables of other interns. You may be asked to be available for an interview (by phone or in person).

Length and location of internships and when to apply

Interns work for periods of 3-6 months 20-40 hours per week. Internship positions are offered on a rolling basis, ie. each intern is replaced before they leave - therefore internships may be available at any time throughout the year. See the information on each specific internship program to find when the next internships become available.

Applications must be received well in advance of the date you desire to start. If you need an answer by a particular date for a good reason, please notify us of this on your application form and we will endeavour to meet your needs.

You must use the application form appropriate to the internship which you are applying for, and you must include all information requested. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Support and training for interns

Although AINZ internships are unpaid you may find possibilities for sponsorship from your academic institution or from another charitable organisation. International interns must also fund their own travel to New Zealand and accommodation. AI can assist in helping an intern find cheap accommodation but does not guarantee to provide free accommodation. Some interns have chosen to undertaken their internship part-time and work part-time in New Zealand to fund their internship. Again, AI will endeavour to help an intern find part-time work but cannot guarantee that work will be found.

During their internship interns are expected to work like regular staff members and carry out the duties that are assigned to them. They are bound by the same obligations as staff members and must treat as confidential any and all unpublished information that comes to their attention during the course of the internship and must not publish any reports or information obtained, except with the authority of AI.

AI will provide training to successful applicants through a series of briefings and on-the-job coaching organised by the Executive Director and other senior managers. The briefings cover aspects of AI's campaigns and its approach to communication with various stakeholders including government. Interns may also be invited to accompany senior managers to external meetings.

An internship does not necessarily lead to employment with AI.