Youth Internship

The job will involve assisting Programme managers in three CYP Programme Strategic areas i.e. (i) Youth enterprise and sustainable livelihoods, (ii) Youth work, education and training and (iii) Governance, development and youth networks. This position is for six months with the possibility of renewal of contract for a total of 12 months.

The programme enhances the organisational, planning and logistical skills of the interns and provides the host organisation, Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional Centre for Asia (CYP Asia) and partners, with a talented young Commonwealth citizen to participate in the development and implementation of youth projects/programmes. Furthermore, the scope and level of CYP Asia’s and its partners’ activities is such that the interns will gain exposure and experience, not widely available during their educational careers.

Objectives of the CYP Asia Youth Internship Programme:

• To bridge the gap between formal education and a career;
• To inject creativity, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial ideas to empower young people to develop their career goals and to gain valuable experience;
• To provide participants with an international perspective of youth development;
• To assist young professionals in enhancing their current skills and developing new ones; and 
• To ensure the presence and continual programme development input of young Commonwealth citizens.

The Commonwealth Youth Programme largely focuses on the entrepreneurial development of young people as a strategy for their economic development and participation and the professionalisation of youth development work. CYP Asia also focuses on strengthening of youth networks and governance structures for mainstreaming of youth issues and concerns, and the enhancement of youth participation and involvement in the decision making and development processes at all levels.

Application Process

Candidates interested in the job should submit the following information either electronically or in a hard copy as per details below:

1. Copy of current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Letter of support from the government ministry/agency responsible for youth (desirable but not essential).
3. A write–up not exceeding two pages indicating the following: Why you are seeking an international attachment and what qualities you possess that would support a successful placement;
   • How your participation in this programme fits into your future career goals;
   • What skills you have from any previous volunteer work or educational experience;
   • Any international experience either through travelling, living or volunteering abroad; and
   • How you will prepare and adapt to living and working in a new culture and country.
4. A legible photocopy of your passport, birth certificate or residency status – to verify age and citizenship status.
5. Completed application form (attached) with one recent passport size photograph.
6. Two letters of reference.

Please submit these documents clearly marked to Regional Director: Commonwealth Internship Programme to the following:

Mail: Commonwealth Youth Programme Asia Centre
Sector-12, Chandigarh (India)
Pin-160012
Fax: 0091 172 2745426 and 2744902
Tel: 0091 172 2744482, 2745505
E-mail: admin@cypasia.net or admin@cypasia.net

(Please read guidelines carefully before completing the application form)

Participant’s Responsibilities

All participants must:

• Share in the realisation of the programme’s objectives
• Agree to a pre and post internship assessment of skills
• Carry out tasks outlined in their placement
• Respect duration of the internship and fulfil the term of the placement (Note: vacation is not part of the placement, unless prior arrangements are made with the CYP Asia. In general, any time off should be arranged in advance with consent of CYP Asia.
• Take responsibility for and contribute to the objectives of the internship.
• Manage their funds in a responsible manner, including returning any funds, which they have not earned should they leave their internship early.
• Submit to CYP Asia written reports at six weeks, the mid point of their placement and at the end of their internship. 
• Contribute to the cost of their internship as outlined below in the section entitled “Participants Finances and Budget Responsibilities”

CYP Asia’s Responsibilities:

• Recruit participants according to eligibility guidelines
• Develop agreements with participants;
• Carry out pre and post placement skills assessment of the selected participants;
• Provide a monthly stipend;
• Provide ongoing guidance and support for the duration of the internship;
• Provide full-time career development experience for the participant of between 6 – 12 months;
• Provide necessary office space and equipment/s;
• Provide suitable hostel accommodation to participant in the campus, if required;
• Develop an activity plan in collaboration with the intern;
• Take reasonable precautions to ensure a safe and secure placement environment free from harassment; and
• Provide the intern and the host government/organisation with regular updates by and provide two written reports – one at the mid-point of the placement and one at the conclusion of the internship.

Participant Preparation before departure

Part of the preparation for the internship involves participation in a pre-departure briefing by e.mail/telephone. The briefing introduces participants to the Commonwealth Secretariat, as well as providing information on travel and health issues, adaptation and country specific information.

Participant Finances and Budget Responsibilities

While CYP Asia is responsible for assisting the participants to cover the cost of their living expenses while they are involved in the programme, applicants should be aware that not all their costs would be covered by the stipend. Preparations costs such as immunisations, extended health insurance, trip cancellation and items of a personal nature, for instance, will be the responsibility of the participant.

Expenses to consider while living abroad:

• Health insurance
• Trip cancellation
• Immunisations
• Accommodation (if you opt out of the CYP Asia hostel accommodation arrangement)
• Food (if you opt out of CYP Asia Canteen)
• Culture and entertainment
• Communication – phone and fax. 
• Local transportation
• Miscellaneous items of a personal nature

Payment

Participants will receive a monthly stipend for the period of their internship. This is payable monthly in arrears. The current monthly consolidated stipend is as under:

Graduates: Rs. 6,500, Post Graduates: Rs. 7,000, Doctorates or Professional: Rs. 7,500

Other Benefits

• Participants are required to work six days a week and are also entitled to one day paid leave per month.
• Reimbursement of 3 tier AC train fare to participants from India for their travel at the time of joining and leaving the internship programme. Return 3 tier AC train ticket as part of home leave to visit home town on one extension i.e. service beyond first six months. In case of participants from other seven member Asia commonwealth countries reimbursement on excursion economy class airfare will be considered in deserving cases. 
• Participants while on official mission will be entitled to daily travel and subsistence allowance as per travel policy in place from time to time. 
• Personal accident insurance cover for Rs. One lakh during the period of internship.
• Furnished One Room Accommodation at CYP Asia Hostel at concessional rate.

Download:

Internship Application Form