Work at ICTSD

Volunteer and Internship Guidelines  (Revised 23 June 2003)

While ICTSD hosts both volunteers and interns, it does so only through bilateral arrangements with academic or other relevant institutions. Interns and volunteers should have a demonstrated interest and background in international trade and sustainable development, and possess university-level or post-graduate education in a related field. These positions are designed to be of mutual benefit: volunteers/interns learn about the Centre’s work while building personal capacities and experience, and the Centre receives valuable assistance in achieving its projects and goals. With no exception, all arrangements with interns or volunteers are on fixed-term basis.

ICTSD coordinates internship arrangements around three terms that coincide with the academic year: September - December (Fall); January - May (Spring); and June - August (Summer).

Internships

In exceptional cases, ICTSD hosts interns depending on available funding and programme needs. ICTSD can provide limited support in the form of a monthly stipend for basic living expenses, but interns should have sponsorship and funding from their sponsoring institutions. Positions may be within one programme or across several programmes. Interns must be willing to commit to a work programme of at least 40 hours per week, over a period of not less than 3 months and not more than 9 months. Interns require either Swiss citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit. ICTSD can arrange for temporary work permits, but requires at least 3 months' advance notification.

Volunteers

ICTSD will accept a limited number of volunteers annually depending on programme needs. These positions are un-remunerated. Volunteers must be willing to commit to a work programme of at least 20 hours per week, over a period of not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months. Positions may include ongoing programme related support or project-related assignments. Volunteers require Swiss citizenship, a valid Swiss work permit, carte de legitimation, or an agreement authorising their activities from the Canton de Genève.

Applying

ICTSD accepts expressions of interest from other institutions who may wish to place volunteers or interns with ICTSD. Applications must include individuals' qualifications, curriculum vitae, and a writing or work sample. Included in the above should be applicant’s nationality, age, gender, work / educational experience, language ability and any other information deemed relevant to the position. Organisations wishing to place volunteers or interns should contact ICTSD at least three months before the start of the hosting period.

No intern or volunteer will be admitted at ICTSD without a signed agreement with the affiliated institution, agreed Terms of Reference and a designated supervisor. Interns/volunteers will not be expected to represent or attend any external meetings on ICTSD's behalf.

Interns and volunteers are obliged to acquire adequate health insurance and provide proof of this coverage before final acceptance. (Current estimated cost of such coverage is SFr.200-300 per month).

Interns and volunteers are expected to produce a final report on their experience for ICTSD and the sponsoring institution. Interns and volunteers receive a certificate from ICTSD. Interns/volunteers are to be assessed by their supervisor and the pertinent programme's team leader.

Applications (from sponsoring institutions only) should be sent to: Human Resources, ICTSD, 7 Chemin de Balexert, 1219 Geneva, Switzerland. Alternately, they may be faxed to: (41-22) 917-8093 or emailed to: jobs@ictsd.ch.