Gain experience in health education and HIV support in the context of a developing country
If you’re looking for work experience in the health sector, here is a unique opportunity to join an HIV support internship in a rural African community. You’ll help organize and run group sessions for people who are HIV positive, in order to provide them with much needed information and support. As an intern, you’ll play a vital role in both the delivery and the development of this nonprofit initiative, and you’ll help measure its impact on the ground.
This internship is a challenging but incredibly valuable and rewarding learning experience. It’s an opportunity to gain practical work experience in health education and HIV support in the context of a developing country. It’s also an opportunity to make a real impact in this community.
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a small nonprofit initiative, developed and overseen by medical professionals, that organizes group support sessions and workshops with people who are HIV positive. In Malawi, there is still a considerable amount of stigma that surrounds HIV, and there is a lack of education and support available. Based in Nkhata Bay, this nonprofit was developed with the aim to spread awareness on HIV and AIDS, educate people on the importance of nutrition, and provide support to those who need it. In addition, they help find business opportunities for those affected by HIV, to help ensure their livelihoods.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
As a health support intern on this program, you’ll play a vital role in delivering HIV support sessions in the local communities. You’ll be working with a local translator, who is fluent in Chi-Tonga, the local language.
What you’ll do
Depending on your skills, your tasks will include;
- Coordinating and planning group meetings in the community
- Helping to host group support sessions
- Helping provide a balanced and nutritious meal at each session
- Helping to develop and update the content of the workshop material
- Keeping key stakeholders informed on the progress of the support program
- Researching the extent and nature of the need for HIV support in the local community
- Helping with the monitoring and evaluation of the program
- Helping generate small business ideas with group members
- Managing a project budget
Requirements
- Background knowledge in community health
- Counseling training or experience
- HIV awareness and medication knowledge
- Worked in a similar field or have expertise in the virus.
- A commitment to being culturally sensitive and discreet
- An ability to work independently
- A passion for assisting those affected by HIV
- A self-starter attitude
- Ideally also be able to fundraise for transport, translator and support for group (seeds, nutritious meals etc.)
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During your internship, you’ll be lucky enough to stay at a lodge in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on the banks of Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a beach bar, and several communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets, too. The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different community and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this gorgeous space with like-minded people.
DATES & RATES
Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
3 months USD 2,099
4 months USD 2,440
5 months USD 2,782
6 months USD 3,123
What you’ll pay for:
- Accommodation (shared)
- Two meals a day during the first month. After the first month you can decide to book the meal package for the other months as well.
- Assistance with finding the perfect work placement
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- Supervision during your internship
- Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor.
- Your own account on a career development platform that offers content and courses focused on exploring different career opportunities
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
- On the ground support during your stay
Excludes:
- Flights to Malawi
- Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals after the first month: you can prepare your own meals or opt to book the meal package for two meals a day for the following months.
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
- Airport transfer to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km)
- In case of late arrival: extra night in accommodation in Lilongwe
QUICK FACTS
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Nkhata Bay, Malawi |
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Health NGO |
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Counseling, Education, HIV, Program management |
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Min. 3 months |
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From USD 2,099 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain practical work experience in health work in a rural African context
- Help fight stigmas about HIV and support people who are HIV positive
- Contribute to the long term impact of an important nonprofit initiative
- Live and work in a beautiful part of Malawi
- Have the flexibility of working remotely
3 MONTHS USD 2,099
4 MONTHS USD 2,440
5 MONTHS USD 2,782
4 MONTHS USD 2,440
5 MONTHS USD 2,782
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV with us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
CONFIRMATION
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you all the information you need.
PAYMENT
We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit. Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
