Oxfam Australia - South Africa Internship

 

Country:   South Africa
Date:   Annually for 4-5 weeks January-February 2012
Student Travel Fund:   Nil - airfares are provided by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education)
Additional Funding:  

Nil - accommodation and meals are provided by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education)
Number of places:   Two students per year.  Note, this internship is only available to LLB or full-time JD students.
Applications due:  *15 August 2011*

 

Organisation Profile

Oxfam Australia is part of a 13-member confederation of international organisations that make up Oxfam International, which strives to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. It works with communities, allies and partner organizations, undertaking long-term development, emergency work, research and campaigning for a fairer world. Oxfam takes a human rights based approach working on a broad range of issues, including trade, conflict, debt and aid, and education.

Its core programs are directed towards achieving its goal and consist of emergency work, development programs (which are geared to eradicate poverty by focusing on issues such as education, gender, HIV/AIDS and human rights), research and lobbying, and campaigning. Oxfam works through grassroots organisations to assist the poor and victims of humanitarian disasters through preventative measures, preparedness and emergency relief. 

Internship Profile

Interns will work in one of Oxfam Australia's partner organisations based in or around Durban. In the past, interns have worked with Lawyers for Human Rights, Campus Law Clinic, and Justice and Women. We are waiting to confirm the exact placements and will update our site as soon as the placements are confirmed. When writing your application letter, we ask that you discuss your interest in, and knowledge of, HIV/AIDS, development and access to justice in South Africa, rather than on the specific organisations.

Eligibility Criteria

You must be enrolled in either a Monash Law LLB or full-time JD to be eligible for this internship. Please click here for the eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in their personal statement. 

  • Particular interest in the activities of the Oxfam;
  • Appreciation of the confidentiality and sensitivity required when working with people living with HIV;
  • Understanding of social development issues in South Africa;
  • The ability to work autonomously and as part of a team;
  • A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
  • Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to explain complex information simply;
  • Computer skills - Word, Excel, Outlook

Application Process

This internship is part of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law's Global Internship Program.  For full details of the application process, go to the Global Internship homepage.

Equity Grants

The Student Mobility Fund (SMF) has been developed to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. 

Contact Information

If you would like further information about this internship please contact:

 

Andre Dao
Castan Centre Project Officer
Castan Centre Level 3
Faculty of Law Building 12
Clayton Campus

Phone:  +61 3 9905 3318

Forms

Global Internship Application Form

Other Useful Information

Current Intern - Divya Roy
Current Intern - Sandra Murray
Intern report of Amy Burton (placed with Campus Law Clinic)
Intern report of Helen Fabinyi (placed with Justice and Women)
Intern reports of Neda Monshat and Jess Malin 2009 (placed with Lawyers for Human Rights)

Accommodation and cost of living hints South Africa - Chris Holt 2008