Oxfam Australia - South Africa Internship

Organisation Profile

Oxfam Australia is a member 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.

Oxfam Australia is currently running an advocacy and campaigning programme in South Africa. The program recognises that inequality is a fundamental driver of poverty in South Africa and is worsened and perpetuated by HIV/AIDS and gender inequality.

Internship Profile

Monash University South Africa is working in conjunction with Oxfam Australia to set up an internship scheme in South Africa. Oxfam Australia has a number of partnerships with local NGOs in the country and assists those organisations in a variety of ways, including by providing appropriately qualified volunteers. 

Oxfam Australia will place the Castan Centre Global Interns in two local human rights NGOs. Interns will be based in or near Durban in the Kwa Zulu Natal province and will work on human rights law surrounding the issues of HIV and AIDS and poverty in South Africa.

Students will be involved in the NGO’s substantive work and will undertake various tasks including:

• Research, writing and analysis relating to human rights and the intersection with HIV/AIDS and poverty;
• Drafting and editing of publications, papers and other documents;
• Organisation of meetings and events, and assistance in outreach activities;
• Administrative tasks as assigned.

For more information about Oxfam Australia and their work in South Africa, visit their website at http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/africa/south_africa/.

Eligibility Criteria

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 and the issues of poverty and HIV/AIDS;
• 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.

Application Process

• Complete the Oxfam Australia Application Form and also prepare the following documents:
  
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of results (download from WES) which must show at least a 60% average across all law studies
  • A personal statement of no more than one page typed (minimum size ariel font x10 point)showing a proven interest in the work and mission of UN Human Rights Council.
• Submit your application either -
  • in hard copy to the International Programs Officer located in the Student Services office on Level 1 of the Law building
  • via email from your Monash student account to  erica.contini@law.monash.edu.au. If submitting via email, we will contact you to confirm receipt of your application. If you do not get confirmation, please contact us.
• The Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law is responsible for short listing applicants.
• Short listing of applicants may include an interview by members of the Castan Centre
• The successful applicant will be contacted directly via phone and/or email by the Castan Centre Project Manager
• All unsuccessful applicants will be notified via phone and/or email by the International Programs Officer  
• International Programs Officer will notify the Faculty Finance Manager of the successful intern
• Once the successful intern has been notified they must contact the International Programs Officer to discuss travel arrangements and release of funds.

Note: All grants should be used in the first instance to cover travel costs, followed by insurance and accommodation costs if funds permit.

Equity Grants

Student Travel Fund (STF) Equity Grants have 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:

Forms

Oxfam Australia, South Africa Internship Application Form
Equity Grant application form [PDF]

Other Useful Information

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