SFD Internship Opportunity-Philippines

Closing date: March 8, 2013 - 4pm

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Contact: Robyn Fila 250-721-7022, interns@uvic.ca

Host Organization: Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)

Web Site: www.pinoy-abroad.net

General Placement Description:

CMA is dedicated to the promotion of the rights of Filipino migrant workers, immigrants, and their families with a firm belief in equal opportunity and gender-equality.  CMA works to improve the economic and social conditions of migrant Filipino families around the world through information dissemination, networking, capacity-building, and direct assistance, and functions as a resource centre.  As Program Assistant, the intern will work alongside CMA to network with relevant agencies and international bodies, and provide assistance to migrant workers and their families, especially those who are in greatest need and most vulnerable. The intern will also contribute to CMAs ongoing analysis of bilateral arrangements between the Philippines and host countries, particularly in West Asia. CMA's campaigns also work specifically on gender as it relates to migration.  CMA will also continue to be involved in the Global Forum on Migration and Development, as well as the parallel process of the People's Global Action on Migration.

As a Program Assistant, the intern will be directly involved in many of CMA's diverse initiatives including participation in ongoing analysis of existing bilateral arrangements between the Philippines and host countries, particularly in West Asia. The intern will also be part of a team focusing on the follow up activities to the government's compliance with the recommendations of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers, and will be involved in conducting consultations surrounding an Overseas Workers Welfare Administration charter.  In addition, the intern may be involved in the preparation, planning and follow-up for the 2013 Global Forum on Migration and Development. 

Skills and Requirements:

The intern must meet basic eligibility criteria for the program and will have the following skills: strong writing and communication skills, excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, ability to take initiative where appropriate and to work collaboratively; commitment to, and knowledge of migration and human rights issues in Asia and basic knowledge of relevant UN and regional human rights mechanisms; ability to network, both locally and regionally; strong computer skills; ability to conduct research; some understanding of the complex issues facing migrant populations in Asia would be an asset. 

We are currently accepting applications from interested UVic students for our 2013 Students for Development Program and are recruiting for specific placements in Quezon City, Philippines, Delhi, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh.  

Students must be upper level undergraduate, or graduate students, registered full-time, to be eligible to apply. The deadline of Friday, March 8, 2013 is firm, and no applications for the June 2013 placements will be accepted after this time.  To apply, students should complete an application form, and submit their application, a cover letter, plus a current resume, by email to: interns@uvic.ca.