Global Health Engagement Intern – USAID – Washington, DC

The Global Health Fellows Program II is seeking a Global Health Engagement Intern (INT-P3-045) in Washington, DC. Anticipated timeframe: July 2014 – October 2014: Compensated 12-week internship. The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by addressing the Agency’s immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual working planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available. 

Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency’s ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.

BACKGROUND: There is an absence of specific knowledge about the depth and breadth of academic global health programs in the US. Anecdotally, students attending minority serving academic institutions (MSIs) in the United States do not, as far as is known, have widespread access to global health programs. In contrast, global health programs in non-MSI institutions have seen a very different trajectory, growing rapidly over the last decade. Students attending MSIs should have an equal opportunity to participate in this growing field that is important to the policy and strategic objectives of the US. Engaging students and faculty from MSIs will help broaden diversity within the United States’ global health professional corp. This will more accurately reflect the nation’s diversity to the world and assist the US in dealing more effectively with diverse cultures and languages. 

INTRODUCTION: The Global Health Engagement Intern will contribute to addressing this effort through identifying MSIs that have and do not have global health programs, and strengthening or developing such programs. The Intern will assist in the survey for US academic institutions to identify the location, scope and nature of their global health programs, and compile results with this data. The Intern will also assist in the creation of new international experiential learning opportunities for MSI students and faculty. S/he will receive day to day guidance from the Executive Director of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) as his/her onsite manager.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Gaining a greater understanding of the goals of MSIs, CUGH, and the Public Health Institute (PHI). Gaining experience in surveying US academic institutions and developing ways to connect MSIs with global health opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate on experiential learning. Developing deep skills in collaboration, coordination and navigation to achieve results within a complex organizational structure.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assisting in conducting a survey to identify US-based academic global health programs with an emphasis on identifying MSI’s that have global health programs or would like to have a global program. Final results will be shared online. Assisting in developing a mentorship/ partnering program to connect interested MSIs with leaders in established academic global health programs in the US. Assisting in establishing an online database that identifies overseas global health initiatives and opportunities for MSIs to participate in. Working with MSIs in engaging with the broader non-MSI global health community both nationally and internationally through membership in CUGH. Assisting in the development of a webinar for MSIs on how to strengthen global health programs. Assisting in establishing an online mechanism that will connect MSIs with international and domestic opportunities in global health for students and faculty to train, conduct research, build capacity or implement evidence based solutions. Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need and/or the Intern’s own interests.

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently enrolled master’s or other post-bachelor’s degree candidate; or, completion of such within the past 12 months. Strong organizational, inter-personnel, and oral and written communication skills. US citizenship or US permanent residency required.

COMPENSATION: $1,680 bi-weekly (exempt, salaried position).

TO APPLY: Detailed information, including an online application and instructions, is available on our website at www.ghfp.net. All applications must be submitted by July 2, 2014 at 5:00 pm eastern time. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.

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