Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
The RLP has had a beneficial relationship with numerous volunteers over the years. Before contacting us about volunteer opportunities, please find out more about the individual departments to determine the one that you would best be able to contribute to.
1. Volunteer Positions
The RLP accepts selected volunteers from Uganda or abroad for a minimum period of six months, and preferably one year. Voluntary positions are open to individuals with strong experience and specific skills identified as 'gaps' at RLP that we are currently unable to fill, either because of a lack of funding, or difficulties in convincing donors of the needs for such positions due to their emphasis on project-based grants and inability to meet core funding.
Voluntary Fundraiser
The Refugee Law Project is urgently seeking a person with fundraising background to help in developing a fundraising strategy. Responsibilities will include: identifying potential donors, writing proposals and maintaining relationships with foundations, donor governments and other funding bodies. Initially the prospective applicant will work as a volunteer and eventually we would hope to employ her or him upon successfully raising funds.
2. Internships
The focus of internships is to strengthen local capacities of Ugandans and East Africans working in forced migration-related fields, but we also accept international internships, depending on need and available openings. While applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year, it is advisable to apply early as only a small number of interns may be accommodated and the application process is highly competitive. The RLP also has a summer internship programme, in which applicants are accepted for a shorter time period between May and August. The deadline for the summer programme is 15 March. Preference is given to those who can commit for longer periods of time.
For international applicants, please check out our Internship Contribution Schedule.
Internship applicants should note that interns are not covered by RLP's insurance policy, and that on arrival they would be required to sign a waiver form to that effect. Interns are therefore encouraged to organize their own medical and accident cover insurance.
Legal Aid & Counselling Interns
Between June and September every year, the Legal Aid Department takes on Makerere University law students who have completed at least their third year of law school. Interns may participate in taking initial testimonies from clients, organising and cataloguing the resource centre, updating country of origin files, assisting in event planning, and/or participating in research activities, depending on the needs at a given time.
Internships are open to current and recently graduated Makerere students. A panel of RLP programme staff selects applicants after individual interviews. or look for advertisements calling for applications placed around the Makerere University campus at the beginning of each term. International applications from students pursuing a J.D. or L.L.M. are also welcome.
Interns interested in Counselling activities must have a first degree in Social Work/Counselling, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or other mental health-related fields. Activities will include providing psychosocial services and counselling, home visits and follow-ups, and assisting in the social service provider inventory programme that creates networks and partnerships among social service providers assisting refugees in Kampala.
Research & Advocacy Interns
Applicants should have a background in conflict, law, human rights, social sciences, forced migration, and/or related fields, and have excellent written and spoken English skills. It is advantageous to have done some post-graduate work in a field relating to the mandate of the RLP and/or be conversant in French, Kiswahili, or other Ugandan languages (e.g., Luo, Madi, Iteso, etc.). Applicants interested in placement with the Research & Advocacy Department should have experience in field research and qualitative methodologies. Due to lack of equipment, they must be willing to bring their own laptop with them. Interns may expect to perform largely administrative and editing tasks for at least the first three months and the department will review interns before determining whether they have the aptitude for fieldwork.
Education & Training Interns
The work in the Education & Training Department is largely administrative and based on preparing coursework syllabus, coordinating training, and report writing of training activities. Interns do not actually conduct trainings, though they may be called upon to facilitate trainings and workshops. Applicants should have a good first degree in education or social sciences, preferably with experience in forced migration, law, or policy issues.
3. Research Associates
Researchers pursuing postgraduate studies are welcome to join the RLP on a looser basis. Through this partnership, they can continue their personal work while benefiting from our institutional resources and services, which include:
- Unlimited use of our Information Centre
- Academic advice on issues of forced migration, justice, human rights, specific locations or camps, and other areas of expertise of the RLP
- Logistic help and advice on the requirements of conducting field research, such as obtaining research permissions, handling bureaucratic channels, and access to our extensive network of contacts
- Broadband Internet access
Research Associates are expected to have progress review meetings with their supervisors as well as the Director as laid down in the Research Associate Schedule, and may be requested to prepare briefing notes and/or working papers where time permits.
Research Associates are expected to pay an Affiliation fee based on the length of period. However, due to limited space at the RLP, we may not be able to offer this placement all year round.
Apply Now!
Applicants are requested to send a curriculum vitae, academic or professional references, and covering letter to . The covering letter should include:
- Preferred area of work (or department)
- Motivation and expectations from the internship
- What ways the applicant can support RLP's daily activities
- Duration of stay. Any plans for leave or travelling on holiday should be excluded from the timeframe committed.
Applicants are informed that applications are accepted throughout the year with quartely reviews to select the successful applications. However, those applying for summer positions should note that the deadline for application is 15 March each year.
Volunteers and Internships are not paid and applicants should expect to be fully self-sufficient.
Foreign applicants should expect to be fully self-funded, organize for their visa prior to arrival in Uganda, have adequate medical and life insurance, and be adaptable to living in conditions of a developing country.