The RLP offers internships to Ugandans and East Africans working in forced migration-related fields, and also accepts international internships, depending on need and available openings. While applications are considered on a rolling basis, 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.

Please note that interns are not covered by RLP's insurance policy, and that on arrival they are required to sign a waiver form to that effect. Interns are therefore encouraged to organize their own medical and accident cover insurance. Interns are also expected to make their own visa arrangements.

Legal and Psychosocial Dept. Interns

Between June and September every year, the Legal and Psychosocial 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. One can also 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 Counseling 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.

Information Center Interns

Applicants should have a background in library and information science, and should be knowledgable in IT.

Apply Now!

Applicants are requested to send a curriculum vitae, academic or professional references, and covering letter to interns@refugeelawproject.org . 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 encouraged to apply early for any position, and are reminded that for all summer positions, the deadline for application is 15 March each year.

*Interns could also be posted to our office in Gulu, northern Uganda.

*Interns are NOT paid and applicants should expect to be fully self-sufficient.

*Foreign Interns are EXPECTED 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.

*When accepted, Foreign Interns are required to pay their fees in full (depending on the number of months) before they commence their placement at RLP.

*MAC systems are incompartible with our computer network systems so potential interns and volunteers are adviced to take note of this.