Introduction

A critical challenge facing many developing countries and LDCs is establishing and or enhancing expertise relating to innovation, access to knowledge, and how intellectual property (IP) affects these processes. It is in this context that the Centre established, in 2003, the Internship Programme followed by the establishment of a Fellowship Programme in 2004. The aim of the Internship Programme, in particular, is to promote the development of the technical and intellectual capacities of young post-graduate professionals from developing countries including LDCs. The Programme provides practical experience to interns, hence promoting their understanding of the implications of the regulatory regimes such as IP on innovation and access to knowledge. Since its establishment, the Programme has received increasing interest and is now very competitive.

Duration and Eligibility Criteria

Internships last for six months and usually begin in January and July of each year.

The eligibility criteria are as follows; applicants must:

1. Be nationals of a Group of 77 (G77) country or China.
2. Have completed or be completing post-graduate degrees in law, economics, sciences, international relations or related fields.
3.  Have basic knowledge of IP, innovation and access to knowledge issues either through study or work related experience.
4. Have good written and spoken English (other languages such as French and Spanish being a bonus).
5. Have computing skills.
6. Demonstrate a commitment to development objectives either through previous study or work record or other activities.

Responsibilities

A core component of the internship involves hands-on experience. Consequently, the Intern is expected to, among others:

1. Assist the Programme staff in carrying out various activities, including research and policy analysis, in implementing the Programme activities.
2. Participate in, monitor and follow-up meetings on innovation, access to knowledge, and IP as well as other related meetings at the South Centre and in other international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as civil society and non-governmental organization’s (NGOs) activities and international meetings, seminars and conferences.
3. Prepare, at least, one (1) substantive research paper on innovation, access to knowledge, and IP from a development perspective, and other papers, briefing notes etc. as directed.
4. Perform administrative tasks such as updating calendar of meetings, filing, photocopying, faxing, drafting letters, etc.

The Terms and Conditions of the Internship

A written agreement containing the terms and conditions of the internship is signed between the South Centre and the intern. The terms and conditions include the following, among others:

1. The Intern undertakes to spend six months at the South Centre on a full-time basis. The internship period can not be extended.
2. This is a paid internship and the Intern will receive a stipend of 2000 Swiss Francs per month. There shall be no other additional remuneration, subsidy, compensation or entitlement from the South Centre to the Intern.                
3. Acceptance into the Internship Programme is not in any way related to employment at the Centre.                
4.  Except where otherwise indicated to the Intern in writing, travel expenses, including visa fees, to and from Geneva will be the responsibility of the intern. Whenever resources allow, the centre pays for a return economy ticket for interns especially those travelling from a developing country.              
5. Interns shall be responsible for their own health insurance for illness and accidents.                 
6. Formalities for the Intern’s stay in Switzerland during their internship will be handled by the South Centre. Where necessary, and as appropriate, the South Centre will provide assistance to interns in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.
7. At the end of the internship, the Intern will be required to prepare a written exit report evaluating the internship. The Centre, through the Intern’s supervisor, will also write an evaluation report.             
8. The Intern will also receive a letter certifying that they undertook an internship at the South Centre, evaluating their performance and giving recognition to their work experience at the Centre.

Application and Selection Process

The procedures for application and selection are as follows:

• Applications for the July 2013 internship are now closed. The next session of the internship will start in January 2014.
• A  standard application form is available on the website.
• Applicants should complete the application form and send it together with a CV detailing their relevant qualifications and experience to the Centre, either through post or e-mail. Whenever possible, applications should be sent via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please mark clearly in the subject line “Application for Intellectual Property Internship”. Applications sent by post should be addressed to:

• Copies of qualifications, previous employment certificates, publications etc. should not be sent with the application form. These will be requested if required.
• While every effort will be made to contact applicants and inform them on the status of their applications, this will not always be possible. Applicants who do not receive an answer within one month of the close of the application process or the stated date, should consider their application unsuccessful.
• Candidates who are short-listed will be informed of the status of their application with explanation as to the process of the selection. Completing a written exercise on current innovation, IP and related issues may be required.
• The final stage of the selection process involves an interview. If the applicant is not in Geneva or can not otherwise be available for an interview personally, a telephone interview may be arranged. A decision on the successful candidate will, as far as possible, be made at least two months before the start of the internship.