Research support for Revision of Kerala state persons with disability policy and state senior citizens policy

Centre for Management Development (CMD), a Kerala government institution supporting evidence-based policy-making, invites you to participate in an impactful internship opportunity to contribute to revising key state policies in Kerala. CMD was awarded this landmark project by the Department of Social Justice, Kerala. Kerala has long been a trailblazer in human development, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive policies. As the first state in India to conduct a disability census, Kerala continues to lead in prioritizing the rights and needs of all its citizens. Now, we are poised to take another pioneering step forward with this comprehensive review and implementation strategy.

Project Overview:

• Revision of State Disability Policy for Persons with Disability & Preparing Roadmap for Implementing Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
• Revision of State Senior Citizen Policy for Senior Citizens & Preparing State Action Plan for the Aged.

Why Intern with Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to state policies that impact millions directly.

• Professional Development: Gain practical insight into policy formulation and implementation.

• Global Impact: Help shape policies that set standards for the Global South.

Key Skills Required:

• Academic background in International Development, Economics, Disability Studies, Public Health, Aging Studies or related topics.

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's or Ph.D. program.

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quantitative analysis (R or Python preferred), qualitative analysis, and/or GIS.

• Proficiency in English; knowledge of spoken Malayalam is beneficial but not required.

Internship Details:

• Duration: May to July 2024

• Commitment: 30 hours per week, with a minimum of 15 hours between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM IST, Monday to Friday.

• Location: This internship can be conducted remotely or in the office (based in Kerala, India).

Your Role:

As an intern on our Policy Revision Project, you will be required to:

• Contributing to literature reviews, data analysis, and systematic reviews of senior citizens and persons with disabilities' rights, needs, and policy frameworks.
• Collaborating with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, to gather insights and perspectives.
• Contributing to reports, policy briefs, and recommendations based on research findings.
• Participating in meetings, workshops, and consultations to contribute expertise and facilitate dialogue.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to directly participate in policy-making in the Global South. Join us in this exciting endeavour to shape the future of policy in Kerala and beyond.

Apply Today

Please send your resume and a brief one page essay in one of the following topics to policy@cmd.kerala.gov.in by April 20, 2024, using 'Research Internship—Policy Revision Project' as the subject line.  

1. Explore how intersecting identities (such as race, gender, class, and sexuality) influence the experiences and rights of persons with disabilities. Provide examples and discuss the importance of intersectional approaches in disability rights advocacy and policymaking.
2. Analyze the role of employment policies in facilitating meaningful work opportunities for senior citizens. Explore the benefits of leveraging the skills and experiences of older workers and propose initiatives to promote age-friendly workplaces and combat age discrimination in the labour market.

Please note that CMD is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this internship. Candidates interested in working from our office must have the legal right to work in India, and proof of eligibility will be required upon request. Compensation is subject to funding availability. Participants will gain valuable experience and exposure to policy-making processes and will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the internship.