Nyaya Health Intern

This agreement, between NAME and Nyaya Health, stipulates expectations for both parties during the period from DATES during which time the intern will be in Achham. This is a volunteer position and will not be compensated monetarily.

Overview of Duties

The intern will report directly to the Executive Director on-site; duties should be discussed and planned prior to travel however all interns should understand that due to a constantly changing work enviornment, priorities, and consequently intern duties, may change once onsite. Some such duties may include:

• Work to improve supplies chain management, protocol development and implementation, programmatic review/evaluation;
• dialogue with US-based technical assistance team to identify areas of materials, human resources, and financial need;
• through discussions with staff, write stories and photos for our blog;
• improve the patient clinical records system and the electronic database for storing patient information;
• travel with community health workers to learn about and document their work;
• general assistance with clinic/hospital-based activities;
• oversight of operational systems such as finances and record keeping.

Pre-Travel

In the two months prior to the trip, the intern should plan to commit 7 hours per week to learning Nepali, learning about Nyaya's programs in Achham, and working with the US-based Nyaya team on projects to be discussed at time of intern selection. His/her agenda during this time will be set by agreement with Nyaya Health leadership. Failure to perform pre-travel tasks diligently will forfeit the intern's position in Achham.

Expectations during internship

The intern is expected to: 

• regularly communicate about the progress of his/her work with both the Executive Director and the Director of Operations;

• be honest about his/her time commitments and ability to meet tasks agreed upon;
• refrain completely from imbibing alcohol, tobacco, or any mind-altering substances whenever s/he is in Achham, during work hours or any other time.  There is ZERO TOLERANCE, UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES of these behaviors, given the dangers of these substances in remote areas and the need to maintain a high level of respect in the community;
• treat all staff members with respect and dignity;
• be receptive to feedback and suggestions from all staff members;
• engage in no personal income-generating activities unless approved by the Nyaya Health Board of Directors;
• dress professionally (business casual) and stay well-groomed whenever working;
• comport him/herself courteously and professionally in all interactions with community members in Achham, during work hours or any other time;
• be open to learning new tasks and engaging in new experiences.

Nyaya Health, under the direction of the Executive Director/Director of Operations, is expected to:

• provide weekly, specific tasks lists to the intern;
• provide ongoing feedback as to the quality of the intern's interactions with staff, patients, and community members, and identify areas for improvement;
• be receptive to suggestions by the intern and implement those suggestions that are possible and for those not possible, provide a rationale for why they aren’t;
• provide the intern with educational opportunities, such as spending time with our physicians or midwives, for growth and intellectual development;
• pay attention to the mental and physical health of the volunteer, and take care that the intern is well-nourished and not overworked.   

Duties and expectations may change over time; such changes may be undertaken by verbal agreement between the Executive Director of Nyaya Health and the intern.

Regarding research

In line with Nyaya's philosophy regarding research, interns are expected to devote their time with Nyaya primarily to organizational priorities. While some interns may be involved in research initiatives, these will usually be dictated by Nyaya, and will only on occasion be designed by external researchers. Nyaya is largely unable to fulfill educational requirements, however is willing to discuss on a case-by-case basis.

Period of Service

The intern is expected to remain committed and engaged with Nyaya Health in the long-term over the course of several years, including when the intern returns to the United States. At the least, the intern is expected to volunteer at least 5 hours per week for a period of 3 months following his/her period of service in Achham.   This is required to follow-up on the on-the-ground work conducted by the intern. If the intern cannot make a long-term commitment after returning from Achham, then s/he should strongly consider whether this position is appropriate for them at this time in their professional career. 

Compensation

This is an unpaid position.  The intern is expected to pay any room, board, translation, and/or travel expenses for their time in Achham. The intern will also supply any required funds for publication and/or presentation of results and data stemming from research conducted with Nyaya.

Finalizing the Agreement

This agreement will be finalized upon emailed agreement by the current Executive Director of Nyaya Health and the intern.