National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) Internship Programme

National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) Internship Programme

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has launched an Internship Programme aimed at young scholars eager to collaborate with the Government. This initiative provides an invaluable opportunity for students to delve into the intricacies of policy-making and the execution of the National AIDS Control Programme, thereby enhancing their understanding of governmental operations.

Overview of the Scheme

Established in 2018, the NACO Internship Programme caters to students seeking to engage with government functions. This initiative is designed to familiarize young minds with various aspects of policy development and implementation related to the National AIDS Control Programme. It aims to create a mutually advantageous environment for both the organization and the interns through a well-structured internship framework, under the auspices of NACO, part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Interns will gain exposure to a range of focus areas, including secondary data analysis of the ICTC and PPTCT programmes, MSM interventions, Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programme, and primary research addressing community perspectives on the HIV/AIDS Act of 2017 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018. A detailed list of relevant programme areas for the internship can be found in Annexure II.

Internship Details

• Number of Interns: The number of interns fluctuates based on applications and NACO’s needs, with a maximum of 10 interns at any given time.
• Enrollment: Applications for internships will be accepted year-round, contingent on the varying requirements of different programmes.
• Duration: The internship lasts between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months, depending on the academic programme prerequisites. Candidates are welcome to apply for a subsequent internship.
• Placement: Interns will be assigned to specific programme divisions within NACO or may rotate through various divisions as per their academic needs.

Note: This internship does not guarantee employment within NACO or any other governmental department.

Reporting Structure

Interns are required to report to NACO, submit their joining report, and work under the direct supervision of the respective Head of Division (HOD). A comprehensive list of the available internship areas is provided in Annexure III of the Scheme Guidelines.

Intern Responsibilities

Interns are expected to adhere to a standardized schedule of activities, observe the operational dynamics of the divisions, engage in various activities, conduct data analysis and research, write reports, participate in field visits, and undertake any additional tasks assigned by the HOD or Reporting Officer.

Internship Benefits

• Remuneration: Interns will receive a stipend of ₹ 8,000 per month, contingent upon successful completion of the internship, submission of reports accepted by the Reporting Officer, and satisfactory performance as certified by the HOD.
• Certificate: A certificate will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the internship and acceptance of the reports. Individuals who terminate their internship prematurely will not receive any remuneration or certificate.
• Boarding & Lodging: No additional expenses, including travel costs, will be covered, and no claims will be entertained.
• Accommodation: Interns from outside Delhi/New Delhi must arrange their own accommodation at their own expense.
• Logistics Support: Necessary office logistics such as workspace, stationery, and photocopying facilities will be provided. Interns are required to have their own laptops and internet connectivity.

Eligibility Criteria

This internship programme is open to students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, and PhD degrees in various disciplines, including but not limited to Preventive & Social Medicine, Public Health, Health Management, Statistics, and Social Sciences. Applicants must be enrolled in recognized and reputable universities.

Preference and Prioritization

Preference will be given to candidates with outstanding academic records, research scholars, and individuals presenting project work pertinent to NACO’s initiatives or aligned with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).

Application Procedure

Offline Application

Interested candidates should submit their applications in the prescribed format (refer to Annexure IV) to the Joint Secretary at NACO Headquarters via registered/speed post or email at the following address:

Note: An advance copy of the application along with the covering letter and supporting documents may be sent via email to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the commencement of the internship.

Selection Process

1. Applications will undergo scrutiny by an Internship Committee.
2. The Committee may conduct personal interviews through face-to-face interactions or electronic media (phone, Skype, etc.) with applicants.
3. Selected candidates will receive notification via email or speed post.

Queries and Grievances

For any inquiries, please contact the Under Secretary at [email protected].

Official Source

For further details, please visit the official webpage on myS.