Timing

The internship will begin in January for a minimum of 6 months, with a possibility to extend through summer 2024. It will require 20-32 hours/week (50%-80% level of effort), with options for flexible arrangements to accommodate academic schedules and time zones.

Background

Bridges to Development (Bridges) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization working to advance opportunities for global and local communities to overcome health and development barriers. Founded in 2018, Bridges is a small team of less than 10 staff and long-term consultants, with offices located in the Seattle area, USA and Geneva, Switzerland. Bridges is looking for one or two interns, to learn through an engaging experience, and make quality contributions to our work. As part of our organizational values, we strive to invest in the next generation of development professionals and believe our internships are an important part of that commitment. Visit our website to learn more about Bridges and access our annual reports.

Internship Focus

Bridges has a diverse portfolio of ongoing projects in health and development with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and international organizations. We are looking for interns who will fully engage as part of the Bridges team to support the execution of our current projects. While the nature of the work will depend on each project, typical intern roles include project management with Bridges and international partners, research and analysis, preparation for and documentation of project meetings, and contributions to milestone deliverables. The intern will also learn about the internal operations of an international non-governmental organization and support our fund-raising activities. Interns often build upon their time with Bridges for their Master’s thesis, and, in some cases have co-authored peer-reviewed publications. The following projects represent the types of focus of internship activities:

1) Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through an integrated program in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Bridges is managing a multi-year, multi-stakeholder project to control or eliminate several NTDs in Vanuatu and PNG through integrated mass drug administration combined with strengthening of the referral system to the primary health care system.

Examples of potential contributions:

a. Analyze and visualize data from Mass Drug Administration campaigns

b. Create reports in coordination with the Ministries of Health, WHO and partner organizations to disseminate the results of the MDA campaigns and support the process for creating and submitting the required project reports to the funder

c. Support analyses and evaluation of the ‘Connect & Share’ pilot in Vanuatu that:

i) Created a peer-support network among health workers, and

ii) Disseminated mobile phones to health workers supporting their reporting and receipt of epidemiologic data as well as peer networking.

d. Conduct systematic literature review on management of skin disease in LMICs within primary health care.

2) Expanding our work in Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS)

Female Genital Schistosomiasis is the most neglected sexual and reproductive health issue in sub-Sahara Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 56 million women and girls may be affected. Bridges’ recent work in this area has been around the development and delivery of FGS-related training to health professionals, building professional networks to connect those working in FGS, as well as global advocacy around this neglected disease. In early 2021, Bridges to Development and Frontline Aids accelerated efforts to integrate FGS within sexual and reproductive health efforts, and community health policies, programs, and services by establishing the multisector FGS Integration Group (FIG). Examples of potential contributions:

a. Support Bridges’ contribution to FIG including researching and acting on opportunities to bring awareness to the potential for joint action between the water, sanitation and hygiene; neglected tropical diseases; HIV; HPV/ cervical cancer; and sexual and reproductive health and rights sectors.

b. Research funding opportunities that will allow Bridges’ to further advance progress against this neglected disease and assist with associated proposal development.

c. Support the creation of communication materials for FIG and FGS catered to different contexts and funders.

d. Assist with data analysis from FGS trainings and subsequent outcomes.

3) Working collaboratively on an EU-funded, public-private consortium to implement a new two-in-one medicine for intestinal worms. The STOP2030 consortium is in the late stages of developing the first new treatment for parasitic, intestinal worms in decades. In areas of poor sanitation, worm eggs are excreted in faeces and ingested by another person, particularly impacting children’s growth and educational achievement. WHO estimates 1.5 billion people are infected. In the last few years, a novel formulation to treat soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections has been evaluated in clinical trials in three countries (STOP I AND II). After successful results, STOP2030 aims to complete its clinical evaluation and assess its feasibility and acceptability, in order to prepare its future implementation. Bridges’ is a core member of the consortium and leads work around policy development and access planning with WHO, countries and partners.

Examples of possible contributions:

a. Contribute to assessments of the medicine’s potential roles in Asia, Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

b. Research alternative financing models tailored to the needs of low- and middle-income countries as the NTD community shifts from the current model of drug donation programs.

4) Gaining a deeper understanding of non-profit operations and financial management. Depending on interest of the intern, there will also be the opportunity to work with our Finance and Operations Manager learning the ins and outs of what keeps international non-profits functioning. 

Additional details:

This internship will cover a minimum of six-months, with a possibility to extend through summer 2024. Interns are expected to commit on average at least 50% (20 hours per week), yet 80% or full-time arrangements are preferred. Student must have a laptop and reliable internet connectivity. A limited stipend of approximately 400 - 650 USD per month (pro-rated based on time commitment) will be available towards living costs. The intern would be solely responsible for any necessary work permits, health insurance, taxes, social or other charges necessary for their location. Required skills:

• Current enrollment in a Master’s level graduate degree program (recent graduates may be considered), plus a demonstrated interest in global health or development
• Demonstrated strong research, analytic, data-management and communications skills
• Fluent in English; Fluent in French highly desirable; Spanish and Portuguese skills an asset • Flexibility, adaptability, ability to work independently
• Service orientation, curiosity and commitment to learning
• Skills with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel (other analytical tools desirable)
• Prior travel/living experience in a developing country setting highly desirable

Application process – deadline by Sunday, 29th October 2023

Please send a cover letter and CV in an email with Bridges Internship in the subject line to apply [at] bridgestodevelopment.org Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews through Zoom.