QES internship opportunities

The Environmental Legal Clinic Chiang Mai University (ELC CMU) is part of the Faculty of Law and has the following objectives:

• To provide assistance and legal services to the public, communities and society that have environmental legal problems that affect the public and public interest.
• To be a source of learning and training for students to have skills in studying clinical legal education in environmental law.

The ELC works with civil society in the North of Thailand to identify environmental and resource issues and works with clients to solve such issues by emphasizing the promotion of problem solving from an environmental rights perspective.

Position description:

• Research Chiang Mai City Electricity Wire Management Project and Coal Mining case and provide reports
• Exchanging ideas with other students and class discussions
• Legal service observation (field trips)
• Participate in network organization activities

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES programs, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• Strong writing, research and analytical skills;
• Good communication skills, including listening, report writing, and editing documents with sensitivity to cultural differences;
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and project-management skills;
• Willingness to learn new things;
• Adaptable and curious about new environments, cultures and people;
• Understanding and respect for diversity;
• Basic knowledge or have interest in environmental law and policy;
• Interest in environmental justice.

ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) for Women’s Rights

Organization Description:

The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) is an intergovernmental consultative body reporting to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD). It comprises 22 Representatives from all 11 ASEAN Member States (one for women's rights and one for children's rights per country).

Guided by its Terms of Reference (TOR), ACWC’s primary purpose is to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and children across ASEAN. It is specifically tasked with upholding the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), ratified by all ASEAN Member States.

The Commission convenes at least twice a year to develop regional policies, innovative programmes, and strategic action plans supporting the ASEAN Community Vision. ACWC organizes regional workshops, consultative dialogues, and capacity-building seminars that bring together government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners to foster common regional commitments on gender equality, child protection, and human security.

Job Description:

The Office of the Thailand Representative for Women’s Rights to the ACWC is seeking a motivated intern to support high-level regional policy development and intergovernmental projects across Southeast Asia. The intern will assist in preparing regional dialogues, drafting briefing notes and conference summaries, conducting policy-oriented research on gender-responsive climate action, counter-trafficking, and ending violence against women and girls (VAWG), and supporting formal correspondence with ASEAN sectoral bodies, private sector and academia. Importantly, the intern will have the opportunity to directly attend and support major international events, regional conferences, and multi-stakeholder symposium hosted or co-organized by the Office. This role offers hands-on experience in diplomatic coordination, event management, multilateral diplomacy, and human rights advocacy within the ASEAN framework.

Intern qualities / experience:

Academic background in International Relations, Political Science, Human Rights, International Law, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or related fields.

- Excellent professional English writing, drafting, and analytical skills.

- Strong intercultural communication skills, diplomatic tact, and high professional ethics when handling confidential intergovernmental documents.

- Familiarity with or strong interest in ASEAN mechanisms, international human rights frameworks (e.g., CEDAW, CRC), and gender equality issues.

- Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and experience in meeting coordination or project support.

Key Responsibilities:

- Assisting in the preparation and logistical coordination of regional dialogues, consultative meetings, and side events with ASEAN sectoral bodies and international organizations.

- Drafting and reviewing concept notes, meeting annotations, policy briefs, and speaking notes for the Representative.

- Conducting comparative desk research on regional legislation, ASEAN Regional Plans of Action (RPAs), and international human rights benchmarks.

- Tracking project timelines, coordinating with regional partners, and documenting meeting outcomes.

Typical Day at Work:

The working day typically runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Bangkok. The intern starts the morning by reviewing daily priorities, checking and coordinating calendar schedules, and monitoring official ASEAN and international correspondence. A key morning task involves screening incoming emails from ASEAN sectoral bodies and partner entities, then compiling concise summaries and action items for the Representative. Throughout the day, the intern actively participates in coordination meetings—both in-person and online—with international partners, UN agencies, and regional working groups, taking detailed summary notes and tracking follow-up deliverables. In the afternoon, the intern focuses on drafting official correspondence, conducting targeted research, and updating key project deliverables and documentation. The day concludes with a quick debrief to align on pending tasks and upcoming deadlines.

ARCM will provide a dedicated desk, internet access, and office facilities within the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University. Our team will assist the intern in identifying safe, reputable, and convenient accommodation near the university campus (such as university-affiliated residences or trusted off-campus apartments). Additionally, Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta and senior researchers will provide continuous academic guidance, professional mentorship, and regular check-ins throughout the placement.

Timeline:

June – December. ARCM hosts a major annual international event in December, so it is recommended that the intern stays into December. That way the intern can gain comprehensive experience in organizing and coordinating high-level international conferences and research initiatives.

Asia Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Center of Excellence in Migration and Development (ARCM-CE), Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University

Organization Description:

Founded in 1987 as the Indochinese Refugee Information Center for conducting research on the flows of refugees from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries seeking asylum in Thailand.

After the Indochinese Refugee Crisis, the Center began to conduct research on new refugee situations that had begun to emerge in Southeast Asia and later reconstituted as the Asian Research Center for Migration in 1995. ARCM has been recognized as a Chulalongkorn University Center of Excellence since 2007. Our core team is drawn from the University’s academic community, including both Thai and non-Thai experts with experience and technical back-up in various relevant fields, including sociology and anthropology, political science, economics, human geography and law.

Job Description:

ARCM Research & Project Coordination Intern. ARCM is seeking a dedicated intern to support international research and regional policy initiatives on migration, human rights, and human security in Southeast Asia. The intern will assist academic researchers and project coordinators in conducting literature reviews, drafting policy briefs and meeting summaries, supporting symposium/workshop coordination, and translating or analyzing regional policy documents. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to academic research, regional intergovernmental dialogues (including ASEAN sectoral mechanisms), and multi-stakeholder advocacy.

Intern qualities / experience:

Academic background in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Law, Migration Studies, or related fields.

- Strong analytical, quantitative and qualitative research, and English academic writing skills.

- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with cross-cultural adaptability and a professional attitude.

- Familiarity with or strong interest in Southeast Asian migration trends, forced migration, human trafficking, or gender-responsive policy frameworks.

- Proficiency in standard office applications (MS Office, Google Workspace) and basic project/event coordination experience.

Key Responsibilities:

- Conducting literature reviews and desk research on regional migration, labor migration, and human rights developments.

- Assisting in drafting policy reports, administrative briefs, presentation slides, and meeting minutes for regional conferences and symposia.

- Supporting the planning and logistics of seminars, stakeholder consultations, and collaborative workshops with international partners.

- Managing digital documentation and updating research archives.

Typical Day at Work:

A typical day starts around 9:00 AM at the ARCM office (Institute of Asian Studies). The intern begins with a morning check-in on research priorities and project tasks. The morning is usually dedicated to focused desk research, compiling literature, or synthesizing regional data into briefing notes. In the afternoon, the intern collaborates with the supervisor and researchers to review progress, draft sections of upcoming publications or conference agendas, and assist with coordination correspondence. The day typically concludes around 6:00 PM with a brief update on action items.

ARCM will provide a dedicated desk, internet access, and office facilities within the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University. Our team will assist the intern in identifying safe, reputable, and convenient accommodation near the university campus (such as university-affiliated residences or trusted off-campus apartments). Additionally, Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta and senior researchers will provide continuous academic guidance, professional mentorship, and regular check-ins throughout the placement.

Timeline:

June – December. ARCM hosts a major annual international event in December, so it is recommended that the intern stays into December. That way the intern can gain comprehensive experience in organizing and coordinating high-level international conferences and research initiatives.

Foundation for Education and Development FED works to EMPOWER Burmese families in Myanmar and Thailand to achieve their basic human rights. FED has 4 focus areas, Education, Migrant Support, Healthcare, and the Environment. FED’s vision - Marginalized Burmese people living at home and abroad achieve their basic rights. Since 2000, FED has actively worked to turn rights into reality for Burmese and ethnic minority migrants in Thailand.

Position description:

As an intern, you will play a key role in supporting the centre’s educational program, environmental initiatives, and general operations. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about education, community programming, environmental advocacy, and cross-cultural learning to contribute meaningfully while gaining hands-on experience. Internes will be involved with:

Educational Support:

• Assist in teaching English, and other subjects to students of varying ages and abilities.
• Lead or support extracurricular activities such as sports, art, and music.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring and support students with their learning challenges.

Environmental Projects:

• Participate in and organize beach clean-ups and other environmental activities aimed at preserving the local ecosystem.
• Assist in creating educational materials that promote environmental awareness and sustainability among students.

Administrative Support:

• Provide administrative assistance to the Learning Centre, including report writing, filing, and organizing workshops or events.
• Support fundraising efforts by helping plan and execute fundraising activities, both locally and online.
• Contribute to general office tasks as needed, including maintaining accurate records and reporting on project outcomes.

Social Media & Communications:

• Assist in managing the Centre’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) by creating and posting content.
• Help promote the Centre’s initiatives through digital marketing, storytelling, and community engagement.
• Assist in writing reports or blog posts that highlight the Centre’s activities and successes.

Workshops & Special Projects:

• Help organize and run workshops for students, focusing on personal development, health, hygiene, and environmental awareness.
• Assist with ongoing projects as needed, ensuring flexibility and a can-do attitude in tackling various challenges.

Community Engagement:

• Support community outreach programs and build positive relationships with students, parents, and local partners.
• Help facilitate collaboration between the Learning Centre and other local organizations, especially in environmental and educational projects.

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES  program, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• Passionate about education, environmental sustainability, and community work.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to different learning styles and needs.
• Experience in social media, marketing, or administration is a plus.
• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks and work independently when needed.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible approach to problem-solving.

TONIBUNG (Tobpinai Ningkokoton Koburuon Kampung) is an Indigenous-led organization based in Penampang, Sabah, focusing on community-based renewable energy initiatives, particularly micro-hydro, solar, and hybrid systems for rural Indigenous communities. TONIBUNG’s work integrates technical innovation, participatory community engagement, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous rights.

Possible Internship Activities
Depending on project timelines, interns may support:

• Documentation and reporting for ongoing renewable energy projects (micro-hydro upgrades, solar installations, hybrid systems).
• Community engagement activities and socio-economic programs in rural villages.
• Research on Indigenous rights, watershed conservation, and just energy transition.
• Assistance with training modules at our CREATE Borneo training centre.
• Communications tasks such as writing case studies, project stories, or assisting with outreach materials.

The Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the poor, marginalized and politically under-represented people from the local communities they serve (refugees and asylum seekers from Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Afghanistan). MSRI has three main programs QEScholars would work on:

1. Women and Girls Protection Project (WAGAR) provides health programming to refugee women and girls to improve mental and physical health outcomes. WAGAR provides the opportunity and space to safely share their experiences including concerns about their mental health, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
2. MSRI Education Program. Since there are very limited options for education available for refugees and asylum seekers living in Malaysia. MSRI's education program provides schooling for refugees and asylum seekers from preschool to secondary level students.
3. Food Aid Programme that distributes food to refugee families registered with MSRI.

Position description:

The Education Intern will be assisting the Education Programme Manager in setting up and running of MSRI’s Education programme for the 2025 school year and assisting with MSRI's community facilitation and empowerment programmes for adults (teachers, parents, guardians):

• Monitoring daily activities, formulating reports and school updates
• Formulating/reviewing school registration policies, school rules/regulations and standing operating procedures
• Reviewing of curriculum and printing of school books
• Monitoring/organising of extracurricular activities/trips
• Setting up a system to connect secondary school students with higher education opportunities
• Designing and implementing a feedback system and conducting feedback surveys for clients
• Planning and organizing activities and supporting administrative work
• Supporting the teachers and students in the classroom
• Organize afterschool activities and clubs

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES program (see above), prospective interns would benfit from the following:

• Strong writing, research and analytical skills;
• Good communication skills, including listening, report writing, and editing documents with sensitivity to cultural differences;
• Understanding of how and when to work independently and/or collaboratively;
• Ability to take initiative where appropriate;
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and project-management skills;
• Commitment to, and knowledge of refugee and migration related issues;
• Curiosity, a willingness to be challenged, an open-mind and commitment.

The Karenni Social Development Center (KSDC) is a small community-based organisation located on the Thai-Myanmar border. KSDC provides education and training programs for Karenni youth in Human Rights, Democracy, Law, Environment, Leadership, Community Management, IT, and English. KSDC students go on to work with organisations in the community, including the Karenni Refugee Committee, Camp Justice, Karenni National Women’s Organisation (KNOW) and the Legal Assistance Center. KSDC also runs mobile trainings inside Karenni State aimed at promoting grassroots change. The KSDC's training program aims to spread knowledge and skills regarding human rights, environment and law on the Thai-Burma border. For most of the participants, the programs offered by KSDC are their only opportunity to access education and training.

Students at the Karenni Social Development Center are refugees from Karenni (Kayah) State, Burma. These students have been severely marginalized by the violence of the Burmese regime and the ongoing civil war, now running for over 60 years. The school provides students with the education and opportunity to produce non-violent change within their communities and create a free and democratic society within Karenni State. KSDC's goal is to improve the lives of Karenni refugees by enabling youth to become advocates in non-violent social change, and equipping them with the tools they need to be leaders in their communities and to help build a peaceful, democratic society, based on the rule of law.

Position description

The intern selected will be involved in teaching KDSC’s Advanced Community Training Course. The Advanced Community Training Course is a six-month course specifically aimed at equipping KSDC students with the skills needed to become advocates and activists for the Karenni people as they strive towards a free and democratic future.

The subjects and teaching are practical and provide the skills for grassroots change. The students speak English at an intermediate level, meaning subjects should be provided in simple English. The students will have already taken a ten-month basic course in English and will have an elementary grasp of legal aspects related to the rule of law, constitutional law and refugees. This position would include programming areas such as:

• teaching English, 4 hours daily for 18-20 students
• facilitating workshops on consultations, project planning, report writing, office management, proposal writing
• supporting local teachers and students with their curriculum and work

The intern selected will be involved in teaching KDSC’s Advanced Community Training Course. The Advanced Community Training Course is a six-month course specifically aimed at equipping KSDC students with the skills needed to become advocates and activists for the Karenni people as they strive towards a free and democratic future.

The subjects and teaching are practical and provide the skills for grassroots change. The students speak English at a basic level, meaning subjects should be provided in simple English. The students will have already taken a ten-month basic course in English and will have an elementary grasp of legal aspects related to the rule of law, constitutional law and refugees. This position is primarily responsible for teaching English, supporting the students with their homework and support the local teachers who are providing most of the content in their local languages.

Living and working at the school:

As an intern you will be expected to live and work alongside the students and staff of the KSDC. The students board at the school during the week and they are responsible for the basic daily running of the school. They cook three rice-based meals a day, and have a daily rota for the chores. Living and working together with the students creates a strong sense of togetherness and community which makes for a good teaching atmosphere. It also makes it easier to get to know everyone.

The washing facilities are very basic. There is no running or hot water; however, there are two community basins filled with river water where students and teachers bathe and do laundry. There is also a private area for bathing.

There are three tiny family shops around the school, as well as many local shops in Nai Soi village nearby. The nearest large town is Mae Hong Son (where interns will initially arrive) which is 20 km away and is easily reached by Songthaew (bus like public transport) or motorbike. Mae Hong Son is a tourist destination so has all modern conveniences available.

Life is very simple at the school in terms of facilities, but it's very rewarding and engaging. Interns will have the opportunity to be part of the school's close-knit community.

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES programs, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• teaching experience or a strong interest in working with youth
• curiosity, commitment, open-mindedness
• experience and relative comfort with living remotely or with limited amenities close by.

The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW), registered as the Alliance Against Traffic in Women Foundation, is a think-tank, and a progressive Alliance committed to work for changes in the political, economic, social, and legal systems and structures which contribute to the persistence of trafficking in persons and other human rights violations in the context of migratory movements for diverse purposes, including security of labour and livelihood.

We have member organisations based in different parts of the world. The International Secretariat (GAATW-IS), the office where the internship will be stationed, is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and has a small and committed team. The work of GAATW-IS is in the areas of research, international advocacy, mutual learning, and political education of women workers. We also publish a bi-annual peer reviewed journal, the Anti-Trafficking Review. While member organisations work with women, children, men and gender-diverse people, GAATW-IS has always focussed on the rights of adult women in the context of labour migration.

Position description:

• Assist and support the GAATW team in research and communication activities.
• Participate in and contribute to various meetings and functions in and around the office.
• Take notes and provide logistical support.
• Prepare meeting kits, schedules, itineraries, and multi-media presentations.
• Fact-check articles for Anti-Trafficking Review.

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES program, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• Strong communication, research, and analytical skills with sensitivity to cultural differences;
• Excellent organisational skills, multi-tasking, and the willingness to take initiative where appropriate;
• Some knowledge of, and interest in, anti-trafficking frameworks, particularly with regards to issues of gender, migration, and labour;
• Experience in qualitative research an asset;
• Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

The Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS) is a Jakarta based think tank dedicated to providing policy analysis and practical policy recommendations to decision-makers within Indonesia’s legislative and executive branches of government.

As a non-partisan and non-profit think tank, CIPS promotes social and economic reforms that are based on the belief that only civil, political, and economic freedom allow Indonesia to prosper. CIPS shares updates, stories, and analysis internationally. The primary aim of the organization is to promote international dialogue and to encourage comparative research of key issues concerning Indonesia. Main research focus at CIPS includes the fields of Food Security & Agriculture, Economic Opportunities, Education & Life Skills, and Community Livelihoods.

Moreover, CIPS works to train new Indonesian talent in policy analysis and think tank management. With this, they endeavour to support the next generation of think tank leaders who promote a free and prosperous Indonesia.

CIPS has been hosting more than 20 local and international interns since the program started back in January 2016. Our former interns are now working at local media outlets, international embassies, research centers and other prestigious institutions. We are always fascinated to be inspired and to inspire young people to contribute to Indonesia’s economic and political development.nk">Anti-Trafficking Review. While member organisations work with women, children, men and gender-diverse people, GAATW-IS has always focussed on the rights of adult women in the context of labour migration.

Position description:

The main objective for the internship with CIPS is to introduce to young people how a think tank works, especially in local context. The program itself will provide full experience of a think tank, start from the operational side, research, also on communications and outreach advocacy. The selected intern will be involved in programming areas such as:

• Conducting and compiling literature-based research on issues related to CIPS key focus areas.
• Working with tools to compile and complete data entry.
• Developing and implementing communications strategies for various works of policy advocacy.
• Identifying best practices of key messaging based on different audience groups for media and fundraising.
• Creating content on different social media platforms and supporting platform maintenance.
• Administering and supporting think tank operations.
• Producing infographics and other data packages for use in CIPS meetings, advocacy work and media outreach.
• Assisting and help out CIPS programs and events such as workshops and research paper discussions.
• Collaborating with staff and other interns on projects and tasks as well as participation in team-oriented discussions.

Position-specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES program, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• Strong writing, research and analytical skills;
• Good communication skills, including listening, report writing, and editing documents with sensitivity to cultural differences;
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and project-management skills;
• Curiosity, a willingness to be challenged, an open mind and commitment;
• Knowledge and/or interest in Indonesian public policy an asset

Check out an instagram reel by Lauren Lum-Webb, 2024 CAPI intern at PACOS Trust.

PACOS Trust is a community-based organization based in Sabah, Malaysia that is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities. Their aim is to engage and empower Indigenous peoples in the ongoing protection of their identities, lands, culture and traditions, PACOS serves as a bridge between the communities and government, as well as local and international bodies that highlight issues related to Indigenous peoples in Sabah.

Impacts in communities include: building and supporting Community Learning Centres (CLC) at the request of the villagers who see the benefit and need to have a CLC in their village; supporting and maintaining traditional knowledge; building community capacity to encourage sustainable socio-economic growth within communities so that they will achieve self-reliance and become more economically independent; training programs in leadership; creating jobs for women; increasing health and wellness outcomes; and educating communities on Indigenous rights.

Position description:

The main objective for the internship with PACOS Trust is for interns to learn about the various issues Indigenous peoples in Borneo face. Through this learning process, interns will help empower Indigenous peoples by participating in events and programs held by PACOS as well as visiting Indigenous communities and working on projects to support community initiatives. The internship is a mix of office-based work as well as field-based work, where the intern has an opportunity to collect research in the field to contribute to various projects. A large part of this internship is an immersive experience and most tasks happen during programs and events. Interns will:

• participate in any/all programs such as Indigenous people’s day, Indigenous youth celebration, Women’s empowerment event, finance training, etc.
• conduct research in villages to help support and maintain community knowledge. Past projects include Vertical U (community mapping) and the Centre of Excellence documentation project 
• Support Community Learning Centre’s (CLC) at the request of the community 
• Build community capacity to help encourage self-reliance and cultural revival of communities

Position specific eligibility:

In addition to the core eligibility criteria for the CAPI QES program, prospective interns would benefit from the following:

• Strong writing, research and analytical skills
• Good communication skills, including listening, report writing, and editing documents with sensitivity to cultural differences;
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and project coordination skills;
• Curiosity, a willingness to be challenged, an open-mind and commitment;
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to the pace and ways of being of the local communities;
• Knowledge and/or interest in Indigenous and land based issues