ICMR To Conduct 3 months Health Communications Internship Program, Applications Invited

Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct 3 months ICMR Health Communications Internship Program (IHCIP). Applications are invited for the same. 

The applicants can apply till 21st June 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Brief introduction about the program -

The program's main purpose is to present a unique opportunity for students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs to gain hands-on experience in communicating health-related information. The IHCIP will equip students to learn about the exciting field of health communications in India and enable them to contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills by offering interns a chance to work alongside scientists from the country's leading institutes in the field of health communications.

The IHCIP is a first-of-its-kind internship program in India, and it will offer a range of tasks and responsibilities, including creating health-related content, managing social media accounts, executing communication strategies, conducting research, and supporting the organization of events. By participating in this program, interns will likely gain valuable skills and knowledge to help them pursue careers in the healthcare industry or public health sector.

Duration of internship –

The 2023 program will have a maximum of 30 interns. The application process will be launched on 1st June 2023. The internship will be for 3 months.

Eligibility –

1. Candidates should be Indian citizens currently pursuing under-graduation or post-graduation from a recognized university. Candidates who have completed their under-graduation/post-graduation not more than 2 years before the date of commencement of this program are also eligible to apply.

2. The age of the candidate should not exceed 25 years as of 31st December, the year of the internship.

3. Candidates with an academic background in communications, public health, public policy, public administration, or allied disciplines are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a communications background are encouraged to apply.

4. Candidates should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English / Hindi.

5. Candidates proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and/or any other design/professional tool are encouraged to apply.

Topics to be covered –

The internship program will cover a range of topics, including health communication theories and models, social media and traditional media strategies, health disparities, cultural competence, research methods, behavior change theories, advocacy, community engagement, and evaluation methods.

Roles and responsibilities –

The internship is a full-time opportunity designed to be an enriching experience in public health and research communications.

Work with ICMR and its Institutes across the country, closely working with scientists and communications officers in designing communications campaigns and strategies for bettering the health of the country within the ambit of the institute's health research.

Based on the research work done by the institute, support the following –

1. Supporting community engagement research and programs

2. Developing initial drafts of policy papers and briefs

3. Developing and brainstorming IEC materials, social media graphics, and media collaterals, including initial drafts of press releases and opinion editorials for information dissemination

4. Supporting the institute in conducting webinars/lectures/workshops

At the end of the program, submit a detailed report on the work carried out by the intern and present it to the NCOs.

Remuneration –

The selected candidates will be provided a stipend of Rs 10000 per month. The selected candidates may be placed at any ICMR institute across India. Interns will be expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation during the course of the internship.

Certificate of internship –

A certificate of the internship will be issued by ICMR on the completion of the internship and submission of a report duly countersigned and accepted by the Competent Authority.

Termination of Internship –

ICMR may terminate the engagement of an intern due to non-compliance with program guidelines or other reasons as it deems fit without giving any reason to the intern. The decision of ICMR is final in this regard. In case of exceptional circumstances, an intern may choose to terminate their internship after giving prior notice of 10 days to ICMR.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research and is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. ICMR’s research priorities align with National health priorities. These efforts are undertaken with a view to reducing the total burden of disease and promoting the health and well-being of the population. ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Visit us at https://www.icmr.gov.in

To view the notice, click on the link below –

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/callforihcip-211305.pdf