The MRC Internship scheme offers a small group of outstanding university graduates and post graduates from the Mekong region and other parts of the world to acquire working experience in water resource management and related fields in an international river basin organisation. The scheme has been developed to increase the opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and skills, between sectors and cultures within the mandate of the MRC.

Objective

Through this scheme, interns gain an understanding of how the MRC puts its vision and mission into practice, while at the same time learning about technical practices in different areas of Mekong River Basin development. Interns specialise in one of the following areas:

  • Basin development planning
  • Environment
  • Flood management and mitigation
  • Climate change, navigation
  • GIS mapping and modelling
  • Information and knowledge management
  • Fisheries
  • Agriculture
  • Irrigation and forestry
  • Donor coordination
  • Capacity building
  • Other activities related to sustainable human development

Interns acquire practical experience in various aspects of project management in an international working environment. 

The programme aims to give graduates from the Mekong countries and other international students work experience in the fields relevant to the work of the MRC and the operation of the MRC Secretariat. Interns also gain an understanding of the MRC approaches to Integrated River Basin Management and the MRC model for regional cooperation.

Applications and Procedures

The MRC Internship programme offers six-month placements to four interns, with internships starting in mid-January and mid-September. Internships at the MRC Secretariat may vary depending on the availability of Secretariat staff to supervise the candidates.

Interns work at the MRC Secretariat or at the National Mekong Committee Secretariat in one of the Member Countries based on the agreed Terms of Reference (ToR). The interns (and their sponsoring institution, if relevant) must accept the ToR before staring their assignment. 

Application:

  • Interested candidates must submit a complete MRC internship application form, a cover letter and CV together with a copy of school transcript and a proof of graduation from a university by email to mrcs@mrcmekong.org. The Human Resources Section will acknowledge receipt.
  • Interns will be considered based on (a) relevance of background, (b) relevance to the ToR, (c) English language skills and (d) purpose of the internship. 
  • The Human Resources Section will contact successful candidates by email.

Duration and Time Commitment

Internships last from three to six months. Students introduced by riparian universities can take up the internship for two to six months. Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post within the MRC during the period of the internship or for six months after the end of the internship period.

Eligibility

  • University graduates or postgraduates in fields relevant to the MRC areas of work
  • Excellent written and spoken English (IELT level 5.0 or higher)
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office applications)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Priority is given to citizens of MRC countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam

Financial and Administrative Aspects

Non-resident interns from riparian countries who do not have a sponsoring organisation may receive a maximum stipend of US$250 per month to cover accommodation and travel costs. Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel to the place of assignment. If work-related travel within the country is requested by a Division of the Secretariat during the internship period, the MRC will pay DSA and travel costs.

Resources

  • The MRC will help interns get a visa for the period of the work assignment. No assistance can be provided to spouses, family members, partners or friends.
  • The MRC Secretariat will provide the intern with desk space and basic office equipment and supplies.
  • Access to any other resources or services normally provided to staff at the MRC Secretariat and the MRC’s Regional Flood and Drought Management Centre may be granted upon the approval of the intern’s supervisor, director, Chief Finance Officer or CEO as required.

Supervision

  • The host Division at the MRC Secretariat will assign a staff member to supervise and monitor the day-to-day work and performance of interns. 
  • Upon completion of the internship, the supervisor will assess the intern’s performance according to the agreed-upon ToR.
  • Where necessary, the supervisor will provide a letter of recommendation at the end of the internship.

MRC Areas of Assignment

Based on the following MRC work areas, interns should indicate their area(s) of interest in their cover letter:   

Areas of work based at the Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR:

  • Basin development planning
  • Environment
  • Water quality
  • Water diplomacy
  • Climate change
  • Navigation
  • Information and knowledge management
  • Fisheries
  • Agriculture
  • Irrigation and forestry
  • Donor coordination and stakeholder engagement
  • Sustainable hydropower development
  • Communication 

Areas of work based at the Regional Flood and Drought Management and Mitigation Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

  • Flood and drought management and mitigation
  • GIS mapping and modelling

Working Conditions

Interns are not entitled to annual leave.
The internship programme is full time. Interns are expected to work five days a week from 08:00 to 16:30. Interns may be required to submit a monthly work plan.

Medical Coverage

The MRC accepts no responsibility whatsoever for costs or hardships arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship. Interns must carry adequate medical and life insurance. Proof of medical coverage must be provided before the internship commences.