CAREERS
BDI provides an exciting professional environment that inspires deep and critical thinking. We urge our partners and affiliates to grasp every opportunity at their disposal to build on themselves while enjoying their journey with us.
Call for Research Candidates
PRACTICUM PROGRAMME
If you’re not shy about advocating for justice or asking the most challenging questions facing human progress, then BDI might be the place for you!
Programme Details
Beginning this summer/autumn, BDI is recruiting interns to help us collect data in rural Ghanaian communities to further our understanding of the socio-economic dynamics, cultural intricacies, and other broad spectrum of factors shaping life in these areas. Our research methods involve anthropological and qualitative techniques, including ethnographic observation, interviews, participant observation, and textual analysis, to deeply explore the cultural, political, social and other aspects of our project themes. Your participation will contribute to academic research, empower underserved communities, and inform evidence-based policies for sustainable development in Ghana.
Interns will be paired in groups of two in three regions of the country from July/August 2024 to December/January 2025. The three regions are The Northern Regions (including the newly created Savannah Region), The Central Region, and The Greater Accra Region. A mentor, research consultant and coach will be assigned to each group. Monthly reports in the form of situational updates will be submitted by the interns to your assigned supervisors.
A summary of your responsibilities will include—
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Assisting in the preparation of research studies and documents.
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Conducting research and reviews of existing materials.
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Producing research/project reports/summaries.
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Collecting, organising, and analysing data.
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Contributing to producing project-related documents, working papers, and publications resulting from the aforementioned activities, including drafting notes and preparing technical annexes.
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Participating in meetings and seminars.
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Establishing connections and building networks with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organisations, and member country delegations.
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Assisting in organising events, communication efforts, planning, and evaluation.
Duration
Our practicum programmes are for a minimum of four to six months (extendable for another three/six months up to twelve months) on a full-time but flexible schedule. It is flexible because students can submit monthly calendars to their in-house supervisors indicating their weekly schedules. BDI urges potential interns to pursue a practicum of four months or more to maximise their internship experience and gain meaningful insights into community development and our operations.
Schedule
Timeline | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
3 to 4 Weeks | Interns will receive hands-on in-house training where they will participate in weekly research and fieldwork-related training sessions facilitated by their assigned mentees and coaches to master the craft of performing community-based data collection in Ghana. | Accra and/or Nearby Regions |
6 to 8 Weeks | Interns will receive practical engagements at BDI’s and partner offices and project sites, providing operational and programme support to teams on diverse projects. | Accra |
12 Weeks (Minimum) | Interns will undertake their fieldwork and data collection activities in selected localities having earned the requisite skills engage their research participants. | Greater Accra Region |
Interns will undertake their fieldwork and data collection activities in selected localities having earned the requisite skills engage their research participants. | Central Region | |
Interns will undertake their fieldwork and data collection activities in selected localities having earned the requisite skills engage their research participants. | Northern Region | |
4 Weeks | Interns will return to base and produce a field report after the data collection exercise detailing their experiences and providing recommendations for organisational interventions at the project areas. | Accra |
Eligibility Criteria
This Practicum Programme applies to students who are:
- Are enrolled in a full-time degree programme for the duration of the internship in BDI’s thematic areas.
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Enrolled in a degree programme in anthropology, human security, political studies, sociology, and sustainable development.
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Are available for a minimum internship duration of four months.
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Have an excellent command of the English Language. Knowledge of other languages used in Ghana would be an advantage.
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Possess strong anthropological and qualitative. research skills.
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Demonstrate excellent drafting and communication skills.
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Are capable of working in a multicultural team and rural environment and deterred by humble settings.
Programme Benefits
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Logistical Support
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Subsidised Housing
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Multi-organisational Collaboration
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Engagements Relevant to Professional Interests
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Professional Development Opportunities
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Cultural Immersion Activities
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Flexible Work Arrangements
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Performance-Based Rewards
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Visa & Travel Assistance
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Smooth Application Process
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Comparative Learning Experience
By the end of the in-house training, interns must be able to:
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Facilitate participatory research activities such as focus group discussions, community mapping exercises, and participatory rural appraisals to engage community members in the research process and gather their perspectives on key issues.
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Design and implement qualitative data collection methods, including semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and participant observation, to gather insights into community needs, challenges, and opportunities.
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Conduct literature reviews on topics relevant to BDI’s thematic areas, such as community development, public health, or environmental conservation, to inform programme design and implementation.
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Design and implement qualitative data collection methods, including semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and participant observation, to gather insights into community needs, challenges, and opportunities.
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Analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis or other appropriate methods to identify patterns, themes, and key findings that can inform BDI’s programming and advocacy efforts.
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Prepare research reports and briefs summarising key findings, recommendations, and implications for BDI’s projects and initiatives. This could include writing case studies, policy briefs, or community profiles based on research findings.
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Disseminate research findings through various channels, including academic publications, conference presentations, policy briefs, and social media platforms, to raise awareness about key issues and contribute to evidence-based policymaking and programming in Ghana.
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Work with assigned mentors and coaches to ensure research activities are culturally sensitive, ethical, and responsive to community needs. This could involve organising community meetings, workshops, or events to share research findings and solicit feedback from community members.
Academic Supervisors
Dr Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Domestic Violence, Gender and Women Studies
Dr David Korboe, MERL and Social Development
Dr Harriet Aldrich, History and Development
Prof John Azumah, Research, Advocacy, Policy, Anthropology and Religion
Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Jandoh, Comparative Politics, Public Policy, and Democracy
Dr. Matthew Krabill, Research, Religion, and Development
Dr Maxfield J. Peterson – Energy, Climate Economics, and Policy
Prof Raymond Atuguba, Law, Policy, Development, HRBA
Dr Sawudatu (Sodey) Zakariah-Akoto, Sociology, Development Studies, Family and Reproductive Health
Why Choose Us?
We are new. You become an intrinsic part of our good news story.
Our practicum programme relates to addressing pressing issues in communities deprived of fundamental rights, needs, dignity, and equity-based justice. We believe in empowering individuals and communities to advocate for their rights and create sustainable solutions to systemic challenges. You’re the right fit for our organisation if your passion lies in anthropological research, grassroots organising, policy advocacy, or community development. BDI offers diverse human-centred projects to foster positive change in these underserved communities.
Joining our team means you’re not just an intern but a pivotal part of our journey from the ground up. Your journey with us means you’ll be instrumental in shaping our vision for a better Ghana for posterity. Together, we’ll innovate, collaborate, and overcome challenges, achieving milestones that propel us forward. Your contributions will be celebrated, your ideas valued, and your growth supported every step of the way. With BDI, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore your interests, the support to excel, and the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives. Our team of mentors, with expertise in community organising, human rights advocacy, and grassroots development, will provide guidance and support throughout the practicum, ensuring that your contributions have a lasting impact on creating more just and equitable communities for all.
Application Process
Candidates are required to submit a three-minute video showcasing themselves. In the presentation, you must articulate your passions, experiences, and motivations for applying to our programme. This video allows us to get to know you beyond your resume and cover letter. We encourage you to be authentic and compelling in sharing your story, highlighting how your skills and values align with our mission.
Please submit a copy of your CV/Resume and cover letter to internships@berecons.org. We look forward to learning more about you through this creative medium!