Internship Detail

Title

Research Assistant Intern – Social Enterprises and Inclusion (STRIDE)

Description

Research Assistant Intern – Social Enterprises and Inclusion (STRIDE)

Social Enterprises and Inclusion Department, K-DISC
Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC)

Description

This internship focuses on managing, monitoring, and reporting the data collection activities being undertaken across Kerala. The development and implementation of low-tech assistive devices for persons with intellectual disabilities under the STRIDE initiative. The role offers hands-on exposure to disability support, field research, and social innovation, working closely with communities, institutions, and government stakeholders.

Duration

6 Months
A stipend of ₹12,000/- per month will be provided for the duration of the internship.

Certificate

A Certificate of Internship will be provided upon successful completion of the internship period.

Position Overview

The intern will support initiatives aimed at managing, monitoring, and reporting the data collection activities being undertaken across Kerala, designing, testing, and deploying low-tech assistive devices for people with intellectual disabilities. The role involves field engagement, requirement research, testing support, documentation, coordination, and basic project tracking, providing practical exposure to inclusive development work.

Key Responsibilities

·         Conduct and manage field visits to schools, institutions, and Buds Schools to assess needs and requirements for low-tech assistive devices

·         Work directly with colleges, faculties, district level data interns, persons with intellectual disabilities, along with their teachers, parents, and panchayat officials, to understand specific challenges and collect customized requirements

·         Carry out requirement research and need assessment at Buds Schools

·         Participate in the testing and evaluation of low-tech assistive devices

·         Organize and support showcase events for assistive devices based on identified needs

·         Prepare comprehensive documentation, research reports, and presentations

·         Develop templates and standardized procedures for device testing and evaluation

·         Collaborate with the Social Enterprises and Inclusion team to analyze testing outcomes

·         Contribute to research on the effectiveness and impact of assistive devices

·         Support basic project coordination activities, including monitoring progress, scheduling meetings, and maintaining dashboards and organized datasets

Required Qualifications

·         Current enrollment in or completion of a postgraduate program such as MSW or MBA, Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse populations, Excellent documentation and report-writing abilities, Proficiency in research methodology and basic data analysis, Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, Strong organizational and time-management skills, Sensitivity, empathy, and commitment to working with persons with disabilities

Learning Outcomes

·         Practical experience in disability support and assistive technology interventions

·         Enhanced research, documentation, and reporting skills in social innovation

·         Exposure to project management and coordination practices in the social sector

·         Understanding of inclusive design, accessibility, and community-based interventions

·         Experience in organizing and executing showcase and outreach events

·         Insight into social enterprise operations and government-led inclusion programs

Benefits

·         Certificate of completion from K-DISC

·         Stipend of ₹12,000 per month

·         Hands-on experience with high-impact social innovation projects

·         Opportunities for network building within the social innovation and inclusion ecosystem

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following: - Updated Resume / CV - Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) - Letter of Recommendation from their institution

Application Subject Line:
“Research Assistant Internship – Social Enterprises and Inclusion”

Applications to be submitted via:
DWMS Internship Portal

Important Notes

·         Candidates must arrange their own accommodation and transportation

·         Full-time commitment is required for the entire internship duration

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their interests, experience, and alignment with the role requirements.

No. of Openings : 1

Nature of Post : Full Time

Date of posting : 30th Dec 2025

Date of commencement : 30th Dec 2025