Professional Internship Programme

ATMA Foundation is the first N P O from Kerala to be registered on the Social Stock exchange. The ATMA Research & Development Centre (RADC) serves as the organisation's academic and capacity-building wing, promoting research, innovation, and professional development in the social sector.

The ATMA Professional Internship Programme is designed to identify, nurture, and develop young professionals who aspire to build a career in the development sector, in the line of PM internship programme. This programme provides structured, on-the-job learning, mentoring, and practical exposure to the functioning of a professional non-profit organisation, while enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to the social development sector.

PIP interns are considered part of ATMA's professional, volunteer-driven ecosystem and are expected to uphold the organisation's values, professionalism, and commitment to social impact.

Objectives

The Professional Internship Programme aims to:

• Develop competent young professionals for leadership roles in the social sector.
• Provide practical exposure to programme implementation and organisational management.
• Offer structured mentoring and career development opportunities.
• Create opportunities for outstanding participants to pursue long-term careers with ATMA Foundation or other organisations in the development sector.

Duration

• The normal duration of the PIP shall be up to six months.
• Depending on organisational requirements and the intern's performance, the internship may be extended in exceptional cases.

Stipend

PIP Interns may receive a monthly stipend as decided by the organisation from time to time.

The stipend is intended as a learning support and shall not be construed as salary or employment benefits.

Nature of Training

PIP Interns will receive hands on experience in various aspects of the organisation, including, but not limited to:

• Programme implementation and community engagement
• Project planning and management
• Documentation and report writing
• Research and monitoring
• Fundraising and donor relations
• Communications and digital media
• Administration and organisational systems
• Event planning and coordination
• Compliance and governance
• Mentoring for personality development
• Any other responsibilities relevant to organisational needs

Interns are expected to actively participate in assigned responsibilities and should be willing to work across different functional areas.

Career Opportunities

TheProfessional Internship Programme serves as a pathway to employment in the development sector.

Where suitable vacancies arise, PIP Interns may be offered full-time employment before completion of the internship period, based on organisational requirements and satisfactory performance. The employment opportunities can be at ATMA Foundation. ATMA being an apex NPO liasoning with other leading organisations in the sector, PIP interns may be recommended for openings in other similar organisations too.

*Completion of the PIP internship does not guarantee employment.

Code of Conduct

Senior Interns shall:

• Be willing to take up any given responsibilities
• Follow all organisational rules, office timings, and HR policies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding organisational and beneficiary information.
• Conduct themselves professionally with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
• Uphold the values and reputation of ATMA Foundation.
• Perform assigned duties diligently and responsibly.

Failure to maintain expected standards of conduct may result in discontinuation of the internship.

General Provisions

The Professional Internship Programme is intended to create more leaders in the social development sector and to provide intensive professional learning and should not be treated merely as a temporary job.

ATMA Foundation reserves the right to modify the programme structure, stipend, duration, or eligibility criteria based on organisational requirements.

Any matter not covered under this policy shall be decided by the management of ATMA Foundation, whose decision shall be final.