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Overview

Launched in 2021, the IIDS Apprenticeship Program is a five-year initiative aimed at motivating and encouraging youth to pursue careers in evidence generation, research, academia, and development. This program offers a holistic and structured learning experience to maximize the apprentices’ learning outcomes and contributions to IIDS’ work. Each year, 20-30 young people, particularly social science students, are selected for this opportunity to gain real-time work experience at one of Nepal’s leading think tanks. 

Why IIDS

IIDS, founded in 1979, is an independent, non-partisan, and not-for-profit think tank headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. With decades of experience in research and policy advocacy, IIDS collaborates with the Government of Nepal, international organizations, and numerous development partners. Currently, IIDS is transitioning into a regional think tank and aligning its organizational vision with Nepal’s national priorities, focusing on five core clusters: Strategic Affairs, Economics, Education, Environment and Digitalization.

 

Program Structure

The IIDS Apprenticeship Program includes the following categories of apprentices:

  1. Summer Interns (Volunteers):

    1. Undergraduate students pursuing an 8–10-week internship during their vacation, typically from May to August.

    2. These interns voluntarily undertake services without compensation, driven by personal growth and learning.

  2. Junior Research/Operations Assistants:

    1. Recent undergraduates engaged full-time for six months.

    2. They receive a stipend of NPR 15,000 per month.

  3. Junior Research/Operations Analysts:

    1. Recent master’s graduates working full-time for six months.

    2. They receive a stipend of NPR 18,000 per month.

  1. As of now, IIDS has hosted a total of 131 apprentices under its Apprenticeship Program, including 26 summer interns.

 

Mentor – Mentee System

All apprentices under the program, regardless of their category, participate in a comprehensive mentor-mentee system aimed at fostering professional and personal growth.

  • Mentors: Senior IIDS staff members provide guidance, task allocation, and support.

  • Weekly Check-ins: Monday Morning meetings to review tasks, discuss progress, and address concerns.

  • Tri-Monthly Reviews: Feedback and discussion on program output with mentors and the Apprenticeship Managers.

  • Exit Report: All apprentices are expected to produce an ‘Exit Report’ of 1,000 -1,200 words at the end of their tenure at IIDS which elaborates their experience at the organization and suggests new ideas or any improvement areas for IIDS.

 

Terms of Apprenticeship (For Summer Interns)

  • Duration: Minimum 8 weeks; up to 10 weeks during May–

  • Working Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM, five days a week, Monday to Friday (flexible for credit hour requirements).

  • Deliverables: A policy brief or research assignment aligned with ongoing projects. A video summarizing their experience at IIDS.

  • Participation: Active involvement in IIDS workshops, training sessions, and event support.

  • Fieldwork: Fieldwork may include surveys, compensated overnight assignments (if applicable), and visits to institutions such as Parliament, the Supreme Court, and trading floors as part of learning sessions.

  • Supervision: Each summer intern is assigned a dedicated supervisor.

 

Terms of Apprenticeship  (For Junior Research/Operations Assistants and Analysts):

  • Duration: Six months full-time.

  • Working Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM, five days a week (Monday to Friday).

  • Stipend: NPR 15,000/month for Assistants; NPR 18,000/month for Analysts.

  • Engagement and Supervision: Active participation in IIDS workshops, training sessions, and event support. Apprentices may also engage in fieldwork, including surveys and compensated overnight assignments when applicable. Each apprentice is assigned a dedicated supervisor to provide guidance and support throughout their tenure.

  • Responsibilities: Comprehensive tasks across research and operational domains, outlined in their respective terms of reference, tailored to maximize learning and contribution during their tenure.

 

Conclusion

The IIDS Apprenticeship Program represents a commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in research, policy, and development. By providing hands-on experience, comprehensive mentorship, and exposure to diverse learning opportunities, the program equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. Whether as summer interns or as junior research/operations assistants or analysts, every participant is a valued contributor to IIDS’ mission of evidence-based policy advocacy and sustainable development.

Through structured roles, responsibilities, and a collaborative learning environment, the program fosters personal and professional growth, ensuring that apprentices leave with a strong foundation for their future endeavours. IIDS remains dedicated to its vision of creating impactful opportunities for youth and shaping a resilient workforce capable of addressing Nepal’s development challenges.