In general, an unpaid intern (or trainee) is one who:
• Receives training that is similar to what would be given in an educational environment.
• Performs services primarily for his or her own benefit.
• Does not displace regular employees but works under their supervision.
• Produces no more than minimal value to the Foundation.
• Understands that he or she is not entitled to wages, benefits or other compensation in connection with the internship.
• Is not entitled to a position with the Mikoko Development Foundation at the conclusion of the internship.

An unpaid intern should not be confused with a volunteer. A volunteer is one who donates services for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons or for personal purpose or pleasure and who derives no substantial or material benefit or advancement, other than altruistic satisfaction.

There is no employment relationship between the MDF and an unpaid intern, thus an unpaid intern is not covered by any MDF health, accident, disability or worker’s compensation insurance or benefit. MDF shall have no liability for personal injury or property damage which may be suffered by the intern, unless such injury or damage directly results from the negligent acts or omissions of the MDF or its employees.

An unpaid intern is an agent of the MDF while performing assigned duties. Therefore, unpaid interns are expected to abide by MDF policies and support the MDF’s mission, vision and core values. An unpaid intern who does not do so may be discharged from his/her internship.

The MDF will not accommodate unpaid interns who are:

• Under 18 years of age (except for closely supervised participants in the summer program)
• Nonimmigrants on a student visa that is not accepted by Tanzania Immigration, unless they have appropriate work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Academic Training

The core principle of an unpaid internship is that the intern receives a structured learning experience.

The steps below are designed to ensure this.

1. A department director who wishes to accommodate an unpaid intern must first develop an Internship Profile that includes:
• Title and name of supervisor
• Dates of unpaid internship
• Schedule / hours of work
• Where services will be performed
• Activities to be performed
• Training provided by supervisor or others
• Personal, educational or professional benefits the unpaid intern should expect to derive
• How the internship relates to the intern’s course of study
• Safety or risk issues (Risk Management will provide training)
• How the unpaid intern’s services will be measured or evaluated
2. The department director must send the Internship Profile to the Director of Finance & Administration for review to ensure the pre‐internship documentation is complete. Once approved by the DFA, the department director should also submit to the Director of Community Services & Partnership at least one week before the internship is to begin:
• The prospective unpaid intern’s resume and letter of intent
• Contact details for the unpaid intern
• If the unpaid intern is receiving course credit from MDF or another
• College/University, the specifics of the academic arrangement
• If the unpaid intern is placed by an outside organization, the name, address and telephone
• Phone Number and Email of the contact person for that organization
3. The DFA will work with the unpaid intern to:
• Complete background checks
• Sign a confidentiality agreement, if applicable
• Sign an internship agreement
• Make arrangements for a temporary Intern identification badge
4. The department director will work with the unpaid intern to:
• Review the MDF’s Mission and Vision
• Complete sexual harassment training
• Complete Operation, Policy & Procedures training
• Complete any required safety training
• Complete orientation course

The DFA will also, as necessary, work with any outside organization that places students at MDF to execute an affiliation agreement.