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OUR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE-BASED INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA) initiated an International Exchange Based Internship Program for the interns placed across the OICOA Member Institutions.
The foundation of this program was laid in the 9th OICOA Board Meeting and 3rd General Assembly Meeting held in Turkiye in October 2023 and was finalized in the 10th OICOA Board Meeting held in Pakistan in January 2024. This program aims to promote intercultural comprehension and enhance the professional growth of young interns among its member institutions. This innovative program seeks to provide young professionals with an opportunity to acquire expertise, exchange knowledge and best practices of ombudsmanship, and even more importantly establish enduring connections across OICOA Member Institutions.
OICOA plans to expand this internship program to include more member states in the coming years. By doing so, it aims to create a larger, more interconnected network of ombudsman professionals dedicated to improving governance and upholding justice.

First Batch:  Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan Secretariat & Office of the Mediator of Morocco

 

Two interns from the Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan will participate in the first batch of the OICOA International Internship Program in June 2024 and get to work at the Mediator’s Office in Morocco for a three-week immersive experience.
The purpose of this internship is to offer participants a comprehensive comprehension of the ombudsman procedures and methodologies in Morocco, hence, enabling them to acquire new perspectives and improved abilities to apply in their own organizations.
The interns from the Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan; an institution known for its dedication to ensuring transparency and accountability in tax administration, will gain valuable insights from the Office of Mediator of Morocco’s approach to mediation and conflict resolution. Moreover, the Mediator’s Office in Morocco will also benefit from the viewpoints of the Pakistani interns by facilitating a reciprocal sharing of optimal methods and exchange of best practices in ombudsmanship.The two interns that have been selected for the 1st batch of OICOA internship are Momina Zaigham and Tayaba Munir who have worked as outreach and research interns at Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat.

 

 

Second Batch: Office of the Mediator of Morocco & Office of the Secretary General (Ombudsperson) of Bahrain

Building on the momentum of the first batch, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the OICOA Member Institutes from Morocco and Bahrain for the exchange of interns for the second batch.
It is expected that the interns from these institutes will embark on OICOA’s International Exchange-Based Internship Program in August – September 2024.

 

Third Batch:  OICOA Secretariat, Pakistan & Office of the Secretary General (Ombudsperson) of Bahrain

The Office of Secretary General (Ombudsperson) of Bahrain will be hosting interns from the OICOA Secretariat in Pakistan as part of the third cohort of the OICOA International Internship Program.
The goal of this third batch of internship is to familiarize the interns from OICOA Secretarait with the inner workings of the Bahrain’s Ombudsperson.
The interns will assist with a variety of tasks in the Ombudsperson’s Office, learning about its mission to advance democratic principles, human rights, and rule of law in Bahrain. The interns will gain the skills and information they need to make a positive impact at their home institution and as part of the global ombudsman network during this experience.
It is expected that the interns from these institutes will embark on OICOA’s International Exchange Based Internship Program in August – September 2024.

OBJECTIVES OF OICOA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Professional Development

Interns participating in the OICOA International Internship Program will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced ombudsmen and senior staff. This practical experience is designed to enhance their understanding of varied areas in operation of an ombudsman office including dispute resolution, administrative fairness, public accountability, and advancement & protection of human rights.

Cultural Exchange

The program provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing interns to immerse themselves in different cultural environments when they get to live with families of the staff at Ombudsman Offices during their duration of stay. This exposure promotes mutual respect and understanding of cultures, which are essential for effective international cooperation, and strengthening bonds of the Muslim community of OIC countries and embracing their cultural nuances.

Knowledge Sharing

Through this program, OICOA member institutions can share their best practices in ombudsmanship alongwith their innovative approaches and successful strategies to tackle the complaints of aggrieved citizens. When the interns will return back to their countries, a detailed report of their observations and learnings will play an instrumental role in elevating the standards of ombudsman services across all OICOA Member Institutions.

Networking Opportunities

Through this program, not only the interns but OICOA Member Institutions will also have the chance to build professional networks with their ombudsman peers from other countries. These connections can lead to future collaborations and continued professional support across the network of OIC Ombudsmen.