Background

As part of the MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI) global partnership, MSI Asia Pacific (MSIAP) is a specialist sexual and reproductive health (SRH) non-governmental organisation working in Asia and the Pacific to ensure access to, and the fulfilment of, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of all people. 

Our mission is children by choice, not chance.

SRH is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being, encompassing a range of issues, including contraception, safe abortion access, maternal health, and sexual and gender-based violence. Access to comprehensive SRH services and information is essential for individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive lives. 

MSIAP is committed to advancing SRHR in the region, recognising the diverse needs and challenges faced by communities across Asia and the Pacific. Working towards our mission of “children by choice, not chance”, MSIAP recognises the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments and evidence in the field of SRH to inform our program design and implementation.

In line with this commitment, MSIAP is developing a knowledge bank of peer-reviewed literature on SRH, with a focus on the Asia Pacific Region. This knowledge bank will be a valuable resource for MSIAP and our country programs, providing access to up-to-date research findings, best practices, and innovative and emerging approaches in the field of SRH.

Objectives

To develop a comprehensive knowledge bank of recent peer-reviewed literature on best-practice SRH, with a focus on the Asia Pacific Region. 

Scope of work

The intern will be responsible for: 

1. Literature review: Conducting a systematic literature review to identify recent, high-quality and reliable peer-reviewed articles, reports, and studies related to SRH in the Asia Pacific Region. This will include (but is not limited to) topics such as family planning, abortion and post-abortion care, maternal health, STIs, HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer, sexual and gender-based violence, reproductive violence, disability equity, youth SRH, climate change adaptation and resilience, and health system strengthening.
2. Database development: Organising the collected literature into a structured database that is user-friendly and easily searchable, with appropriate tags and categories for different SRH topics and regions.
3. Content analysis: Summarising key findings, methodologies, and recommendations from the selected literature, to be included in the database. Identify common themes, knowledge gaps, key authors and thought leaders, and emerging trends in SRH research.
4. Stakeholder engagement: Collaborating with MSIAP team members to ensure that the knowledge bank aligns with organisational priorities and programmatic needs. This will include a final presentation of the database and key findings.

Outputs

• Structured database containing peer-reviewed literature on SRHR, organised by topic area and geographic region
• User guide for navigating the knowledge bank, including instructions for searching, filtering and accessing full-text articles, as well as key search terms used for the literature review
• Summary of key findings, recommendations, and presentation

Rights and ownership of all outputs relating to this evaluation will remain with MSIAP.

Timeframe

The project is expected to take 30 days (negotiable and open to extension if additional hours are required to meet academic requirements).

Selection criteria

Required

• Active enrolment in an undergraduate or post-graduate degree (minimum two years of degree, or 18 units, completed) in a relevant area (e.g. Sexology, International Development, Nursing, Community Development, Public Health, Indigenous Health, Gender, Sociology, Evaluation, etc.)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to summarise complex information concisely and accurately
• Proficiency in organising and structuring data using database software or spreadsheet applications (e.g Excel)
• Ability to analyse and interpret research findings, identify patterns and trends, and draw meaningful conclusions
• A pro-choice supporter of sexual and reproductive health rights for all.

Desirable

• An understanding of SRH, including family planning
• Prior experience conducting literature reviews, research projects, or academic studies in the field of public health, social sciences, or related disciplines
• Understanding of gender and social determinants of health, with a focus on addressing disparities and promoting equity in health outcomes.

Reporting and logistics

This position will report to MSIAP’s Senior Advisor, Program Design and Development ([email protected]). 

This project will need to be completed within 30 business days, with flexibility over days worked within a maximum timeframe of three months. This is a hybrid position, with desk space available at MSIAP’s office in Fitzroy.

The intern will be responsible for their own IT hardware and software, online library access, transport and logistics, and out-of-office working space.  

Enquiries should be directed to Sara Hudson (Senior Advisor, Program Design and Development): [email protected] using the subject line: Internship - Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Banking and Translation enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The full Terms of Reference document is attached below.

For any student interested in an internship with MSI Asia Pacific, but unavailable for this role, please contact Ellie Brolly ([email protected]) to register your interest.

MSIAP is a child-safe organisation and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation abuse and harassment. All successful applicants will be required to abide by our Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and our Global Code of Conduct in addition to undergoing a police check prior to commencement.