Heritage Research Intern

Virsa Watch, an independent heritage initiative led by Pakistani archaeological scientists, is seeking a Heritage Research Intern to join their remote team on a part-time, voluntary basis. The organization focuses on locating and documenting archaeological and historic sites across Pakistan, producing open-access catalogs and detailed reports on the conservation status of these sites. Virsa Watch promotes evidence-based conservation, public engagement, and practical restoration strategies to help policymakers, researchers, and local communities preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to heritage communication and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Key Responsibilities
- Transform research and published sources into clear, engaging content suitable for digital platforms.
- Propose and draft articles and profiles of heritage sites.
- Assist with updating web content and organizing materials for open-access catalogs.
- Collaborate with the team to refine content strategy and ensure consistent messaging.
- Adapt complex archaeological information for diverse, non-specialist audiences.
- Support basic content management tasks, including fact-checking and proofreading.
- Contribute ideas for public engagement campaigns.

This role involves approximately 4 to 6 hours of commitment per week and includes mentorship from the founders of Virsa Watch. The internship is remote, unpaid, and designed to provide professional development in heritage communication.

Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate degree in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
- Based in Pakistan.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to present complex heritage topics in an accessible manner.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of Urdu or other regional languages is an advantage.
- Effective communication skills for teamwork and engaging with non-specialist audiences.
- Interest in cultural heritage, archaeology, or history; prior academic or project experience is beneficial.
- Familiarity with online publishing tools or content management systems; experience with platforms like Substack is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- One-to-one mentorship in research, source evaluation, and writing.
- Opportunity to earn a published byline for work that meets the organization’s standards.
- Certificate of completion and a reference letter upon successful conclusion of the internship.
- Practical experience in heritage communication to enhance your CV and portfolio.

Please note this is a voluntary, unpaid internship focused on training and professional development. Interested candidates should prepare a CV and a brief note (up to 150 words) explaining their interest and proposing one article idea related to heritage. Applications are reviewed carefully to select candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm and alignment with Virsa Watch’s mission.