National Council of Social Service, Singapore (NCSS) - Summer Internship 2026 - Capability Planning, Sector Transformation - Organisation Development

[What the role is]

National Council of Social Service (NCSS) offers a comprehensive learning internship designed to immerse students in Singapore's social service landscape. This programme provides structured exposure to sector development, research methodologies, and stakeholder engagement practices. Interns will learn from experienced professionals gaining deep insights into how social services address Singapore's evolving community needs whilst developing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for the sector. 

Immersive Learning Experiences  
To build sector knowledge and professional competencies, there are programmes such as "Learning Journey" or "Walk the Talk" which provide structured learning opportunities for you to observe social impact initiatives firsthand and understand service delivery models. Through guided interactions with different stakeholders, you will develop empathy, communication skills, and a nuanced understanding of social work practice whilst exploring potential career pathways. 

Cross-Divisional Learning Programme 
Beyond your primary project, you will spend 4-6 hours weekly in another NCSS division under close supervision. This rotation exposes you to diverse functions—from policy development to community engagement—helping you understand how different areas interconnect whilst developing transferable skills and gaining a holistic view of NCSS's sector development role. 

Learning Synthesis and Reflection 
Your internship concludes with a reflective presentation synthesising insights from both your main project and cross-divisional experience. You will articulate key learnings, demonstrate acquired skills, and reflect on how these experiences shaped your understanding of social service work, creating an opportunity for mutual learning with NCSS teams. 

Period of Internship: 18 May 2026 - 24 July 2026

One of the aims of the Sector Transformation team is to support the sector in transformation of service devliery and strengthening organisational and leadership capabilities of Social Service Agencies (SSAs)* through NCSS' schemes and initiatives.

As an intern, you will be responsible to support the team in delivering grants and initatives that enables and supports planning and policies for NCSS' work to strengthen organisaitonal and leadership capabilities.

*In Singapore, there are over 500 Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and over 20,000 social service professionals (SSPs), delivering services across Families, Children & Youth, Disability, Mental Health, Seniors and other emerging areas.

[What you will be working on]

Depending on your training, interest and experience, as well as organisational requirements at the point of internship, you may be assigned to one or more ongoing projects in the Capability Group to look at:

Organisational Development
(i) reviewing the effectiveness of efforts to strengthen organisational capabilities of SSAs, through data analysis of current state and schemes, assessing current efforts and initiatives, and providing recommendations to enhance current schemes
(ii) reviewing and developing relevant materials for administration and operationalisation of schemes
(iii) streamlining internal workflows and equipping internal teams with knowledge and skills to enable NCSS to support SSAs efficiently and effectively

Leadership Development
(i) analyse leadership structures and operating models by archetypes based on comparative analysis and contextualisation of international best practices with local and international data
(ii) assist in research to develop a structured coaching and mentorship framework for executive leaders at different levels
(iii) develop applicable templates and tools to support leadership development practices

Policy Review
(i) Support in reviewing existing policies, processes and frameworks to assess their relevance and applicability for new target audience segments within the revised sector membership landscape, and developing recommendations to refine membership criteria and engagement approaches
(ii) Support in designing differentiated support pathways, resources and communication materials tailored to the needs and characteristics of new member categories

[What we are looking for]

Personal Competencies:

Thinking Clearly and Making Sound Judgements

Improving and Innovating Continuously

Data Management & Analysis

Project Management

Organisational Development & Facilitation

Business Acumen

Skills Required:

1. Strong communication and presentation skills
2. Project management

Experience & Special Certification(s):

Candidates pursuing an undergraduate programme in any discipline are welcome. Candidates with experience in planning and operations (e.g. through internships) are preferred. Data analytics skills and experience would be advantageous for the role.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.