About WorldFish  

WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.   

About the Position 

The Risk and Compliance Intern will support the Risk and Compliance function within Growth, Monitoring and Compliance, with a primary focus on the implementation, operation and continuous improvement of WorldFish’s enterprise risk management framework. Under the supervision of the Risk & Compliance Analyst, the intern will contribute to research, analysis, drafting, data consolidation and coordination across risk management, policy governance, audit follow-up, operational and compliance reviews, due diligence, ethics and integrity, and counter-fraud awareness. The internship will provide practical exposure to governance, risk and compliance processes within an international research organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, ongoing operation and continuous improvement of the enterprise risk management framework, including engagement with Risk Owners, development of guidance, methodologies and tools, risk monitoring and reporting activities, and implementation of agreed Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) improvement actions.
• Support the collection, consolidation and preliminary completeness and consistency review of risk registers and periodic risk updates submitted by designated Risk Owners across global functions and country offices and identify gaps requiring follow-up under the supervisor’s guidance.
• Conduct desktop research and comparative reviews of recognized standards, professional guidance and practices adopted by peer organizations in the areas of risk management, governance, internal controls, policy, compliance, ethics and integrity.
• Support the development, review and lifecycle management of policies, directives, procedures and related guidance, including conducting research, monitoring review schedules, maintaining policy records, tracking development and approval status, and documenting implementation issues.
• Support internal and external audit coordination and follow-up activities, including consolidating management updates, monitoring agreed recommendations and deadlines, reviewing supporting evidence for completeness and preparing progress summaries.
• Support operational and compliance reviews of projects, country offices and partners by assessing processes and supporting documentation against WorldFish policies, procedures and internal controls, and preparing preliminary review notes.
• Support due diligence exercises by gathering and analyzing relevant information, identifying missing or inconsistent documentation, and preparing preliminary review notes for supervisor validation.
• Support ethics, integrity and counter-fraud prevention and awareness initiatives through research, development of communication and learning materials, coordination of awareness activities, and tracking of agreed actions and non-case-related records.
• Support the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations and governance materials relating to risk, compliance, audit and integrity matters, including documenting decisions and monitoring agreed actions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and undertake other related research, analysis, coordination and administrative support consistent with the purpose and level of the internship.

Requirements

• A Diploma/Degree risk management, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Governance, Public Administration or another relevant field. Candidates pursuing relevant coursework or certifications may also be considered.
• Demonstrated interest in, and preferably a basic understanding of, enterprise risk management, governance, internal controls, compliance, audit, ethics or organizational integrity.
• Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify missing or inconsistent information.
• Good written and spoken English, with the ability to prepare clear and concise draft materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to organize information, maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Good communication, teamwork and stakeholder coordination skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback and work in a multicultural environment.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Coursework, internship or project exposure related to risk management, internal audit, compliance, policy, governance, ethics, integrity or business processes.
• Experience using Excel for data consolidation or analysis; familiarity with Power BI or similar tools would be an advantage
• Experience preparing research summaries, reports or presentations, or supporting training, awareness or stakeholder-engagement activities.

Benefits

• This internship provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in an international research environment.
• The intern will gain exposure to colleagues across corporate functions, country offices and project teams, while developing practical research, analytical, coordination and professional skills. A monthly stipend will be provided.

Location and Duration

The successful intern will be based at WorldFish Headquarters in Penang, Malaysia. The internship will run for a duration of up to 5½ months. This internship is open to Malaysian citizens as well as applicants who are legally eligible to undertake an internship in Malaysia. Applicants must possess the necessary authorization to intern in Malaysia and should not require visa or work pass sponsorship from WorldFish. Interviews are expected to take place as soon as possible and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited to attend.

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses the key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 23:59 (MYT), 9 August 2026. 

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diverse dimensions. 

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.