Programme Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1995, UNOPS is dedicated to supporting sustainable development through project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management services. The organization operates in over 40 countries, with a significant presence in Africa, where it oversees the delivery of more than 250 projects. UNOPS employs over 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in North, West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The mission of UNOPS is to advance national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors, including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and support for Middle-Income Countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By promoting excellence in project delivery and fostering knowledge sharing, UNOPS aims to contribute to sustainable infrastructure and improve the quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Intern will gain practical experience by supporting the APRA Implementation Office, which focuses on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in Africa. The intern's responsibilities will vary based on their academic background and skills, and may include tasks related to data and research, economic and policy analysis, international relations, communications, knowledge management, and event support. This internship is designed to provide a structured opportunity for the intern to build practical skills in an international development and renewable energy context. The intern will engage in multidisciplinary research, analytical tasks, coordination, and communications assistance, contributing to evidence-based programme delivery and stakeholder engagement. The role is crucial for advancing APRA's objectives and will involve exposure to various areas of international cooperation, policy processes, and advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including: conducting desk research, literature reviews, and data collection from credible sources; analyzing and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative information to identify trends and policy implications; supporting stakeholder mapping and engagement; drafting and editing communication products such as briefing notes, presentations, and newsletters; maintaining knowledge management resources including databases and project repositories; assisting with the coordination of meetings, workshops, and events; and contributing to the development of stakeholder briefs and consultation materials. The intern will also have the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary research and analytical skills, strengthen professional writing and presentation skills, and improve programme coordination and teamwork abilities through hands-on assignments and feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) or enrollment in a postgraduate programme, or graduation from such studies within three years prior to the start date of the internship. Relevant fields of study include Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Energy or Environmental Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should possess strong writing, organization, and presentation skills, as well as proficiency in standard office and collaboration tools. Familiarity with analytical tools such as advanced Excel, R, Python, SQL, Power BI, or Tableau, and communications tools like Canva or Adobe applications is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) or be enrolled in a postgraduate programme, or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the internship start date. The educational background should be in relevant fields such as Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Energy or Environmental Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field, ensuring that the intern has the foundational knowledge necessary for the role.

Experience:
While no prior professional experience is required, relevant academic, volunteer, extracurricular, or internship exposure in research, data, economics, policy, international relations, communications, knowledge management, or programme support is desirable. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong writing, organization, and presentation skills through previous work such as reports, briefs, presentations, or digital content. Proficiency in standard office tools and familiarity with analytical or communications tools will enhance the candidate's suitability for the position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of international relations and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This internship is classified as an entry-level position and is offered for a duration of six months. The role is designed for both Kenyan nationals and international interns who will be based in Nairobi for the duration of the assignment. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to a fair and transparent selection process and will conduct background checks on all final candidates to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.