The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) seeks an intern to join a dynamic team working on conflict prevention and governance in East Africa and the Great Lakes region. The intern will support research, writing, planning and communication tasks, and will report to a senior researcher. The position is based in Nairobi.

Overview of duties

Monitor media articles to develop reports on conflict... dynamics and socio-political developments in East Africa and the Great Lakes region
Support primary and secondary research and analysis
Support dissemination of research results and policy recommendations through written products and participation in events
Contribute to identifying target stakeholders, peer groups, donors and beneficiaries
Assist with monitoring and evaluation
Assist the team with administration and logistics

Overview of requirements

An undergraduate degree in peace and security studies, political science, international relations, law, sociology, criminology or a related field
Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. A good knowledge of Lingala or Kiswahili will be an advantage
Research, writing and analytical abilities
Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines
Independent, creative and proactive
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  • Internships
  • Volunteering
Overview of duties

 Build networks and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the AU, inter-governmental institutions, regional and national government officials, EU representatives, civil society and the media
 Conduct and support research aimed at policy intervention
 Actively disseminate research findings through meetings, briefings and seminars in liaison with the ENACT... team
 Identify policy, technical support and implementation needs of stakeholders and work with ENACT team to deliver assistance
 Gather and share regional and national information with the ENACT team
 Maintain a current understanding of the regional and national environments and make recommendations to the team on priorities for research and action
 Prepare written reports
 Ensure that all expenditure complies with financial rules and procedures

Overview of requirements

 Master’s qualification in governance, development, security and policing or relevant discipline
 At least 7 years’ experience in policy support or technical assistance relating to inter-governmental institutions, national governments and/or civil society organisations in the specified region
 Demonstrable knowledge of transnational organised crime, development, crime and security, customs, corruption, or related field in the specified region
 Excellent verbal and written skills in English; French will be advantageous
 Demonstrable interpersonal and networking skills, including the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish relationships with a diversity of stakeholders
 An extensive network among the project’s stakeholders; networks in the organised crime or related fields would be an advantage
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  • Law
  • Legal
Overview of duties 

Conduct primary and secondary research and analysis
Document research results in a format that is appropriate to the target audience
Assist with the dissemination of research results and policy recommendations through written products and participation in events
Assist project staff with administrative and logistical activities, including but not limited to event... coordination, budgets, meetings and ISS processes
Identify target stakeholders, peer groups, donors and beneficiaries who can contribute to the ISS’ work
Assist with monitoring and evaluation

Overview of requirements

An Honours degree in social sciences, political science, anthropology, development studies, international relations, law or a related field. A Master’s degree will be advantageous
At least one year of work experience in a policy, research, government, training or relevant professional environment
Knowledge of research methodology, techniques and their application, and experience in designing and implementing research projects
Experience participating in public and closed events, conferences or training courses
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with mid-level diplomats, government officials and peers
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Good computer skills (MS Office)
Self-motivated, able to work quickly, independently and meet deadlines
Willingness to travel
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  • Data Science
  • Research
Overview of duties 

Initiate, plan and undertake primary and secondary research
Disseminate research results in a timely and relevant way to specific audiences through writing, public speaking, briefings, media interviews and policy forums
Maintain relationships with partners, governments, regional and international organisations and civil society organisations
Convene seminars, dialogues,... closed briefings and roundtables and present research findings at ISS events and other relevant forums
Help write the annual project report on peace and security in East Africa
Help identify new funding opportunities, draft concept notes and contribute to the development of new projects

Overview of requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline such as international relations, journalism, political science, anthropology, development studies, conflict and peace studies, strategic and security studies, law or a related field
Minimum of three years relevant experience in the peace and security field as a researcher, policymaker or journalist
Good knowledge of African governance and security challenges and policy frameworks, and a particular interest in conflict analysis, early warning, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and dialogue
Good networking and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in partnership with international and continental organisations, governments and civil society
Knowledge of the workings of the AU and other regional intergovernmental structures
Good written and verbal communication skills supported by a track record of relevant publications, media commentary and public speaking at international forums
Knowledge of project planning, monitoring and evaluation
Excellent English language skills
Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
Willingness to travel at short notice
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  • Data Science
  • Research
Overview of duties

Manage and implement multiple projects, including day-to-day oversight in line with workplans and overall project plans
Financial and budget planning and controls
Identify new fundraising opportunities, write concept notes, funding proposals and budgets in support of the Regional Director
Undertake research and lead in the dissemination of results in a timely and relevant... way to specific audiences through writing, public speaking, diplomatic briefings, media interviews and policy forums
Nurture and maintain relationships with partners, East African governments, regional and international organisations
Lead in the writing the annual project report on peace and security in East Africa in collaboration with the Regional Director
Develop annual work plans for staff
Monitor the execution of project deliverables and staff performance
Implement monitoring and evaluation plans and ensure relevant data is collected throughout the project cycle
Undertake quality control of all project work

Overview of requirements

A Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline such as international relations, journalism, political science, sociology, anthropology, development studies, conflict and peace studies, strategic and security studies, law or a related field. A PhD will be desirable
At least 10 years relevant work experience in peace and security policy, research, government, training or relevant professional environment
Proven skills in planning and organising events and the ability to work on several complex processes simultaneously
Proven financial project management and human resource management skills
Superior project management and coordination skills
Good knowledge of NGO grant management and donor relations
Knowledge and understanding of results-based management and reporting
A strong team leader with excellent interpersonal skills
Understanding of the peace and security sector in East Africa and the Great Lakes, and the ability to work in cooperation with governments, international organisations and civil society
Excellent written and verbal English skills – fluency in French would be an asset
Ability to work under pressure and to deadline
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  • Data Science
  • Research
Overview of duties

Manage and implement multiple projects in line with workplans and reporting and M&E requirements
Financial and budget planning
Initiate, plan and undertake primary and secondary research on climate change and Africa’s ability to cope with climate-related insecurity
Disseminate research findings through written products, oral presentations and media interviews
Produce... timely, insightful and relevant written content
Convene meetings, workshops, seminars, closed briefings and expert roundtables
Provide technical assistance and capacity building
Build networks with key organisations and partners, including regional and national governmental and non-governmental organisations
Identify new opportunities for funding and write concept notes and proposals

Overview of requirements

A Master’s degree or higher qualification in international relations, law, development, political science, conflict and peace studies, strategic and security studies, or related fields
At least five years of relevant experience in policy, research, government, human security or other relevant professional environments
Work experience on climate change and insecurity in Africa
Good knowledge of African governance and security challenges and solutions
Good research and analytical skills
Experience in organising and reporting research results at public and closed events and training sessions
Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal
Good writing skills and a track record of authored or co-authored publications
Computer proficiency and ability to work with social media
Self-motivated and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
Willingness to travel for work
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  • Data Science
  • Research