Internship: Africa Program Development
Position summary:
The Africa Program Development Hub at Search for Common
Ground is seeking a bilingual intern (fluent in English and French) to support
the design of high-quality proposals and concept notes that advance peace and
social cohesion across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The intern will join a dynamic, high-performing, and diverse
team that leads program development efforts across 20 African countries. This
internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to multiple stages of the
business development cycle—from identifying funding opportunities and
cultivating partnerships to drafting concept notes, full proposals, and
supporting donor engagement.
The intern will be assigned a geographic focus within the
Africa portfolio, with the flexibility to support other countries as needed.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about peacebuilding, has
strong writing and research skills, and is eager to gain hands-on experience in
the international development field.
Please note that this internship is based in any African
country where Search has an office.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist
in the development of proposals, including writing proposal narratives,
formulating theories of change, outlining program activities, drafting
logical frameworks, and copy-editing.
- Conduct
desk research to produce clear, accurate, and up-to-date context analyses
for proposals and concept notes.
- Support
the creation and implementation of fundraising strategies.
- Review
calls for proposals and contribute to early positioning efforts, including
researching and contacting potential partners.
- Edit
proposals and communications materials in English and/or French to ensure
clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
- Attend
relevant meetings, events, or conferences on behalf of the team and
prepare concise summaries.
- Provide
logistical and administrative support to the Africa Program Development
Hub and country offices as needed.
Qualifications:
- Degree
in relevant subject required
- Fluency
in English and French is mandatory
- Strong
writing, editing and communication skills in English and French
- Demonstrable
interest in and knowledge of peacebuilding or international development in
Africa
- A
self-starting, solution-oriented and flexible approach to tasks
- Ability
to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines
- Excellent
attention to detail
- Other
languages (Portuguese, Somali, Arabic) are an asset
- Experience
working at a non-governmental organization/non-profit or similar
environment
- Practical
experience in business development (proposal writing, fundraising, donor
briefings etc.)
- International
experience, preferably in developing countries
To apply, please send your CV and a tailored cover letter
(max. 300 words) explaining why this role interests you and how your skills
align with Search for Common Ground’s work in Africa. Include the word “Ubuntu”
somewhere in your letter to confirm you read the posting in full.
The deadline to apply is July 27, 2025
This position requires a commitment of minimum 20 hours a
week for six months, starting on August 15, 2025.
Undergraduates (juniors and seniors), graduate students, and
recent graduates are welcome to apply. Interns will receive a modest stipend in
line with local pay regulations.
The internship opportunity is open to interested and
qualified candidates that have legal rights to work in that country.