Join the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Nairobi, Kenya as an Intern: Apply before 16 May 2025 (Monthly Stipend Available)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 16 May 2025
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Stipend: Monthly stipend provided
About the Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is a pan-African policy research institute committed to enhancing human security as a means to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity across the continent. With offices in Pretoria, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dakar, ISS works in the fields of conflict prevention, governance, crime prevention, transnational threats, and justice.
ISS provides timely, evidence-based analysis to shape effective policies that tackle the root causes of conflict and insecurity. It collaborates with governments, civil society, the African Union, the United Nations, and development partners to strengthen peace, security and governance frameworks.
About the Internship
The ISS is seeking a dynamic and motivated Intern to support its Conflict Prevention and Governance Programme in the Great Lakes Region. The internship will be based at the Nairobi office, offering a unique opportunity to work closely with leading researchers, policy analysts, and security practitioners engaged in promoting peace and stability in East Africa and the broader Great Lakes region.
This internship is ideally suited for a recent postgraduate student or early-career professional looking to gain practical experience in peace and security work, particularly in conflict early warning, governance analysis, and policy engagement.
The intern will work under the guidance of a Senior Researcher and contribute to ongoing projects, research initiatives, and knowledge dissemination activities. The internship is full-time, and a monthly stipend will be offered to cover basic expenses.
Key Responsibilities
As an intern, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring regional developments: Track and summarize news, media coverage, and policy developments on conflict dynamics, peacebuilding, and governance across East Africa and the Great Lakes region.
- Supporting research and analysis: Assist with both primary and secondary research, including literature reviews, stakeholder mapping, and data collection.
- Content creation and dissemination: Draft briefing notes, policy briefs, blog posts, and summaries to help communicate research findings and recommendations to key audiences.
- Stakeholder engagement: Help identify and map relevant stakeholders including policymakers, donor agencies, civil society groups, and academic institutions working in peace and security.
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Contribute to tracking project activities, outcomes, and impacts using established M&E tools and templates.
- Administrative and logistical support: Provide assistance in organizing events, meetings, webinars, and other programmatic activities.
Candidate Requirements
To be considered for this internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Education
- A postgraduate degree in one of the following fields:
- Peace and Security Studies
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Law
- Criminology
- or any other relevant discipline related to governance or conflict studies
Language Proficiency
- Excellent written and spoken English is required.
- Knowledge of French or Kiswahili will be an added advantage.
Experience and Skills
- Previous exposure to conflict early warning systems or work in a research or policy environment is desirable.
- Strong analytical and writing skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Creative, proactive, and adaptable to fast-paced project environments.
Eligibility
- Open only to Kenyan nationals or residents of Kenya with a valid work permit that legally permits employment in the country.
Application Process
Interested candidates should send the following documents by 16 May 2025:
- A cover letter explaining:
- Why you are interested in this internship
- How your qualifications and interests align with the ISS mandate and this position
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes:
- Educational background
- Relevant work or internship experience
- Language skills and publications (if any)
- At least three contactable referees (with full names, titles, organization, email, and phone number)
Submit your application by email to:
Mercy Rukenya
Email: [email protected]
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful candidates.
Why Join ISS?
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to:
- Contribute to impactful policy research and dialogue on conflict prevention and governance
- Work in a respected African think tank with a continental reach and global influence
- Gain hands-on experience in peacebuilding, research, and stakeholder engagement
- Be mentored by leading experts and build professional networks across Africa and beyond
Learn More
For more information visit here.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
