Africa Program Development Interns – Mombasa, Kenya (Search for Common Ground)

Africa Program Development Interns – Mombasa, Kenya (Search for Common Ground)

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Position Details:

• Position: Africa Program Development Intern
• Company: Search for Common Ground (SFCG)
• Location: Kenya (Mombasa office or remote) or Francophone Africa (office or remote)
• Type of Job: Internship
• Category: Administrative/Secretarial Jobs in Kenya
• Reporting to: Africa Program Development Hub
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2024

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Introduction

Are you passionate about peacebuilding and conflict transformation? Do you have a desire to work with a global leader in ending violent conflict through innovative approaches? Join Search for Common Ground (SFCG) as an Africa Program Development Intern. This opportunity provides hands-on experience in developing impactful programs to promote peace across Sub-Saharan Africa. Interns will work within a diverse, dynamic, and high-performing team dedicated to shaping meaningful change in 17 countries across Africa. This internship offers an exceptional learning environment for aspiring peacebuilders and international development professionals.

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Key Responsibilities

As an Africa Program Development Intern, you will contribute to peacebuilding efforts through the following responsibilities:

Proposal and Concept Development

• Draft compelling proposal narratives, articulate theories of change, and outline actionable program activities.
• Create logical frameworks to align program objectives with funding opportunities.
• Perform detailed editing of proposals in English and/or French for clarity and precision.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct rigorous desk research to develop accurate context statements about program regions.
• Analyze calls for proposals and contribute to fundraising strategies.
• Support pre-positioning efforts by identifying potential funding partners.

Partner and Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with local and international partners to align on project goals and funding requirements.
• Support donor communication efforts with accurate, timely, and professional materials.

Administrative Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support to the Africa Program Development Hub and country offices.
• Attend events, conferences, and meetings, taking detailed notes to share insights with the team.

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Qualifications and Skills

Essential Requirements

• Degree in a relevant field.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
• Fluency in French for candidates based in Francophone Africa.
• Demonstrated interest in peacebuilding or international development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Detail-oriented and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• Proficiency in additional languages such as Portuguese or Somali.
• Practical experience in program development or similar roles.
• Background in a non-governmental organization (NGO) or nonprofit environment.
• International experience, preferably in developing countries.

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Company Culture and Values

At SFCG, our mission is simple yet profound: End violent conflict. We do this by fostering innovative and sustainable solutions that transform interactions between communities in conflict. Our organization thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, empowering individuals to build a better future. By joining SFCG, you become part of a team that values diversity, equality, and shared goals, working towards a peaceful and inclusive society.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for Africa Program Development Intern

1. Tailor Your Resume:
   Highlight relevant experiences such as research, writing, or prior roles in program development. Emphasize your interest in peacebuilding and your ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Use keywords like “peacebuilding,” “proposal development,” and “conflict resolution.”
2. Craft a Strong Cover Letter:
   Showcase your passion for conflict transformation and explain how your skills align with the role. Provide specific examples of your research, writing, or program development experience.

   Example: “While leading a community research project in [location], I developed proposals and collaborated with partners to secure funding for youth empowerment programs.”

3. Research SFCG:
   Understand the organization’s mission, values, and active projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mention specific regions or programs in your application to demonstrate genuine interest.
4. Highlight Language Skills:
   If you’re fluent in French (or other languages like Portuguese or Somali), emphasize this skill. Mention your ability to edit and draft proposals in multiple languages.
5. Detail Relevant Experiences:
   Discuss any internships, NGO roles, or academic projects focused on peacebuilding or international development. Relate them to key responsibilities like donor engagement or proposal writing.
6. Focus on Academic Achievements:
   If you lack extensive professional experience, showcase relevant coursework or research, especially topics related to conflict transformation or African studies.
7. Demonstrate Research Expertise:
   Highlight your ability to conduct desk research and draft compelling context statements. Provide examples of similar work you’ve done in the past.
8. Showcase Flexibility:
   Mention examples of adaptability, such as working with diverse teams or managing tight deadlines across multiple tasks.
9. Follow the Instructions:
   Submit a well-structured resume and cover letter tailored to the role. Double-check for errors and ensure your application meets the specified deadline.
10. Prepare for the Interview:
    Be ready to discuss your motivation, familiarity with SFCG’s work, and specific contributions you can make to the Africa Program Development Hub.

Sample Answer: “I am drawn to SFCG because of its innovative approach to conflict transformation, particularly in [specific region]. My experience in drafting donor proposals and building local partnerships aligns with the program’s objectives.”

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter via the company’s website by November 30, 2024. This internship requires a commitment of no less than 20 hours a week for six months, starting on January 1, 2025.

• TELEGRAM CHANNEL

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Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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