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The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi is offering internship opportunities for students who wish to gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, development cooperation, and political processes within the region. These internships will provide valuable exposure to international relations while working in a dynamic and multicultural environment.
Interns will be engaged in various tasks, including policy analysis, reporting, participation in key stakeholder meetings, planning and executing events, supporting development aid programs, and fostering communication within different Embassy departments. This is a unique chance to work closely with international, Danish, and local actors and gain a comprehensive understanding of Denmark’s engagement in Kenya and Somalia.
Internship Opportunities
An internship at the Danish Foreign Service presents a valuable opportunity to learn, develop new skills, and gain practical experience in international relations. As an intern, you will work closely with a designated supervisor and be an integral part of the department or team you are assigned to. The nature of tasks assigned will depend on the specific department you join.
Currently, the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi is offering eight internship positions covering different focus areas across Kenya and Somalia.
Kenya-Based Internships
- Climate Diplomacy The Climate Diplomacy internship will provide an opportunity to gain insight into international climate policies and their implementation in Kenya. Interns in this role will engage in research and analysis on climate change-related policies and their implications on sustainable development. Additionally, they will participate in climate-related initiatives, contribute to drafting reports, and support the Embassy’s environmental diplomacy efforts. The internship will involve active engagement with various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities focused on sustainable development. Interns will also assist in organizing events and workshops aimed at promoting climate resilience and green transition strategies.
- Regional, Refugee, and Humanitarian Affairs This position focuses on humanitarian issues and refugee management in Kenya and neighboring regions. Interns in this department will monitor humanitarian trends and analyze responses to refugee situations. They will participate in engagements with local and international humanitarian organizations, contribute to policy development, and support documentation and reporting efforts on regional crises. The role will also involve research on humanitarian assistance programs, identifying best practices, and providing insights into improving humanitarian policies and strategies. Interns will play a critical role in assisting the Embassy’s efforts in addressing refugee-related challenges and in coordinating discussions with relevant organizations and government entities.
- Governance and Health The Governance and Health internship provides exposure to governance frameworks and public health policies in Kenya. Interns will contribute to research on democracy, health sector reforms, and governance-related issues. Their responsibilities include assisting in the implementation of governance and health programs, drafting policy briefs, and supporting partnerships with local institutions. The role will involve attending meetings with relevant stakeholders, participating in strategy discussions, and preparing reports on governance and health sector challenges. Interns will gain valuable experience in policy development and institutional capacity-building while working on initiatives that promote accountability, transparency, and public health improvements.
- Economic Diplomacy Interns in the Economic Diplomacy department will support trade promotion, investment facilitation, and economic research initiatives. They will engage with Danish and Kenyan businesses, participate in trade-related discussions, and assist in organizing business forums. Additionally, they will contribute to economic research, analyzing market trends, trade policies, and bilateral economic relations. This internship provides a unique opportunity to understand economic diplomacy and international trade dynamics. Interns will be involved in drafting reports, conducting trade assessments, and providing recommendations on enhancing business and investment opportunities between Denmark and Kenya.
Somalia-Based Internships
- Development and Resilience This internship focuses on supporting development cooperation projects in Somalia, particularly those aimed at economic resilience and social development. Interns will conduct research on Somalia’s economic policies, assist in the implementation of development aid programs, and engage with local organizations. They will also be responsible for analyzing trends in economic development, drafting policy recommendations, and assisting in project monitoring and evaluation. This position provides an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international development strategies and contribute to efforts aimed at fostering sustainable growth and stability in Somalia.
- Politics and Stabilization The Politics and Stabilization internship offers a deep dive into political developments and security dynamics in Somalia. Interns will monitor political trends, engage with stakeholders on peace and stability issues, and conduct research on governance and conflict resolution. They will contribute to reports on Somalia’s political landscape, analyze peacebuilding strategies, and support diplomatic engagements. This position provides exposure to international conflict resolution efforts and allows interns to contribute to discussions on governance, democracy, and security cooperation. Interns will gain hands-on experience in political analysis and diplomacy while working closely with experts in the field.
Cross-Cutting Positions
- Public Diplomacy and Communications Interns in this position will focus on communication strategies, media engagement, and public diplomacy activities. They will manage social media platforms, create content, and assist in organizing public events. Additionally, they will support the development of outreach programs to promote Denmark’s activities in Kenya and Somalia. The role involves drafting press releases, preparing newsletters, and engaging with local and international media. Interns will work closely with Embassy officials to enhance public awareness of Denmark’s work and foster meaningful engagement with the public.
- Management and Administration The Management and Administration internship offers an opportunity to gain experience in embassy operations, finance, and logistical support. Interns will assist in administrative tasks, procurement processes, and internal coordination efforts. They will work on financial reporting, event planning, and office management responsibilities. This internship provides practical exposure to international organizational management and will involve interactions with multiple departments within the Embassy. Interns will develop valuable administrative skills and contribute to the effective functioning of Embassy operations.
Working Hours and Benefits
- The internship requires an average of 37 working hours per week, including lunch breaks.
- Interns will accrue 2.08 vacation days per month, totaling 12.5 days for a six-month internship.
- If required by your academic program, you may be granted up to 10 additional days for writing a major academic assignment, subject to Embassy approval.
Application Process
To apply for an internship position, you must submit the following documents:
- A CV detailing your education, experience, and skills.
- A motivational letter (maximum one page) explaining why you are interested in the internship, what you hope to gain, and how your skills align with the position.
- Academic transcripts or diploma/grades.
- Any other relevant documents, such as recommendations from employers or educational institutions.
Applications should be submitted via the provided application link.
