At Save the Children, we are driven by a powerful mission: to transform the lives of children and shape a brighter future for generations to come. As the world’s first and leading independent children’s organization, we have been at the forefront of creating lasting change for over a century. Operating in more than 110 countries, we reach tens of millions of children annually through innovative programs focused on survival, education, and protection. Our work is grounded in collaboration with children, their communities, and global partners to address the most pressing challenges facing the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Every day, children around the globe face unimaginable hardships—poverty, violence, disease, hunger, and the devastating impacts of war and natural disasters. Many are denied their fundamental rights to education, safety, and a fair start in life simply because of where they were born. At Save the Children, we believe every child deserves better. With over 25,000 dedicated staff worldwide, we respond swiftly to humanitarian crises, deliver groundbreaking development initiatives, and amplify children’s voices through advocacy to build a world where every child can thrive.
We are now seeking a passionate and driven intern to join our team in Kenya as part of our Internal Controls and Compliance team. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a global humanitarian organization, contribute to meaningful change, and develop skills that will shape your career. If you’re ready to make a difference, read on to learn more about this exciting role.
Job Description
ROLE PURPOSE
The Internal Controls and Compliance Intern will play a vital role in supporting Save the Children’s Kenya program by ensuring robust compliance with internal policies, donor regulations, and audit requirements. Working closely with the finance and program teams, the intern will assist in preparing for external audits, promoting a culture of accountability, and ensuring that any issues are promptly identified, documented, and resolved. Under the guidance of the Internal Controls and Compliance Coordinator, the intern will help uphold the highest standards of integrity and efficiency across our operations and partnerships.
This internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn, detail-oriented, and committed to making a tangible impact. It offers exposure to the inner workings of a leading humanitarian organization, providing opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, engage with partners, and develop expertise in compliance and audit processes.
SCOPE OF ROLE
- Reports to: Internal Controls and Compliance Coordinator
- Dimensions: Save the Children has been a trusted presence in Kenya since the 1950s, delivering life-changing programs in child protection, education, health, livelihoods, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Our operations span Busia, Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Nairobi, Turkana, and Wajir, with additional reach through local partners across the country. Following global reorganizations in 2012 and 2014, we unified programs from SC UK, SC Canada, SC Finland, and Merlin to create a streamlined operation with approximately 400 staff and an annual budget of around US$32 million.
- Staff directly reporting to this post: None
This role offers a front-row seat to Save the Children’s transformative work in Kenya, providing a dynamic environment to grow professionally while contributing to our mission.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
EXTERNAL AUDIT SUPPORT
As an intern, you will be a key player in ensuring smooth and successful external audits. Under the supervision of the Internal Controls and Compliance Coordinator, you will:
- Collaborate with Awards, Finance, and project management teams to prepare for project audits, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
- Coordinate the end-to-end audit process, including scheduling, document preparation, and, if needed, accompanying auditors to field offices.
- Identify and compile documents requested by auditors, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Communicate audit timelines and requirements to area offices, fostering alignment across teams.
- Facilitate cross-departmental responses to auditor inquiries, including clarifying questioned transactions.
- Support the coordination of entry and exit meetings with auditors to ensure clear communication.
- Assist in archiving and retrieving documents, maintaining organized records for future reference.
- Track audit findings and recommendations, reporting them to the Line Manager for quarterly updates to Senior Management and following up on corrective actions.
- Conduct field office visits to review financial and non-financial processes, ensuring adherence to Save the Children’s regulations.
- Document audit observations and share actionable insights with the Line Manager.
- Review award files, reports, and documentation prior to donor audits, verifying compliance with key requirements.
This work will give you a deep understanding of audit processes and the opportunity to develop skills in coordination, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
DONOR COMPLIANCE
Ensuring compliance with donor regulations is critical to maintaining Save the Children’s reputation and funding. In this role, you will:
- Summarize and distribute donor regulations for Save the Children’s Kenya program and major institutional donors (e.g., USAID, EC, ECHO, DFID, UN bodies) to relevant staff.
- Support training sessions for budget holders, staff, and partners to raise awareness of donor compliance requirements.
- Participate in new award start-up meetings to ensure budget holders understand their compliance obligations from the outset.
- Monitor the program’s adherence to reporting requirements and regulations, flagging any potential issues for resolution.
This area of work will sharpen your ability to interpret complex guidelines and communicate them effectively to diverse stakeholders.
PARTNERSHIP COMPLIANCE
Our partnerships with local organizations are central to our impact. You will:
- Visit field offices and partners to review source documents and processes, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines.
- Document findings and share recommendations with budget holders and the Line Manager to strengthen compliance.
This responsibility will enhance your understanding of partnership dynamics and the importance of collaborative accountability.
INTERNAL SYSTEMS COMPLIANCE
You will support the organization’s internal processes by:
- Keeping operations, finance, and partner teams informed about updates to donor regulations.
- Ensuring document retention practices comply with donor guidelines and are securely stored.
This work will build your expertise in systems management and organizational compliance.
FRAUD AND INVESTIGATION
Under the Line Manager’s supervision, you will:
- Assist in fraud investigation cases, contributing to thorough and discreet resolutions.
This exposure will deepen your understanding of risk management and ethical governance.
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (Our Values in Practice)
At Save the Children, our values guide everything we do. We are looking for candidates who embody:
- Accountability: Takes responsibility for decisions, manages resources efficiently, and holds themselves and others accountable to deliver results while modeling Save the Children’s values.
- Ambition: Sets challenging goals, takes ownership of personal development, and inspires others to share our vision for a better future for children.
- Collaboration: Builds strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and supporters, valuing diversity as a source of strength and fostering an approachable, inclusive environment.
- Creativity: Embraces innovative solutions and is willing to take calculated risks to achieve impact.
- Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards in all actions.
These values will shape your experience as an intern, guiding your contributions and interactions within our global community.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
To thrive in this role, you should bring:
- A Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance or equivalent (candidates nearing completion of their degree are also encouraged to apply).
- Professional qualifications in Accounting (CPA Part II or ACCA II) are an advantage but not mandatory.
- Basic familiarity with auditing, grants management, or donor compliance is a plus.
- Awareness of compliance regulations for major donors such as USAID, EC, ECHO, DFID, or UN bodies is desirable but not required.
- Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and accounting software.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate effectively.
- Cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
- A results-oriented mindset, with the ability to challenge assumptions and propose improvements.
- The ability to present complex information clearly and compellingly.
- Flexibility to adapt work practices and hours during emergencies, including willingness to travel to field locations (up to 50% of the time).
- Fluency in English (both verbal and written) and basic report-writing skills.
- A commitment to Save the Children’s values and mission.
This internship is ideal for individuals early in their careers who are eager to gain practical experience in a global humanitarian context.
THE ORGANIZATION
Save the Children is a global leader in child-focused humanitarian and development work, employing approximately 25,000 people and operating in over 100 countries. Our programs address the most urgent needs of children affected by crises, as well as those who lack access to quality healthcare, education, and protection. We advocate at the highest levels to ensure children’s rights are recognized and their voices are heard.
By 2030, we aim to achieve three transformative breakthroughs:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday.
- All children have access to quality basic education.
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated.
As an intern, you will be part of this ambitious vision, contributing to work that creates lasting change for children worldwide.
WHY JOIN US?
This internship is more than a job—it’s a chance to make a difference. Here’s why you should apply:
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to programs that transform the lives of vulnerable children in Kenya and beyond.
- Professional Growth: Gain hands-on experience in audit, compliance, and program management, building skills that are highly valued in the humanitarian and development sectors.
- Global Exposure: Work with a diverse, international team and engage with partners across Kenya, broadening your perspective and network.
- Supportive Environment: Receive mentorship from experienced professionals who are invested in your success.
- Career Foundation: Build a strong foundation for a career in finance, compliance, or humanitarian work with a globally respected organization.
HOW TO APPLY
Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage female candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Apply Here
At Save the Children, we believe that every child has the right to a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. As an Internal Controls and Compliance Intern, you will play a critical role in ensuring our programs operate with integrity and efficiency, maximizing our impact for children in need. This is your chance to join a global movement, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to a cause that matters.
Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career with purpose. Apply today and help us build a better future for children.
