The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) invites passionate and qualified individuals to apply for the position of Project Communications Intern, a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful peacebuilding efforts in the Karamoja region while gaining valuable professional experience. With a strong global presence in over 35 countries and a respected legacy of humanitarian service since 1956, DRC has established itself as one of the most active and respected protection actors in Kenya.
In Kenya, DRC works closely with displaced persons, host communities, local government structures, and partners to improve protection mechanisms and respond effectively to complex humanitarian and development challenges. The organization’s work spans critical areas including Protection Monitoring, Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, Economic Recovery, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP).
This internship position offers the opportunity to actively support and document the communications aspect of peacebuilding programming, particularly in the Karamoja region, where conflict sensitivity, intercommunity dialogue, and local cohesion remain vital development priorities. The intern will be based at DRC’s Lodwar office and will work under the guidance of experienced professionals while also collaborating with project teams and stakeholders from Kenya and Uganda.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The primary objective of the Project Communications Intern role is to provide communication support for peacebuilding projects that foster social cohesion, conflict resolution, and peaceful coexistence in communities affected by displacement and protracted insecurity. The intern will focus on documentation, content development, visibility, stakeholder engagement, and communication impact monitoring.
Beyond contributing to DRC’s peacebuilding objectives, the internship is structured to build the intern’s professional communication and advocacy competencies in a hands-on, structured, and supportive environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Communications Intern will be assigned a range of tasks that contribute both to program delivery and personal professional development. The responsibilities are divided across six core areas:
1. Support Internal and External Communication
- Assist in managing communication flows within the project team and between DRC and external partners.
- Facilitate timely sharing of project information, including updates, reports, and activity calendars, to internal and external audiences.
- Draft newsletters, press releases, or short stories to enhance awareness of DRC’s peacebuilding initiatives.
2. Enhance Visibility of the Project
- Ensure the consistent use of DRC branding in all communication outputs in accordance with institutional guidelines.
- Take part in organizing visibility campaigns or peace awareness events at the community level.
- Support efforts to amplify project achievements and community voices through visual and written storytelling.
3. Develop Communication Materials
- Create high-quality content, including case stories, photos, infographics, videos, and social media posts that reflect project impact.
- Draft fact sheets, brochures, and digital content showcasing project milestones and community engagement.
- Assist in designing posters, flyers, and other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials used for public awareness.
4. Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement
- Support the planning and documentation of stakeholder meetings, workshops, and community dialogues.
- Collaborate with project officers and partners to collect testimonies, interviews, and feedback from community participants and key actors.
- Help manage project documentation archives and ensure records of engagement are updated and accessible.
5. Monitor and Evaluate Communication Efforts
- Track the reach, engagement, and feedback on various communication products using appropriate monitoring tools.
- Participate in learning activities to assess the effectiveness of project communication strategies.
- Recommend improvements to communication processes and tools based on field observations and feedback.
6. Build the Intern’s Professional Skills
- Learn and practice ethical storytelling, conflict-sensitive messaging, and participatory communication approaches.
- Receive coaching and mentorship from senior staff on communication planning, public speaking, photography, and advocacy writing.
- Attend internal workshops and contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions on communications and peacebuilding themes.
Experience and Technical Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates are expected to demonstrate both academic knowledge and a willingness to learn through practical application. Specific technical competencies required include:
- A background in communications, advocacy, or media with skills in storytelling and photography.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Swahili.
- Familiarity with conflict-sensitive approaches, peacebuilding strategies, or community-based engagement methods.
- Some experience (academic or practical) in program support, advocacy, or communication for development is advantageous.
- Capability to work independently and collaboratively within a multicultural team.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and reporting.
Education Requirements
- A minimum of a Diploma in a relevant field.
- Possession of an undergraduate certificate or professional communication/peacebuilding certificates will be an added advantage.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili is essential.
- Ability to write clearly, express ideas effectively, and interact respectfully with diverse stakeholders.
Key Stakeholders and Working Relationships
The Project Communications Intern will work closely with a variety of stakeholders including:
- DRC colleagues across departments, particularly those involved in peacebuilding and communication.
- County and national government officials, especially those involved in conflict resolution and community development.
- Local authorities and administrative structures in the Karamoja region.
- Cross-border partners based in Kenya and Uganda.
- Community stakeholders, elders, peace committees, women’s groups, youth networks, and other grassroots actors.
- Donor representatives, visiting delegations, and monitoring and evaluation teams.
Desired Personal Attributes
DRC values integrity, respect, and professionalism. The ideal candidate will embody the following core competencies of the organization:
Striving for Excellence: Demonstrates commitment to high performance and accountability in all responsibilities, seeking efficiency without compromising quality.
Collaborating: Works openly and cooperatively with team members and partners, welcoming feedback and supporting joint success.
Taking the Lead: Shows initiative in communication tasks, takes ownership of responsibilities, and demonstrates creativity in developing outreach content.
Communicating: Actively listens to others, expresses ideas clearly, and ensures transparency and accuracy in reporting.
Demonstrating Integrity: Upholds DRC’s ethical standards and acts in accordance with its values of honesty, inclusion, and human dignity.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract Duration: One-year internship, renewable subject to funding availability and performance.
- Remuneration: Monthly stipend provided in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for internship positions.
- Availability: The selected candidate is expected to commence duties in August 2025.
- Location: DRC Lodwar Office, with possible travel to project sites within the Karamoja region.
- Work Environment: A dynamic humanitarian work environment with opportunity for growth, learning, and impactful engagement.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a motivated cover letter detailing their suitability for the position and a current CV via the DRC online application system.
Applications that do not address the specific duties listed in the job description or fail to meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.
Please note:
- All applications must be submitted through the online platform available on www.drc.ngo under the Vacancies section.
- Do not attach recommendation letters.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages.
The application deadline is 23rd July, 2025. Early applications are encouraged due to the competitive nature of the internship program.
Gender Equality and Equal Opportunity Commitment
DRC is committed to gender equality in its hiring processes. In line with its organizational values, female candidates and individuals from minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, DRC promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity. The organization does not discriminate based on age, gender, religion, disability, marital status, ethnicity, or any other protected status.
Ethical Recruitment and Safeguarding
DRC is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals engaged in or affected by its programs. All staff, including interns, are required to adhere to DRC’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding protocols. Comprehensive background checks will be conducted prior to any hiring decision.
To learn more about how DRC promotes ethical conduct and safeguarding in its recruitment and programming, please visit the official website at www.drc.ngo.
If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, refer to the support portal at www.drc.ngo/jobsupport.
This is a rare and valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian communication while contributing to peacebuilding efforts that have lasting impact. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about communications and conflict transformation, we encourage you to apply and be part of DRC’s mission to restore dignity and foster resilience in communities affected by crisis.
