The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi is pleased to announce two exciting student internship positions available in Spring 2026, with the program starting on Monday, 26 January 2026. These internships provide a rare and unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the work of the Norwegian foreign service while experiencing first-hand the dynamics of international diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and development engagement in East Africa.
The application deadline is 22 September 2025, and the positions are open to students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.
This is not just an internship—it is a gateway to the world of diplomacy, international cooperation, and hands-on experience in political, economic, and development-related work in one of Africa’s most vibrant capitals. Nairobi is home to several United Nations agencies and plays a critical role in multilateral diplomacy. The Embassy offers interns the opportunity to work at the intersection of Norway’s bilateral cooperation with Kenya, Somalia, and the UN, making this an invaluable experience for motivated students.
Why Intern at the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi?
The internship program has been designed with a twofold purpose:
- To broaden knowledge and understanding of Norway’s foreign service.
- To inspire greater interest among students in diplomacy, international relations, and development cooperation.
As an intern, you will not be confined to one role or department. Instead, you will be exposed to a wide range of tasks, projects, and assignments that mirror the diverse responsibilities of the Embassy. This holistic exposure ensures that you gain practical insights into how diplomacy is conducted on the ground, while also sharpening skills that will serve you in your future academic and professional endeavors.
Internships at the Embassy are highly regarded because of the varied and meaningful nature of the work, which spans political reporting, economic analysis, multilateral cooperation, aid management, communication, and event facilitation.
Student Internship Positions – Job Descriptions
The Embassy is offering two student intern positions for the spring 2026 term. Each position provides comprehensive exposure to Embassy operations and opportunities for direct involvement in Norway’s international engagement in Kenya, Somalia, and with the UN system.
1. General Duties and Responsibilities
The interns will work closely with Embassy staff across multiple departments, contributing to tasks such as:
- Political and Economic Reporting: Gathering, analyzing, and drafting reports on developments in Kenyan, Somali, and regional politics, economics, and international relations. Interns will contribute to internal briefings and external communications that inform Norway’s foreign policy.
- Information and Communication Work: Supporting both internal and external communication, including drafting updates, preparing newsletters, updating websites, and managing the Embassy’s presence on social media platforms.
- Aid and Development Cooperation: Assisting in the management, coordination, and evaluation of development cooperation projects. This may include research on project effectiveness, monitoring reports, and liaising with partner organizations.
- Multilateral Engagement: Supporting Norway’s cooperation with UN agencies based in Nairobi, such as UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UN-Habitat. Interns may assist in preparing briefing documents, attending UN meetings, and drafting summaries.
- Business and Trade Promotion: Supporting activities aimed at promoting Norwegian business interests in Kenya and Somalia. This may involve organizing events, drafting communication material, and conducting sectoral research.
- Events and Visit Facilitation: Helping to organize official visits, conferences, and events hosted or attended by the Embassy. Duties may include logistical coordination, communication with stakeholders, and on-site support.
- Administrative and Consular Support: Assisting with day-to-day administrative tasks, consular inquiries, and record management, providing exposure to the essential backbone of Embassy operations.
2. Special Focus – Strengthening Communication
In addition to general responsibilities, interns will be given special responsibility for strengthening internal and external communication surrounding Norway’s cooperation with Kenya, Somalia, and the UN. This includes:
- Creating and publishing engaging content for online platforms.
- Developing visual and written communication materials to highlight Norway’s diplomatic work.
- Assisting in media relations, as required, to ensure visibility of Embassy initiatives.
Qualifications and Competencies
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the student internship requirements outlined by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is also a strict prerequisite that applicants are Norwegian citizens.
When assessing applications, emphasis will be placed on the following:
- Ongoing higher education in social sciences, economics, or law.
- Demonstrated academic interest in foreign policy and international relations.
- Knowledge of Kenyan and/or Somali politics, culture, and society is a plus.
- Experience or interest in development cooperation and aid management is an advantage.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information.
- Initiative, independence, and the ability to work effectively both in teams and individually.
- Proficiency in social media and online publishing.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in Norwegian.
- Very good English skills (both oral and written).
Internship Duration and Practical Information
- Duration: Six months, beginning 26 January 2026.
- Compensation: The internship is unpaid, but interns will receive a stipend of NOK 15,500 per month.
- Financial Support: The stipend can be supplemented with support from the Norwegian Loan Fund, where eligible.
- Living Arrangements: Interns are expected to cover their own travel and living expenses, including securing suitable accommodation in Nairobi.
- Conditions: Interns should be aware that changes in Norway’s travel advisory for Kenya could affect the viability of the internship program. In such cases, the Embassy may withdraw internship offers, and expenses incurred prior to joining will not be reimbursed.
Selection Process
The Embassy is committed to selecting motivated, qualified, and enthusiastic candidates who demonstrate strong academic and personal attributes. The selection process will include:
- Application Review: All applications will be carefully reviewed for academic relevance, motivation, and demonstrated skills.
- Written Test: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a written test.
- Interview: The most qualified candidates will then be invited for an interview to further assess suitability for the internship.
Benefits of the Internship
Although unpaid, the Embassy internship program offers invaluable benefits that extend well beyond financial considerations. These include:
- Professional Experience: Exposure to the workings of a Norwegian foreign mission.
- International Insight: First-hand experience with Norway’s cooperation with Kenya, Somalia, and UN organizations.
- Skills Development: Opportunities to enhance research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
- Networking: Interaction with diplomats, government officials, and international organizations in Nairobi.
- Career Preparation: Practical preparation for careers in diplomacy, international development, politics, or law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications in Norwegian, including:
- CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- References.
- Documentation from the place of study (transcript, diploma, or official confirmation of enrollment).
All documents should be combined into a single PDF file named after the applicant. Applications must be submitted by email to:
The subject line of the email should read:
“Internship Application Spring 2026”
Applications must be received no later than 22 September 2025.
For inquiries regarding the internship, applicants may contact:
Ministerial Advisor Geir Arne Schei at [email protected]
This is a unique chance to gain unparalleled exposure to international diplomacy and development cooperation in one of Africa’s key diplomatic hubs. If you are a motivated student with a keen interest in foreign policy, don’t miss this opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.
