The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a premier institution known for its leadership in medical and public health research, is pleased to invite applications for a competitive and enriching internship opportunity at its Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR). This internship is tailored for recent graduates in the field of nutrition and dietetics who are passionate about contributing to public health and nutrition research in Kenya.
About KEMRI CPHR
KEMRI’s Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR) plays a pivotal role in the development of evidence-based public health interventions and policies in Kenya. The Centre’s activities span a broad array of public health domains, including epidemiology, health systems research, non-communicable diseases, and nutrition science. In keeping with its commitment to nurturing the next generation of health researchers, CPHR has announced a valuable internship opportunity for emerging nutrition professionals.
This internship offers a structured learning environment, exposure to field and desk-based nutrition research, and a hands-on experience in various public health initiatives.
Position Title:
Nutrition Intern – KEMRI CPHR
Internship Type:
Full-time Internship
Duty Station:
Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), Nairobi (unless otherwise communicated)
Number of Vacancies:
1
Application Deadline:
July 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM EAT
Contact for Enquiries:
[email protected]
Detailed Internship Description
As a Nutrition Intern at KEMRI CPHR, you will be embedded in a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing nutrition research and implementation science. This internship is designed to provide recent graduates with both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to real-world challenges and methodologies in the field of nutrition and public health.
The core components of the internship are outlined below:
1. Training in Nutrition Research Methodologies
Interns will undergo structured training and mentorship in nutrition-specific research processes. Key topics and skills include:
- Designing and planning nutrition studies and community assessments.
- Collecting and documenting dietary intake using validated tools and methods.
- Conducting anthropometric assessments to evaluate nutritional status.
- Understanding and applying ethical guidelines and procedures in human nutrition research.
Interns will actively participate in data collection exercises, support field logistics, and contribute to the drafting of study protocols.
2. Data Management and Statistical Analysis
A key aspect of this internship is building competence in handling and interpreting nutrition data. Interns will:
- Learn how to clean and validate raw data for research integrity.
- Gain hands-on experience with data entry tools and basic software for analysis.
- Conduct descriptive analysis and interpret key nutrition indicators.
- Prepare summary reports and graphical presentations of findings.
This training will enhance the intern’s ability to analyze and synthesize data into actionable insights.
3. Community Nutrition and Public Health Programming
Interns will be immersed in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition interventions. Activities will include:
- Participating in the development of community nutrition education tools.
- Engaging in outreach efforts targeting vulnerable populations with key nutrition messages.
- Assisting in the development and review of implementation plans for nutrition programs.
- Contributing to monitoring and evaluation activities through field observations and feedback collection.
Through these tasks, interns will develop a practical understanding of how community-based nutrition programs are executed and monitored for impact.
4. Exposure to Nutrition Surveillance and Policy
This component offers insight into how nutrition data informs policy and programming. Interns will:
- Become familiar with Kenya’s national and county-level nutrition guidelines and frameworks.
- Understand the use of nutrition indicators for decision-making at policy and program levels.
- Support documentation and synthesis of nutrition surveillance data.
- Learn how nutrition surveillance systems function within Kenya’s public health infrastructure.
Interns will also observe how national strategies are aligned with research findings and global health priorities.
5. Event Coordination and Field Operations
Interns will be involved in the operational side of research and public health activities. This includes:
- Organizing and documenting workshops, stakeholder meetings, and training sessions.
- Coordinating logistics for field activities including travel arrangements and equipment preparation.
- Liaising with internal departments to ensure smooth execution of assigned events and duties.
This area of work will help develop the intern’s skills in project management and coordination within a research environment.
6. Additional Duties and Support Tasks
To ensure a well-rounded experience, interns will undertake other relevant tasks assigned by supervisors, such as:
- Supporting administrative and communication tasks within the research unit.
- Contributing to report writing and documentation of project activities.
- Participating in internal review sessions and debriefings.
- Completing a personal quarterly report summarizing acquired knowledge and skills.
Interns are expected to exhibit initiative, adaptability, and professionalism in fulfilling these responsibilities.
Requirements and Attributes
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science in one of the following disciplines:- Food Science and Nutrition
- Foods and Nutrition
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Computer Literacy:
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. - Personal Development Commitment:
Interns must show a willingness to learn, grow professionally, and prepare quarterly progress reports. - Team Collaboration:
Ability to work as part of a diverse and collaborative team. - Organizational and Time Management Skills:
Strong planning and multitasking capabilities to manage different responsibilities effectively. - Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Effective interpersonal interactions and both written and verbal communication. - Detail-Oriented Work Ethic:
A keen eye for detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting. - Flexibility and Adaptability:
Ability to handle various tasks under minimal supervision and adapt to changing work demands.
Important Notes to Applicants
- Only one intern position is available for this opportunity.
- The position is non-renewable and intended for recent graduates seeking work experience.
- Applicants should ensure their contact information is accurate. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via the email and phone number provided in the application.
- All shortlisted candidates must be prepared to present original copies of the following documents during the interview process:
- National Identity Card
- Academic and professional certificates
- University transcripts and testimonials
- Valid Certificate of Good Conduct
- Curriculum Vitae
Application Procedure
All interested candidates must first register an account on the KEMRI application portal. Once registered, follow these steps:
- Log into your account.
- Navigate to the “Vacancies” section.
- View the Nutrition Intern – KEMRI CPHR post.
- Click the button labeled “Apply for this job”.
Ensure all required documents are uploaded, and that your profile is complete before submitting your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deadline for Application:
Sunday, July 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM EAT
For any technical assistance or clarification, contact:
Email: [email protected]
This internship is a unique opportunity for aspiring nutrition professionals to learn, grow, and contribute to Kenya’s public health research landscape. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and structured training, successful interns will gain valuable insights that can shape their future careers in nutrition, public health, or research.
If you are passionate about nutrition science, enthusiastic about making a difference, and meet the requirements outlined above, we encourage you to apply and become part of KEMRI’s mission to improve health and quality of life through research.
