Research Analyst Internship

About the role

The incumbent will provide critical support in designing, executing, and disseminating research initiatives that drive evidence-based decision-making and inform AECF’s programs and strategic initiatives. The role holder will focus on analyzing data, monitoring market trends, and generating insights to enhance AECF’s interventions across sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.

About us

The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 300 million in over 510 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 33 million lives, created over 35,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 838 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.

AECF is headquartered in Kenya, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.

Key Responsibilities

Research and knowledge management

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses on investment trends, impact investing ecosystems, and innovative financing mechanisms aligned with AECF’s thematic focus areas.
• Support the development of research outputs that contribute to AECF’s knowledge management objectives, particularly in advancing solutions for agriculture, renewable energy, and inclusive finance.
• Contribute to implementing knowledge-sharing activities, including drafting briefs, case studies, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support for research and data collection related to financing strategies and private sector development in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Contribute to AECF’s knowledge management initiatives by developing and maintaining a repository of research materials.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with program teams to integrate research findings into program development and execution.
• Build partnerships with research institutions, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Represent AECF at workshops, conferences, and other forums to share research outcomes.

Administrative and logistical support

• Coordinate travel arrangements, venue bookings, and other logistical details to ensure seamless workshops, training sessions, and conference implementation.
• Provide organizational support for AECF-hosted events, including identifying and securing venues, managing event invitations, participant registration, and liaising with speakers and attendees.

Required qualifications, experience and competencies

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in research, data analysis, and impact evaluation, preferably in development programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SPSS, Stata, R, or similar software.
• Strong understanding of development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, with expertise in agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, or gender inclusion being a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex data and insights clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams.

Competency

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in data analysis.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.