Internship Programme

Project/ Programme All IGAD Programmes
Duty Station IGAD Member States
Duration of Internship Three months non-renewal
Deadline for Applications: 30th April 2025

Introduction

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a Regional Economic Community (REC) comprised of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda established for the purpose of regional economic integration and joint efforts toward peace, security, and prosperity.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was established in 1996 to supersede the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) which was founded in 1986 to mitigate the effects of the recurring severe droughts and other natural disasters that resulted in widespread famine, ecological degradation and economic hardship in the region. The establishment of IGAD as driven by a vision of advancing a strong regional identity, ensuring peace, and creating a secure environment where poverty is alleviated through sustainable and effective development programs.

Accordingly, the IGAD Secretariat, as the executive body, is entrusted with the responsibility of creating a resilient, peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region where citizens enjoy a high quality of life. The mission focuses on promoting regional cooperation and integration to enhance Member States’ efforts in achieving peace, security, and prosperity. The overarching goal of IGAD to drive transformation towards sustainable development, resilience, and stability within the IGAD region, with a theme of building transformative regional capacities for long-term growth and development.

IGAD seeks to achieve this through the promotion of regional cooperation and programmes that add value to Member States’ efforts for peace and sustainable development. Contributing toward the fulfilment of its mandate and mission, IGAD is committed to promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity across its work streams.

To further this, IGAD with support from the Government of Japan, seeks to provide strategic placements for emerging leaders across IGAD institutions, national governments, and regional organizations, providing hands-on experience in leadership and decision-making. Each intern receives comprehensive support including, training materials, and professional development opportunities for a maximum of a 3-month period. The placements are designed to build practical skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding and regional integration through direct institutional experience.

Purpose of Internship

Through a conducive training and career development environment, IGAD is seeking to place 14 young professionals (2) per country who are interested in advancing gender equality in different fields of their careers.

The Internship Programme is a learning opportunity aimed at attracting talented young women and men who are strongly motivated to share their new perspectives and innovative ideas in IGAD.

The interns will be attached to IGAD Divisions based on their education qualification. Interns will be based at IGAD Offices located in their respective home country. The interns will receive on-job training as well as gain practical work experience while offering support that will enhance the advancement of gender equality in different fields.

Qualifications, Key Duties and Specific Responsibilities

Qualifications

The interns shall have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a university graduate study (master’s) program with plans to return to school after successful completion of the internship.

Internships opportunities are open to applicants who have not yet acquired professional work experience within a period of less than two years after completing their 2nd degree (master’s programme).

Other Requirements

• Nationality: candidates must be nationals of IGAD Member States
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French language is an added advantage.
• Age: candidates should be aged between 21 and 27 at the start of their internship
• Skills: candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment, have good communication skills and be knowledgeable in the use of basic computer programmes.

Skills

The applicants should be enthusiastic and self-directed, possess excellent time management skills, and capably manage independently the assigned tasks.

Key Duties

During the placement period, the interns shall be expected to provide hands on support in the programme/ project implementation and gender mainstreaming in the area they will be assigned.

Reporting

The interns will report to the Project Manager that will be allocated, who will supervise the day-to-day assignments and evaluation of tasks in collaboration with the IGAD Gender office. At the end of the internship, the interns will be required to submit an internship report.

Renumeration

No salary shall be paid to the interns.

Timeframe and Duty Station

The Internship placement will last for a period three (3) months. Duty station will be country of application with possibility of travelling in the IGAD region.