Intern – Health Team

The Rockefeller Foundation leverages science, innovation, and technology to empower vulnerable families locked out of prosperity to improve their lives and prospects. We invest in solutions in the areas of health, food, power, and economic mobility, and forge partnerships to bring those solutions to scale around the world.

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking an Intern for our Health Team to be based at the Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The internship is open to Kenya-based candidates who combine solid academic credentials with curiosity, creativity, and passion for social impact. We value our Interns and want to invest in and mentor future leaders who will grow personally and professionally and create impact in the philanthropic sector. As an Intern at The Rockefeller Foundation, you will have the chance to contribute to our initiatives through engaging in meaningful work assignments.

The Health Team is working to help communities, especially the most vulnerable, better protect their health from the growing risks of climate change, including heat stress, respiratory illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and water-borne diseases. We take a systems approach that combines timely climate information, strong and coordinated multisectoral local responses, and supportive policies to ensure health services can act early, effectively, and equitably when climate threats arise.

Please Note:

• The internship will run for 3 months (August – October 2025)
• The position will be based in the Nairobi office, and authorization to work in Kenya is required.
• Submission of a cover letter is required.
• This position is open to graduate students only.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Support efforts to improve public health decision-making in the era of climate change through the implementation and strengthening of climate-informed health action.
• Conduct research and analysis of solutions to address the impacts of climate change on human health, particularly challenges impacting the most vulnerable populations.
• “Connect the dots” across multiple workstreams to create strategy and communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Support the execution of meetings and convenings by researching potential invitees, managing invitations, and preparing research briefs and other materials.
• Prepare background and briefing materials to inform strategic engagements and partnerships.
• Support the execution of meetings and convenings by researching potential invitees, managing invitations, and preparing research briefs and other materials.
• Draft grant and contract materials with guidance from program officers, and support project management.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas: public/global health, environmental health/science, public policy, government, international development, health economics or a related field.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills and the ability to research new, potentially unfamiliar topics with limited guidance.
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize evidence from peer-reviewed studies and grey literature.
• Comfort with policy analysis, report writing, and developing briefing notes or slide decks tailored for policy and decision-makers.
• Experience delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous work experience in the nonprofit sector, consulting, research, or business-related field preferred.
• Must be authorized to work in Kenya.
• Must be a collaborative and proactive self-starter.
• Committed to the mission of the Foundation.

Preferred Qualifications

• A basic understanding of human capital development frameworks and their relevance to health, education, and productivity outcomes.
• Familiarity with health system resilience and climate adaptation strategies in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health (MNCH) indicators and vulnerabilities related to climate change, particularly extreme heat impacts on MNCH outcomes.
• Experience or familiarity with socioeconomic impact assessment, especially regarding heat exposure and other climate hazards.
• Familiarity with regional African policy platforms and institutions (e.g., African Union, Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD, regional economic communities) and an understanding of approaches to use evidence effectively to influence these platforms.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bias for Action: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value of, and seeks to learn from, different perspectives; commits to being self-aware and respectful; exhibits accountability, humility, and integrity.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at http://rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn.

As an organization, we focus on six values to advance our culture and continue our success. We are dedicated to being Transparent, Optimistic, Accountable, Collaborative, Trusted, and Equitable. We expect all employees at the Foundation to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.