Research Internship

Suvira Africa is hiring Research Interns in Nairobi and Kisumu to support a national research project by helping gather and analyze data, conduct literature reviews, and contribute to reports. This role offers practical experience in policy research and mentorship from seasoned professionals. If you have a degree or are a final-year student with strong analytical skills, we want you. Apply to join Suvira Africa and build your policy research expertise.

Suvira Africa is a leading research-driven NGO and think tank based in Kenya, focused on accelerating business growth, innovation, and economic empowerment across the continent. It serves as a catalyst for development by bridging gaps between technology, law, policy, and entrepreneurship to foster sustainable economic progress.

Vacancy Announcement: Research Intern
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical individual to join Suvira Africa as a Research Intern supporting a national research initiative titled: “The Real Cost of Informality: A Comparative Study of SME Formal and Informal Operations in Kenya.” 

This internship provides an opportunity for young researchers interested in policy, economics, governance, and development research to gain hands-on experience in applied policy research and data-driven analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• The selected interns will support the Research and Policy Execution team in:
• Supporting development and refinement of research tools and survey instruments
• Assisting with field data collection and supervision
• Supporting quantitative and qualitative research activities
• Conducting desk research and literature reviews
• Assisting in data cleaning, coding, and analysis
• Supporting development of the Formal vs Informal Cost Index
• Contributing to drafting research reports and policy briefs
• Supporting preparation of press releases and research communication materials

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or final-year student in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Statistics, Political Science, or related field
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Excellent writing and communication ability
• Familiarity with research tools or survey platforms is an added advantage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong attention to detail and professionalism

Preferred Attributes 

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Ability to work independently and within a research team
• Curiosity, initiative, and a strong problem-solving mindset
• Willingness to conduct field research where necessary

What the Internship Offers:

• Practical experience in national policy research
• Mentorship from experienced policy practitioners
• Exposure to stakeholder engagement and public policy dialogue
• Opportunity to contribute to publication-grade research report

At Suvira Africa, interns work as part of the organization, contributing to multiple initiatives, receiving mentorship, and gaining real professional experience in policy and development practice.

We are not just recruiting for one project; we are building a next-generation team to support ongoing and upcoming initiatives across research, policy engagement, governance, and public discourse in Kenya.