Intern - National Development

Job Description

The WFP Kenya Country Office (KCO) implements an Internship Programme designed to deepen understanding of the United Nations by providing practical, hands-on experience within the World Food Programme. The programme offers graduate students an opportunity to gain professional exposure in their respective fields of study and specialization, both within programme areas and across various offices in the country.

The Country Office is now seeking to select Interns for Cohort 3, 2026, for a six-month programme with opportunities in both Field Offices and the Nairobi Office. For Field Office placements, priority will be given to candidates from the surrounding local communities to enhance impact.

Applicants must be Kenyan nationals, recent graduates, and residents of Kenya. Candidates placed in field locations will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation near the respective duty stations. Proficiency in the local language is required for this role to ensure effective communication with stakeholders.

Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated CV and a cover letter for consideration.

Intern - National Development, Nairobi

The National Development Intern will support the work of the Government Engagement & Development Finance Advisor by providing analytical, coordination, and knowledge‑management assistance related to government engagement, policy alignment, and strategic partnerships. The internship is designed as a learning opportunity, offering practical exposure to how WFP engages with national institutions and development partners to support Kenya’s development priorities.

The Intern will provide structured analytical, coordination, and knowledge‑management support that enables the National Development Advisor to operate effectively at senior policy and partnership levels. The intern will undertake research, background analysis, documentation, and preparation of briefing materials, allowing the Advisor to focus on strategic dialogue, sovereign partnership stewardship, and senior‑level engagement. This support is essential to maintain quality, continuity, and institutional memory across complex, multi‑stakeholder engagements while also providing a structured learning opportunity aligned with WFP’s mandate and internship objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Strategic Analysis Support

• Support desk research and analysis of national development policies, strategies, and planning frameworks relevant to WFP’s mandate.
• Assist in tracking government priorities and policy developments of relevance to WFP programmes and partnerships.

Government Engagement and Partnership Support

• Assist in preparation for meetings, missions, and consultations with government institutions and development partners.
• Support documentation of meeting outcomes, action points, and follow‑up items.

Briefings, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

• Assist in drafting background notes, briefing materials, presentations, and internal summaries.
• Support organization and maintenance of reference materials, databases, and engagement trackers.

Communication and Advocacy Support

• Assist in preparing advocacy and communication materials highlighting WFP’s contribution to national development priorities, as appropriate.

Learning and Professional Development

• Participate in learning activities, briefings, and team discussions related to government engagement and development policy.
• Adhere to WFP values, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards at all times.

Expected Outcomes:

• A short policy and strategic analysis note on selected government development priorities relevant to WFP.
• Background notes, briefings, or analytical inputs supporting the Advisor’s engagement work.
• A final internship report summarizing learning outcomes, skills developed, and key contributions.

Qualifications Required:

Education: A recent graduate (within the last 6 months) with a Bachelors in Political Science, Public Administration, International Development, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field

Language: Fluency in Oral and written English.

Computer literacy: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to synthesize information clearly and concisely.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated interest in development policy and government engagement

Experience: Previous internship, research, or volunteer experience in development, policy analysis, or a related field is an advantage.

Duration of Internship: 6 months

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

22 February 2026-23:59-GMT+03:00 East Africa Time (Nairobi)