The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is inviting postgraduate students and recent graduates to apply for its Africa research internship programme. The six-month opportunity offers practical experience in environmental research, climate change, natural resources, public health, sustainable urbanisation and communications.
Eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa can receive a KES 50,000 monthly stipend, approximately US$430, for the duration of the internship. Applicants should confirm the current application arrangements directly with SEI.
Background & Job Description
SEI Africa supports research and policy engagement on environmental and development challenges across the continent. Its internship programme is designed to help students and recent graduates develop professional skills through research activities, science-policy processes and fieldwork.
Internships can be applicant-initiated, including work connected to a master’s thesis, or project-based, with defined tasks linked to SEI’s ongoing research.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) |
| Programme | SEI Africa Research Internship |
| Location | SEI Africa, Kenya |
| Duration | Six months |
| Internship periods | January–June and July–December |
| Stipend | KES 50,000 per month for eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Eligible applicants | Master’s students, master’s degree holders and recently graduated students, subject to programme requirements |
| Deadline | Not specified on the supplied page |
| Application method | |
| Application email | info-africa@sei.org |
Tasks
Depending on the selected work area and internship arrangement, interns may contribute to research, communications and policy-related activities.
The programme provides exposure to:
- Energy and climate change research.
- Natural resources and ecosystems.
- Health and environment.
- Sustainable urbanisation.
- Research communication, writing and social media.
- Science-policy processes and fieldwork.
The specific duties depend on the applicant’s interests and the SEI research team’s needs.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants should hold a master’s degree in a field related to SEI’s work or be currently studying a relevant master’s programme. The programme is also presented as an opportunity for recently graduated students.
Applicants should identify their preferred SEI Africa work area and explain their research interests in the application letter.
Experience
Suitable applicants should demonstrate an interest in environmental and development issues and the motivation to gain relevant professional experience.
Candidates must have strong spoken and written English skills. Knowledge of an additional language, particularly French or Portuguese, is an advantage.
SEI gives priority to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additional Information
Internship Duration
The standard internship period is six months, with two annual intake periods: January to June and July to December. Alternative arrangements may be considered through individual discussions with the applicant or SEI research team.
An internship may be extended once for up to six additional months, depending on performance and organisational needs.
Stipend and Benefits
SEI Africa offers applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa a stipend of KES 50,000 per month, approximately US$430, for the internship period.
Applicants from outside Sub-Saharan Africa may also apply but must arrange their own funding and insurance if accepted.
SEI does not provide housing or assistance with finding accommodation. However, the institute states that it will assist selected interns with obtaining a Kenyan visa for the internship period.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email the following documents to info-africa@sei.org:
- Application letter: Maximum two pages, explaining relevant qualifications, preferred internship period, research interests, selected work area and expected achievements.
- Curriculum vitae: Maximum two pages.
- Writing samples: Recent examples may be included if available, but they are not mandatory.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to give a short presentation and attend an interview before the internship period begins. Successful candidates are notified by email.
Apply through the official SEI website: SEI Africa Research Internship Programme.
The supplied vacancy page does not specify a closing date. Applicants should contact SEI Africa directly to confirm current opportunities and upcoming application arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SEI Africa Research Internship paid?
Yes. Eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa can receive KES 50,000 per month for the duration of the internship.
How long does the internship last?
The standard internship lasts six months. An extension of up to six additional months may be possible, depending on performance and organisational needs.
Who can apply?
Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree or be studying towards one. The programme also mentions recently graduated students.
Which research areas are available?
The main areas are energy and climate change, natural resources and ecosystems, health and environment, sustainable urbanisation, and communications.
Does SEI provide accommodation?
No. SEI does not provide housing or help applicants find accommodation.
What documents are required?
Applicants should submit an application letter of no more than two pages and a CV of no more than two pages. Recent writing samples are optional.
What is the application deadline?
The supplied programme page does not state a specific deadline. Applicants should contact info-africa@sei.org to confirm the next intake and application arrangements.
How do I apply?
Email the required documents to info-africa@sei.org and specify your preferred internship period and research area.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This programme may be suitable for postgraduate students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in environmental research and development across Africa. The monthly stipend is a significant benefit for eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa, although accommodation is not provided.
Applicants should clearly explain their research interests, preferred work area and expected learning outcomes. Before applying, confirm the next intake and any current requirements with SEI Africa.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed shares employment, internship and education opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with the Stockholm Environment Institute and do not recruit on its behalf. Applicants should verify eligibility, stipend conditions, application dates and all other requirements through SEI’s official channels.
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