The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) offers a valuable internship opportunity in Development Economics aimed at graduate-level candidates interested in applied research on African socioeconomic challenges. Established in 1962, NAI functions as a collaborative knowledge hub between African and Nordic partners, fostering research, policy advice, and communication to deepen understanding of contemporary African dynamics. The institute focuses on five key impact areas: equality and social justice, governance and citizenship, economic development and employment, climate and sustainability, and peace and human rights. This commitment positions NAI as a vital institution bridging academic knowledge with practical policy-making for sustainable development in Africa.
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The Development Economics internship provides candidates with a rich interdisciplinary environment to engage with ongoing projects addressing pressing economic themes in African development. These include inclusive and sustainable growth, poverty and inequality reduction, industrial development, digital transformation, and the economic implications of climate change. Specific focus areas are food security, agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and resilience strategies against global shocks and demographic pressures. Interns gain hands-on experience supporting research through literature reviews, data handling, policy brief drafting, and project documentation, contributing meaningfully to the generation of policy-relevant knowledge. The 20-week internship is designed to cultivate both subject expertise and practical research skills within an active research institution.
Candidates are expected to be enrolled in or recently graduated from Master’s programs in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences, or related fields. A strong academic grounding in development economics, particularly relevant to Africa, is essential, along with quantitative and analytical abilities. Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, or R is advantageous. Excellent academic writing and fluency in English are required, with knowledge of Swedish considered a merit. Given the internship’s onsite nature and short timeframe, candidates must reside in Sweden near Uppsala, as visa sponsorship is not offered. Beyond technical capabilities, the role demands independence, teamwork, and adaptability in an international setting.
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NAI emphasizes its commitment to equal opportunity, offering a rich mentorship experience led by senior researchers and connections to a broad network of academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and Nordic countries. Interns have the opportunity to publish and present their work, enhancing both academic credentials and real-world policy impact. The internship’s applied focus aligns closely with current debates around African development, digital innovation, climate adaptation, and inclusive policy frameworks. Through this immersive engagement, interns contribute to and benefit from a dynamic knowledge environment with tangible global relevance.
Application procedures require candidates to apply online by October 26, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent steps. NAI strictly prohibits any recruitment fees and cautions against divulging bank or financial information during the process, ensuring ethical and transparent hiring. Interested applicants can reach out to the supervising researcher Assem Abu Hatab or HR-generalist Hanna Björk with questions. Overall, the NAI Development Economics internship stands out as a strategic stepping stone for aspiring researchers looking to influence African development discourse and policy through rigorous, interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. It offers a unique platform blending academic growth with practical policy engagement in one of today’s most vital global regions. This opportunity promises meaningful professional development within a respected institution dedicated to Africa’s sustainable and equitable development future.
Location:
SwedenBenefits
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Hands-on experience working with senior researchers on applied development research.
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Exposure to interdisciplinary projects focused on African economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, climate change, and digital transformation.
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Opportunities to develop research skills such as literature reviews, data analysis, policy brief writing, and project management.
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Mentorship from senior researchers and access to cutting-edge policy debates.
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Networking with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries.
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Opportunities for publishing and presenting research work.
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Being part of a supportive, collaborative research environment focused on sustainable development challenges in Africa.
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Access to the institute’s resources and connections that facilitate professional and academic growth.
Eligibilities
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Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s program in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences, or related fields.
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Candidates must reside in Sweden and be based near Uppsala, as the internship requires on-site presence. Visa sponsorship is not available due to the internship’s short duration.
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Familiarity with development economics concepts, particularly regarding Africa.
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Strong academic writing and communication skills in English.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.
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Additional advantages include experience with statistical software or programming languages like STATA, SPSS, or R.
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Knowledge of the Swedish language and prior research or practical experience related to African development is considered a merit.
Application Process
The application process for the Development Economics internship at the Nordic Africa Institute is as follows:
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Interested candidates must apply through the Nordic Africa Institute’s official recruitment system by October 26, 2025.
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Required application documents typically include a CV, a cover letter outlining interest and relevant experience, and a sample of written work if available.
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.
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For questions, applicants can contact Senior Researcher Assem Abu Hatab or HR Generalist Hanna Björk via email.
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The institute does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
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The internship requires on-site presence in Uppsala, Sweden, so candidates must reside nearby and visa sponsorship is not available due to the short internship duration.
Application Deadline: October 26, 2025 (11 Days Remaining)
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