Attention: Post-graduate students with an interest in Africa

Closing date for applications: 14 June 2013
Download as PDF (176Kb)

Consultancy Africa Intelligence (CAI), an international web-based research and consultancy firm with an exclusive focus on the African continent, is looking for aspiring researchers and analysts with an interest in Africa to join our internship programme for the second half of 2013 (from 1 July - 31 December 2013). Internship positions are available in all eleven of our Research Units:

1. Africa Watch
2. Asia Dimension
3. Conflict & Terrorism
4. Elections & Democracy
5. Enviro Africa
6. Finance & Economy
7. Gender Issues
8. Industry & Business
9. Optimistic Africa
10. Public Health
11. Rights in Focus

Who should apply?

The CAI internship programme is open to Masters and Doctoral students in applicable fields of study (Economics, International Relations, Journalism, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, etc).

1. have strong writing ability and research skills
2. have relevant experience
3. have an interest in, and a passion for Africa
4. have good time-management skills
5. have a drive to acquire relevant experience and exposure
6. be diligent and reliable

What does the internship involve?

Successful applicants will become involved with one of CAI’s eleven research units OR CAI’s AMM report series, depending on their interest, experience and qualifications. All CAI interns will join an international team of expert analysts and acquire invaluable experience in the research and consultancy fields, developing skills and expertise in Africa-focused analysis, research and consultancy.

Internships with CAI’s eleven research units entail:

1. Researching, monitoring and writing on key issues on Africa - Interns are expected to write a minimum of one 3-5 page discussion paper each month. These papers can cover a wide range of topics related to the interests of the intern and the focus of the relevant research unit. These papers will potentially be published on the CAI website and shared with our content partners, providing excellent exposure and experience for our interns.
2. Assisting with CAI's social networking initiatives -This involves a small amount of time each week uploading diverse material relating to African affairs to CAI's leading social networks, creating discussion topics, and brainstorming about key Africa-related developments.
3. Having the opportunity to contribute to CAI’s blog – CAI has recently launched its very own blog, Africa Interpreted, and successful applicants will be have the opportunity to become involved with this new CAI initiative to deepen their internship experience.

Internships with CAI’s Africa Monthly Monitors (AMMs) entail:

1. Assisting our analysts with research– Interns with the AMMs, titled AMM Associates and acknowledged for their contribution in the AMMs, are paired up with an AMM analyst to assist him/her with research on assigned African countries/regions, topics or themes.
2. Assisting in the development of brief value-adding features and/or graphic content– Interns may also have the opportunity to assist the AMM team with the development of small features and graphic content such as tables, graphs, diagrams etc. for possible inclusion in the AMMs.

The CAI internship is un-remunerated and web-based (i.e. successful applicants are not required to relocate). Interns who perform well during their internship may be (a) given an opportunity to contribute to CAI's tailored research; (b) given an opportunity to become involved as a regional analyst or columnist for the AMM reports; (c) offered an internship extension; and/or (d) offered a position on our consultancy team.

What is expected from CAI interns?

1. Deadlines are critical and non-negotiable. Deadlines assigned by supervisors need to be adhered to. Interested students should therefore consider very carefully whether or not they will have adequate time to commit to the CAI internship on top of their current workload.
2. At CAI we accept only the highest quality of work. Interns are selected based on the fact that we believe they can meet our organisation’s high standards.
3. We therefore expect an intern’s best, and in turn will do our best to assist and support interns in developing their research and writing skills.
4. Interns are expected to be in regular contact with their supervisors via e-mail, and also to check their e-mail regularly. CAI relies heavily on internet-based communication, and it is therefore critical that our team be efficient in this regard, as this efficiency directly impacts on the high standard of our organisation as a whole.

How to apply?

Interested post-graduate students are invited to submit (a) their CV, (b) a brief motivation letter and (c) two examples of previously written work to CAI ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) before 14 June 2013.

Applicants should indicate in their application e-mail which of the two internship opportunities (CAI’s research units and/or the AMM report series) they are applying for. If applying for an internship with one of CAI’s research units, applicants should specify which research unit/s they would like to be considered for.

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered.