Usawa Agenda runs an internship program that regularly brings interns into all our departments as part of our contribution towards developing skills among youths. The program seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- To contribute to smoothing the transition of the youth from college into the labor market, by narrowing the skills gap. Most new college graduates lack the skills employers need, especially soft skills like professionalism, leadership and effective communication.
- Develop a skills pool for the upcoming civil society groups to draw from when seeking employees as a contribution to the overall CSOs’ strengthening.
- Develop future CSO leaders through early exposure to human rights approaches in addressing the various societal problems that we confront routinely.
- To foster internal leadership skills development among our current employees. As current employees mentor and supervise interns, they gain valuable leadership skills and develop a strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability. This provides great training opportunity for employees who will eventually occupy management positions.
- To harness the knowledge, creativity and experience of the youthful interns for our own internal learning and strategic reflection. Our interns are involved in brainstorming sessions to bring their perspectives to bear on the organization’s framing of the problems we seek to solve.
Interns
We encourage applications from skilled and motivated young people to serve as interns. We are looking for interns who are committed, hard-working, positive, open-minded, reflective and willing to learn.
We seek to find a balance between Kenyan interns and those from other countries. We look for a diversity of interests, backgrounds and experiences. At any one time we expect to host between one and four interns, depending on internal need.
Admission into this program is competitive, open and transparent. Members of disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged to participate.
What we offer
Our internships are normally for three months and can be extended to a maximum of six months. Usawa neither pays nor charges for its internships. It offers an exciting work environment, including a modern office space, lunch and a modest allowance to cover local travel. In some cases, we may be able to reimburse costs of visas and vaccinations.
The intern is wholly responsible for all other expenses, including health insurance, accommodation and incidentals.
How to apply
To apply for an internship, write a letter stating which area of our organization you are interested in working with and why, and when you are available. Attach to the email your CV and two letters of reference.
Your application should be sent to [email protected]. Only complete applications will be considered. Application packages will be shared with Usawa managers to see if there is a fit within the organization. We will respond to you within two weeks on whether there is an opening and an appropriate fit. If there is a fit, the unit manager will start corresponding with you to work out details.
If you haven’t received a response from us within two weeks of sending your application, please let us know.
