Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. In Kenya, WFD promotes inclusive and accountable governance by supporting parliamentary institutions to effectively carry out oversight of public finances and nurturing more open, responsive democratic institutions with increased engagement with civil society. Established in 1992, WFD has supported transitions to democracy in central and Eastern Europe, strengthened multi-party democracies in Africa, Middle East and North Africa and is expanding its work in Asia. For more information, please visit WFD’s website. WFDs work in Kenya is also focused on environmental democracy and anti-corruption work.
Main Purpose of the Placement:
WFD is offering an internship opportunity to expose successful candidates to practical experience in an international development organisation and learn the fundamental principles of programme management within the democracy assistance sector. Working alongside WFD Kenya’s Programme Coordinators, the Intern will:
- Support planning, coordination and convening of various activities including meetings, forums, workshops
- Attend and participate in relevant forums and meetings organised by WFD and partners.
- Assist in the production of meeting minutes and update of activity data on the Evidence and Impact Hub
- Support in the Programme team with social media management including live tweeting of programme activities, dissemination of WFDs newsletters (Global and Africa regional newsletters).
- Contribute to effective communication of WFD’s role, mission and activities to internal and external publics.
- Any other responsibility as may be assigned by the team
Please see below which set out the ‘tasks’ involved, the ‘support and resources’ WFD will make available and the expected ‘learning and development outputs’ for the Programme Assistant Intern.
Knowledge & Experience
- Reporting and researching.
- Parliamentary and Political understanding of the relationship between WFD’s work and international development.
Specific Tasks
- Contribution to programme implementation with a focus on anti-corruption work, parliamentary, and civil society engagement.
- Working with Parliament on environmental democracy issues.
- Communication of WFD’s role, mission and activities to internal and external publics.
Support & Resources
- A conducive environment for learning through coaching and mentorship on the fundamental principles of programme management within the democracy assistance sector.
- Access to WFD Kenya’s reports and programme documentation.
- One-on-one coaching with WFD Kenya’s Programme Coordinators.
- Access to other WFD in-house knowledge and personnel.
Learning & Development Output
- Exposure to a small international development workplace environment.
- Working with leaders from different fields, thus building the candidates own leadership skills.
The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree or final year undergraduate student in Political Science and Public Administration, Environmental Science/Studies, Law or any Social Science discipline from a recognized University.
- Excellent communications skills (oral and written), as well as a critical eye for editing and good grammar. Expertise in social media engagement will be an added advantage.
- Experience and skills in the use of MS Office Suite.
- Strong demonstrable passion and interest and in parliaments and democracy building.
- Highly results driven and seeks to get the most from any opportunity.
- Organisational skills including ability to coordinate several tasks to meet deadlines.
How to apply:
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an updated CV and cover letter explaining your interest in this opportunity and how you meet the criteria detailed above. It would also be good to understand your personal expectations for this placement and what you hope to gain from the experience. Please send application to [email protected] and cc: [email protected]
The deadline for receiving applications is 23:59 (EAT) 16th February 2021.
Within one week of the closing date, shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend a virtual interview.
The appointment will be made on merit based on fair and open competition.
February 08th, 2021
Programme Assistant
Based in Nairobi, Kenya
Length: Up to 12 weeks, commencing mid-February 2021 (specific start date flexible)
Full – time hours: 5 days a week, Monday to Friday.
Expenses: This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, however WFD will provide the intern with reasonable communication costs and expenses.
