Internship, Africa’s external debt and food security

This internship is open to students currently pursuing a master’s course in Economics, Development Studies, Political Science, or a related field and who lives within daily commuting distance of the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala.

Context

The Nordic Africa Institute, established in 1962, is a knowledge hub for collaborative research, documentation and communication. Guided by an institutional theory of change, NAI strives to be a knowledge-generating, policy informing, collaborative organization that supports a deeper understanding of contemporary African perspectives, challenges and opportunities. We work to co-create knowledge with partners in African and Nordic settings; act as a trusted institutional bridge spanning African and Nordic perspectives; and contribute a wealth of high-quality insights on contemporary Africa. More specifically, we conduct research and generate knowledge on contemporary Africa and we co-create knowledge with our Nordic and African partners. We give research-based policy advice to offer decision makers a deeper understanding by lifting both African and Nordic perspectives. We also contribute to sustainable development through policy advice to make African and Nordic decision makers work effectively together to improve the equality, dignity and welfare of all.

In order to realize effective policy relevance, the Institute’s research and communication activities aim to generate policy impact in five impact areas: Equality, Social Justice & Inclusion; Governance, Citizenship & Participation; Economy, Employment & Mobility; Climate, Natural Resources & Sustainability; and Peace, Security & Human Rights.

About the project

The project is led by Senior Researcher Assem Abu Hatab, and it aims to investigate the complex relationships between external debt, food security, and broader sustainable development in Africa. The project findings are expected to offer valuable insights to policymakers and practitioners into how debt burdens impact food systems and development trajectories across African countries.

Objective of the internship

Research interns at NAI learn from an interdisciplinary environment which offer interns the opportunity to gain knowledge on the subject area as well as working in a research institution. Under the direction of the project leader, the intern will primarily be focusing on key duties but also get a chance to participate in some institutional activities. This internship program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on critical issues affecting Africa’s development while gaining valuable experience in policy-oriented research, economic analysis, and academic writing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on external debt and food security in Africa.
  • Assist in data collection, cleaning, and analysis using relevant economic and statistical tools.
  • Collaborate with senior researchers to produce high-quality academic and policy-oriented outputs (e.g. manuscripts, policy briefs, and presentations).
  • Assist in organizing and supporting workshops, meetings, and seminars related to the project.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Political Science, or a related field at a Swedish university
  • Strong interest in African development, external debt issues, and food security.
  • Knowledge in data analysis tools and ability to use statistical packages and programming languages (e.g. STATA, SPSS, or R) is desirable.
  • Good research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
  • Prior experience with economic research or policy analysis is an asset but not required.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your interest in the internship and relevant experience, and a sample of your written work (if available). The deadline for applications is 30 November 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Security

We may perform background checks on selected candidates for security purposes.

Duration and Location

The internship is expected to start on January 20th, 2025, and will last for 4 months. It is expected that the successful intern lives locally within daily commuting distance of the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala.

The intern will be based at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala.

Inquiries

Any questions regarding the internship can be sent to project manager Assem Abu Hatab (assem.abu-hatab@nai.uu.se) or HR (hanna.bjork@nai.uu.se).

No Fees:

NAI neither charges a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee) nor requests any information related to bank accounts.

 

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