JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Position Title

Data Research Intern

Job Category

Programme

Duty Station(s)

Nairobi

Seniority Level

Entry Level

ICS Level

Internship

Contract Type

Internship

Contract Level

Internship

Posting Start Date

18-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

02-Dec-2025

Duration

6 months subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

Job Highlight

The Data Research Intern will gain valuable experience supporting the economic analysis and research activities of the APRA Implementation Office. The intern will contribute to the preparation of analytical products, data management, and insights to inform a wide range of APRA activities.

The Intern opportunity has two available positions:

– Local Intern: For Kenyan nationals.

– International Intern: For non-Kenyan nationals, who will be based in Nairobi, Kenya for the duration of the assignment.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Job Specific Context

The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) is an African country-led international partnership that brings together governments and stakeholders working to accelerate the deployment of renewables to enhance energy access, enable green industrialisation, and improve economic and societal resilience. To accelerate and optimize the implementation of APRA on the ground and enhance its operational and programme management capacities, UNOPS/ESAMCO is hosting the APRA Implementation Office. Currently, 10 African and four partner countries are members of APRA, with several international organisations, philanthropies, and others serving as supporting members.

Role Purpose

The Data Research Intern supports the APRA Implementation Office by providing technical assistance in economic analysis, research, and data management. This role encompasses assisting in the preparation of analytical products, conducting research and literature reviews, and contributing to the development of insights to support APRA”s objectives.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Economic research and analysis
2. Data management and visualization
3. Knowledge management
4. Event Support
5. Learning Opportunity

Economic Research and Analysis:

• Gathers and analyzes data from various databases and sources
• Identifies, analyzes, and interprets trends or patterns, to produce trendlines, benchmarks, indices as needed Contribute to the development of concept notes, synthesizing comments, and reviewing meeting packages.

Data Management and Visualization:

• Assist in systematically gathering, organizing, verifying and maintaining data.
• Support the utilization of government reports, international databases, and research to inform and enhance APRA”s database, generate charts and analytical notes for meetings and reports .

Knowledge Dissemination and Reporting:

• Assist in the dissemination of findings, including drafting briefing notes, talking points, and Power Point presentations.
• Support in carrying out regular updates on country profiles and the repository of projects.

Event Support:

• Assist in preparing workshop materials and presentations

Learning Opportunity

This internship offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and gain professional experience within an international development and renewable energy context. The intern will receive hands-on experience in data research by directly contributing to the APRA Implementation Office. Specifically the intern will:

• Master data analysis techniques by developing practical proficiency in gathering, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting data from diverse sources, including government reports, international databases (e.g., UN Comtrade), and academic research, to identify key trends and insights.
• Gain hands-on experience in designing and producing visualizations (charts, graphs, dashboards) to communicate complex data insights to a variety of audiences.
• Develop economic research skills by contributing to literature reviews, data analysis, and the preparation of analytical reports on topics related to renewable energy deployment in Africa.
• Improve knowledge management skills by drafting concise and informative briefing notes, presentations, and reports for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Analytical Skills, Data Collection, Data Validation, Data Visualization, Economic Research, Report Writing

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

• A Minimum First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) , or be enrolled in a postgraduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.
• Degree in Economics, Statistics/Data Science, or Quantitative Public Policy.

Experience Requirements

Desired:

• Knowledge of R or Python, SQL; Excel power user Proficiency in R or Python for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization; experience using UN Comtrade API and handling HS classifications

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.