Nest Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Lab is a research-driven innovation hub dedicated to advancing ethical, inclusive, and Africa-centred artificial intelligence.
We operate at the intersection of AI research, policy, innovation, capacity building, and digital governance, supporting startups, researchers, policymakers, and communities across Africa.
As part of our commitment to women’s participation in technology, research, and leadership, we are recruiting female volunteer interns to support our operations, programmes, and research activities in the coming year. Applicants of other genders are also welcome to apply.
Our Mission
To advance applied AI research, innovation, and capacity building, and to develop inclusive, data-driven technologies that address Africa’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges—while empowering governments, businesses, and communities with ethical, scalable, and locally relevant AI solutions.
Our Vision
An Africa where responsible, inclusive, and locally led AI innovation—built for Africa by Africans—drives social progress, strengthens institutions, accelerates economic transformation, and enables sustainable development for all communities.
Core Values
Innovation | Sustainability | Collaboration | Research | Community-Driven | Social Entrepreneurship | Agency
Internship Overview
- Type: Volunteer Internship
- Mode: Fully Remote (Africa-based)
- Duration: 3–4 months (with possible extension based on performance and organisational needs)
- Start Period: January (following selection)
Available Internship Roles
- Admin & Human Resources (HR) Intern
- Research Intern I – AI Policy, Governance & Digital Policy
- Research Intern II – Applied AI & Technical Research
- Communications Intern
- Finance & Grant Writing Intern
- Programmes & Capacity Building Intern
Role Descriptions
Admin & Human Resources (HR) Intern
The Admin & HR Intern supports internal coordination, documentation, and people-management systems, providing the organisational backbone for the Lab’s research, innovation, training, and policy engagements.
The intern works closely with all units—research, programmes, communications, and finance—gaining holistic exposure to the operations of an AI research and innovation lab.
Key Responsibilities
- Support internal documentation, record-keeping, and filing systems
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of interns, volunteers, and collaborators
- Coordinate meetings, internal communications, and follow-ups
- Maintain team databases, attendance logs, and institutional records
- Support drafting of internal policies, guidelines, and operational reports
Ideal Background: Public Administration, Human Resources, Law, Management, Social Sciences, or related fields.
Research Intern I – AI Policy, Governance & Digital Policy
This role supports policy-oriented and analytical research advancing ethical, inclusive, and Africa-centred AI development. It is ideal for candidates interested in law, governance, ethics, public policy, and innovation ecosystems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct desk research on AI governance frameworks, digital policy, and ethics in Africa
- Review and synthesise academic literature, policy documents, and regulatory instruments
- Support data collection, qualitative analysis, and comparative policy reviews
- Assist in drafting research briefs, policy notes, and reports
- Document insights from policy dialogues, webinars, workshops, and stakeholder engagements
- Contribute to internal research planning and knowledge-sharing sessions
Ideal Background: Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Technology Policy, AI Ethics, or related fields.
Research Intern II – Applied AI & Technical Research
This role supports hands-on, applied AI research, contributing to experimentation, data-driven analysis, and practical AI use cases relevant to African contexts.
It is suited for candidates with technical, coding, or data science experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support applied AI research projects, including data preparation, analysis, and experimentation
- Assist in developing, testing, and documenting AI models, tools, or prototypes
- Conduct technical literature reviews on AI methods and datasets
- Collaborate across teams to translate technical findings into actionable insights
- Document research processes, results, and limitations
- Use research platforms such as GitHub, Google Colab, Hugging Face, or Kaggle
- Participate in multidisciplinary research meetings and technical reviews
Preferred Technical Skills
- Programming (Python, R, SQL, JavaScript)
- Familiarity with ML and data libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Version control (Git/GitHub)
- Working with datasets, APIs, and research platforms
- Strong documentation and reproducibility practices
Ideal Background: Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical disciplines.
Communications Intern
The Communications Intern strengthens visibility, storytelling, and public engagement, translating complex research into clear, engaging narratives and supporting Nest Africa’s digital presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop content for social media, newsletters, and website updates
- Support communications around research outputs, programmes, and events
- Draft announcements, blog posts, and press materials
- Manage content calendars and track engagement metrics
- Document events and organisational activities
Ideal Background: Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or related fields.
Programmes & Capacity Building Intern
This role supports the design, coordination, and delivery of training and capacity-building initiatives that translate research into practical learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Support planning and implementation of training programmes, workshops, and events
- Assist with curriculum development and training materials
- Coordinate logistics and communication with participants and partners
- Support monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of programme outcomes
- Contribute to reports and post-programme learning briefs
Ideal Background: Education, Development Studies, Public Policy, Project Management, Technology Studies, or related fields.
Finance & Grant Writing Intern
This role supports financial sustainability and fundraising efforts, linking budgeting, documentation, and grant development to programme and research design.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with financial documentation and expense tracking
- Support preparation of budgets and financial summaries
- Research funding and grant opportunities
- Assist in drafting grant concept notes and proposals
- Support donor documentation and reporting
Ideal Background: Finance, Economics, Accounting, Development Studies, Public Administration, or related fields.
Internship Benefits & Learning Outcomes (All Roles)
- Hands-on experience in a pan-African AI research and innovation organisation
- Exposure to AI governance, digital policy, and innovation ecosystems
- Development of research, writing, coordination, and professional communication skills
- Mentorship and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Opportunity to contribute to real-world research and policy projects
- Certificate of Completion (subject to satisfactory performance)
Time Commitment
- Minimum of 10 hours per week (approximately 2–3 days weekly)
Eligibility Criteria (All Roles)
Applicants must:
- Be open to all genders (female applicants will be prioritised)
- Be a student or recent graduate in law, social sciences, technology, communications, finance, international relations, or related fields
- Have a strong interest in AI, technology, research, innovation, or digital policy in Africa
- Possess good written and verbal communication skills
- Be self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment
- Be available for the full internship duration
Application Deadline: 25 January 2026