Internship Opportunity: Development Economics

Position title: InternDuty station: Uppsala, SwedenType of appointment: InternshipDuration of appointment: 20 weeksEstimated time of start: Spring semester 2027Closing date for application: 8 November CONTEXTThe 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.Under the direct supervision and guidance of Assem Abu Hatab, Senior Researcher, the successful candidate will support research in the broad field of development economics, with opportunities to engage in topics such as food systems and food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, migration and mobility, agricultural sector development, and related sustainable development challenges in African contexts. This internship will contribute to ongoing projects that explore socioeconomic drivers, policy implications, and strategies for resilience in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERNSHIPResearch interns at NAI learn from an interdisciplinary environment which offers interns the opportunity to gain knowledge on the subject area as well as working in a research institution. The research area on Development Economics at NAI investigates how economic structures, policies, and external dynamics influence inclusive growth, poverty reduction, food security, and structural transformation in African countries. It explores the links between economic performance, social welfare, and governance, as well as the evolving role of Africa in the global economy.Key areas of inquiry include:Inclusive and sustainable economic growth and employment creationIncome distribution, inequality, and poverty reduction strategiesTrade, investment, and industrial developmentDigitalization and economic transformation, including the role of digital technologies in productivity, market integration, and innovationClimate change and its economic implicationsFood security, agricultural systems, and rural livelihoods – including how agricultural policies, land use, and innovation shape economic resilience and development outcomesOngoing projects examine, for example, the impacts of global economic shocks on African economies, the role of digital technologies in inclusive growth, and the transformation of food systems in the face of climate change and population growth. INTERNSHIP TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIESAs a Development Economics Intern, you will work closely with NAI researchers and contribute to ongoing projects within this research area. Your tasks may include:Conducting literature reviews and background research on ongoing research projects.Supporting data collection, cleaning, and basic analysis (quantitative or qualitative)Drafting research notes, policy briefs, and research summariesContributing to project management, including communications and documentationAssisting with the dissemination of research findings to policy audiences and the publicPerform other duties as assigned REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSWe are seeking motivated candidates with a strong academic background and a passion for development issues. The ideal candidate will have:Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a master’s programme in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences or another field related to development economics.Residence in Sweden and proximity to Uppsala (compulsory), as the short duration of the internship does not allow for visa sponsorship and on-site presence is required.Familiarity with development economics concepts and debates, particularly in the African contextGood quantitative and analytical skills, and ability to use statistical packages and programming languages (e.g., STATA, SPSS, or R) is an advantage.Good academic writing skills and very good level of oral and written fluency in English.Knowledge in Swedish is meritorious.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment WHAT WE OFFERHands-on experience in a leading research institute focused on African developmentMentorship from senior researchers and exposure to cutting-edge policy debatesOpportunities to publish and present your workNetworking with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countriesThis internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in applied development research and contribute to policy-relevant knowledge production in an international research environment. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONSThis internship is unpaid. NAI does not provide a salary or other financial compensation.Applicants must have secured financial support through CSN or through an arrangement approved by Arbetsförmedlingen for the entire internship period before the internship begins.The internship must either form part of the applicant’s ongoing university studies and be approved by their university, or be approved as a work placement through the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen).In-person attendance at NAI’s office in Uppsala is required. Applicants must have accommodation in Uppsala or within commuting distance arranged before the internship begins and for the full duration of the placement HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are invited to submit their applications, by 8 November 2026 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.