Research interns at NAI gain experience in an interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities to develop subject knowledge and learn how to work within a research institution.
The research area on Development Economics at NAI investigates how economic structures, policies, and external dynamics influence inclusive growth, poverty reduction, 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 creation
Income distribution, inequality, and poverty reduction strategies
Trade, investment, and industrial development
Digitalization and economic transformation, including the role of digital technologies in productivity, market integration, and innovation
Climate change and its economic implications
Food security, agricultural systems, and rural livelihoods – including how agricultural policies, land use, and innovation shape economic resilience and development outcomes
20 weeks of internship
Ongoing 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.
Benefits
Hands-on experience in a leading research institute focused on African development
Mentorship from senior researchers and exposure to cutting-edge policy debates
Opportunities to publish and present your work
Networking with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries
This 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.
Requirements
We are seeking motivated candidates with a strong academic background and a passion for development issues. The ideal candidate will have:
Candidates must be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a Master’s programme in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences, or other related fields.
Candidates must reside in Sweden and be based near Uppsala, as the internship requires on-site presence and the short duration does not allow for visa sponsorship.
Familiarity with development economics concepts and debates, particularly in the African context
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, and ability to use statistical packages and programming languages (e.g., STATA, SPSS, or R) is an advantage.
Strong 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
Method of Application
Click Here to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications are invited to submit their applications through our recruitment system no later than 26 October2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Any questions regarding the internship can be sent to Assem Abu Hatab (assem.abu-hatab@nai.uu.se) or HR-generalist Hanna Björk (hanna.bjork@nai.uu.se).
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: October 26, 2025.