International Crisis Group's West Africa and Sahel projects are looking for an intern to start in January 2027 to support project directors and analysts in their daily activities. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about conflict analysis and advocacy work and to gain valuable experience in a high-profile international NGO. The role is based in Dakar, Senegal (hybrid) and involves supporting both the Sahel and West Africa projects by following developments in countries across the region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the coastal Gulf of Guinea countries.
The internship suits a candidate with an excellent level of both French and English and a recent undergraduate or graduate degree in international relations, political science or a related field. Internships are available exclusively to students participating in academic or sponsored programs, e.g. students who can integrate the internship into their academic curriculum for credit or who have secured external funding, such as a grant or scholarship.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor political and security-related developments across West Africa and the Sahel via online sources.
- Write daily press roundups on countries covered by the projects.
- Assist in drafting monthly situation reports.
- Assist in research assignments, including conflict data analysis.
- Attend in-person and virtual events and research meetings held by Crisis Group and take written notes.
- Other administrative tasks as required.
Qualifications:
- Good writing, research and organisational skills.
- Good knowledge of international politics related to conflict prevention and demonstrable knowledge of African politics, preferably West Africa/Sahel.
- Previous experience working in/on West Africa or the Sahel an asset.
- Ability to summarise information concisely and clearly.
- Good level of verbal and written English and French required.
- Knowledge of Arabic, Hausa, Bambara, Tamacheq, Fulfulde, Mooré, or Portuguese strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of visualisation tools (QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Tableau) an asset.
- Authorization to undertake an internship in Senegal; Crisis Group is unable to sponsor visas for this role.
If interested, please apply by 16 November 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the application may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the International Crisis Group careers portal by 16 November 2026. Submit your CV and cover letter and answer the additional application questions. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the application may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
https://jobs.crisisgroup.org/o/intern-sahel-and-west-africa-projects-3