Remote Internship Opportunities at Nest Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Lab

Job Description

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Nest Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Lab is a research-driven innovation hub advancing ethical, inclusive, and Africa-centred artificial intelligence. The Lab operates at the intersection of AI research, policy, innovation, capacity building, and digital governance, supporting startups, researchers, policymakers, and communities across Africa.

As part of its commitment to expanding women’s participation in technology, research, and leadership, Nest Africa AI Innovation Lab is recruiting female volunteer interns for its upcoming internship cycle. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply.

Internship Type: Volunteer Internship
Mode: Fully Remote (Africa-based)
Duration: 3–4 months (with possible extension based on performance and organisational needs)
Start Period: January 2026
Application Deadline: 25 January 2026

About Nest Africa AI Innovation Lab

Mission
To advance applied AI research, innovation, and capacity building, while developing inclusive, data-driven technologies that address Africa’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

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.

Core Values
Innovation, Sustainability, Collaboration, Research Excellence, Community-Driven Impact, Social Entrepreneurship, Agency

Available Internship Roles

Admin & Human Resources (HR) Intern

Supports internal coordination, documentation, and people-management systems across all organisational units.

Key Responsibilities

• Support documentation, record-keeping, and filing systems
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes
• Coordinate meetings, internal communications, and follow-ups
• Maintain team databases, attendance records, and institutional logs
• Support drafting internal policies and operational reports

Ideal Background: Public Administration, Human Resources, Law, Management, Social Sciences, or related fields.

Research Intern I – AI Policy, Governance & Digital Policy

Supports policy-focused research on ethical and inclusive AI development in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research on AI governance and digital policy
• Review academic literature, policy frameworks, and regulations
• Support qualitative research and comparative policy analysis
• Assist with drafting research briefs, policy notes, and reports
• Document insights from policy events and stakeholder engagements

Ideal Background: Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, AI Ethics, or related fields.

Research Intern II – Applied AI & Technical Research

Supports hands-on applied AI research and experimentation relevant to African contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with data preparation, analysis, and AI experimentation
• Support development and documentation of AI models or prototypes
• Conduct technical literature reviews
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate findings into insights
• Use platforms such as GitHub, Google Colab, Hugging Face, or Kaggle

Preferred Skills
Python, R, SQL, JavaScript, machine learning libraries, Git/GitHub, data handling, reproducible research practices

Ideal Background: Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, Engineering, Information Systems, or related disciplines.

Communications Intern

Strengthens organisational visibility and public engagement through content creation and storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop content for social media, newsletters, and website updates
• Support communications for research outputs and events
• Draft blog posts, announcements, and press materials
• Manage content calendars and track engagement metrics
• Document organisational activities and events

Ideal Background: Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or related fields.

Programmes & Capacity Building Intern

Supports training design and delivery that translates research into practical learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Support planning and coordination of training programmes and workshops
• Assist with curriculum and training materials development
• Coordinate participant communication and logistics
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of programme outcomes

Ideal Background: Education, Development Studies, Public Policy, Project Management, Technology Studies, or related fields.

Finance & Grant Writing Intern

Supports financial documentation, budgeting, and fundraising efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with financial records and expense tracking
• Support budget preparation and financial summaries
• Research funding and grant opportunities
• Assist with drafting grant proposals and donor reports

Ideal Background: Finance, Economics, Accounting, Development Studies, Public Administration, or related fields.

Internship Benefits

• 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 communication skills
• Mentorship from multidisciplinary professionals
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world AI research and policy projects
• Certificate of Completion upon satisfactory performance

Time Commitment

Minimum of 10 hours per week (approximately 2–3 days weekly)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a student or recent graduate in a relevant field
• 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

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: 25 January 2026