Nest Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Lab is a research-driven innovation hub dedicated to advancing ethical, inclusive, and Africa-centred artificial intelligence. We work 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, programs, and research activities in the coming year. However, other genders can apply as well.
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-driven innovation, built for Africa by Africans, advances social progress, strengthens institutions, accelerates economic transformation, and enables sustainable development for all communities.
INTERNSHIP ROLES ARE AVAILABLE
Admin & HR Intern
Research Intern I (AI Policy, Governance & Digital Policy)
Research Intern II (Applied AI & Technical Research)
Communications Intern
Finance & Grant Writing Intern
Programmes and Capacity Building Intern
STRUCTURE OF THE INTERNSHIP
Type: Volunteer Internship
Duration: 3–4 months (with possible extension based on performance and organisational needs)
Mode: Fully Remote (Africa-based)
Start Period: January (following selection)
ROLES DESCRIPTION
Admin & Human Resources (HR) Intern
The Admin & HR Intern supports the internal coordination, documentation, and people-management systems of the Lab. This role provides the organisational backbone that enables Nest Africa’s research, innovation, training, and policy engagements to run effectively. The intern will work closely with all units; research, programmes, communications, and finance, gaining a holistic understanding of how an AI research and innovation lab operates.
Key Responsibilities:
Support internal documentation, record-keeping, and filing systems.
Assist recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of interns, volunteers, and collaborators.
Coordinate meeting schedules, 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
The Research Intern I supports policy-oriented and analytical research that advances ethical, inclusive, and Africa-centred AI development. This role is suited for candidates interested in law, public policy, governance, ethics, and innovation ecosystems, and how AI research informs regulation, institutional strengthening, and advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct desk-based research on AI governance frameworks, digital policy, ethics, and innovation ecosystems 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, reports, and background papers
Support documentation of insights from policy dialogues, webinars, workshops, and stakeholder engagements
Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing sessions and research planning meetings
