Key information:
  
Job Title: Various Internship Opportunities in Social Protection
Sector: Social Protection; Governance; International Development; Information and Communication Technology; Planning; Public Financial Management
Position Type: Full time
Duration/Level of Effort: Six months with possible extension to 12 months.
Position Location: Kigali, Rwanda
  
Summary of the project:
Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Montreal, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

Cowater has been contracted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to provide technical support to Rwanda’s social protection sector through the “Exiting Poverty in Rwanda” (EPR) project. A main focus is on influencing the wider policy context for social protection (SP), strengthening systems and building capacity and building long-term sustainability.

Cowater’s Technical Assistance (TA) Facility has been designed to support the effective implementation of its Social Protection Sector Strategic Plan (SP-SSP) and ultimately a strengthened national social protection system. To do so, the TA Facility provides technical expertise and capacity building to the Government of Rwanda, specifically the Ministry of Local Governments (MINALOC) and the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and supports the delivery of FCDO’s EPR programme.

The TA Facility invites applications for six internship positions within this programme to develop capacity in social protection and related areas. These internships aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience, empowering recent graduates to launch their professional careers while contributing to the critical work of the social protection sector.
  
The Internship Programme
  
This full-time internship is designed for recent graduates (those who have graduated within the last 12 months) with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The internship will be up to 12 months, providing a comprehensive learning experience, mentorship, and structured training in both professional and technical skills linked to the Social Protection sector.
  
Successful candidates will engage in meaningful assignments that strengthen their expertise and prepare them for future employment opportunities.
  
Internship positions:
  

1. Social Protection Interns (2 Positions)
• Responsibilities: Conduct research on social protection topics such as Categorical and Shock Responsive Social Protection and support ongoing initiatives, including the Graduation programming. Participate in meetings as require.
• Preferred Background: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Sociology, or other related fields.
2. IT Interns (2 Positions)
• Responsibilities: Improve IT systems, manage data analysis, and introduce AI-driven tools and development of new applications to enhance social protection programmes. Support the analysis of social protection data.
• Preferred Background: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related disciplines.
3. Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Intern (1 Position)
• Responsibilities: Support planning, governance, management and operational improvements of the social protection sector.
• Preferred Background: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Business Management, Governance, Development Studies, or related fields.
4. Public Financial Management (PFM) Intern (1 Position)
• Responsibilities: Support financial management, and reporting functions, while contributing to data analysis and operational improvements.
• Preferred Background: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related disciplines.

  
  
Key Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in a professional setting aligned with your academic background and career aspirations.
• Access to a structured training programme, including sessions on workplace behaviour, communication skills, technical expertise in the designated area, and job application preparations.
• Mentorship and coaching by global and national experts in the field.

  
The internship will run for 6 months, after which interns will participate in a performance review, the result of which may result in an extension of the internship by an additional 6 months, making a total of 12 months.
  
Deployment Locations:
  
Interns will be placed either within MINALOC or the TA Facility, with potential rotations to other locations based on need.
  
General Qualifications:
  

1. Must have graduated within the last 24 months with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as outlined in the preferred backgrounds for each internship position. 
2. Demonstrated academic excellence (graduation with distinction or above) and enthusiasm for professional growth in the chosen field.
3. To be eligible applicants should not have held paid employment although they may have had previous internships
4. Enthusiastic, committed, prepared to work hard.  
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
6. Applicants must own a laptop to use for work purposes.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic digital tools relevant to the position.

  
Additional Skills for Specific Positions:
  

1. Social Protection Interns:
• Knowledge of social protection concepts such as Graduation programming, Categorical Social Protection, and Shock Responsive approaches.
• Strong research and analytical skills with a focus on policy analysis and program design.
2. IT Interns:
• Experience in programming languages, data management tools, Microsoft Office or AI-driven approaches and application development.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and improving IT systems.
3. Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Interns:
• Familiarity with planning frameworks, monitoring tools, and evaluation methodologies.
• Analytical and organisational skills for supporting governance and operational improvements.
4. Public Financial Management (PFM) Interns:
• Knowledge of financial management principles, accounting practices, and budget analysis.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail for data reporting and analysis.

  
Application process
  
Candidates are encouraged to apply on or before 16 December 2024.
  
Applicants should submit the following:

1. a) one covering letter that links your area of studies to the internship to which you are applying and clearly states why you are the best candidate for the internship, including career aspirations; and,
2. b) one CV that demonstrates your experience.
3. c) a copy of your degree certificate or, if the degree has not been awarded yet, a certificate of scores;

  
 The CV and covering letter should be in Microsoft Word or PDF files, the file names should include the name of the applicant.
  
Selection: For your application to be considered, please follow the link and upload your documents your CV and Covering Letter with the files saved in the following format: Candidate Last Name, First Name – Internship (insert one of the four positions listed above that you are applying to).
  
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
  
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

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