Research Intern

Job Title: Research Intern
Cluster: Research
Salary: USD 600 Per Month (Stipend)
Contract Type: Part-Time, 12 Month Internship Contract
Location: Remote
Reports to: Head of Research and Analysis
Direct Reports: None

Role Overview:

The Research Intern will conduct desk research and interviews and produce text to feed into articles for publication on the CIVICUS Lens platform and into the State of Civil Society Report and thematic reports. Through this work, the intern will gain research experience and deepen their knowledge of trends pertaining civil society.

Areas of Responsibilities
Research

• Review literature and gather information relevant to research projects.
• Identify and contact potential interviewees.
• Conduct, transcribe and edit interviews.
• Produce text to feed into research reports and other publications.

Publication and dissemination

• Assist with editing various research inputs and outputs.
• Help develop and coordinate research dissemination and follow-up activities.
• Translate interviews or other short texts (if applicable).

Social Media

• Create content for social media.
• Develop visuals and graphics to accompany research outputs.
• Publish updates of reports, interviews and op-ed pieces on social media.

Other

• Attend team meetings and contribute to team discussions.
• Facilitate interviewees joining as CIVICUS members.
• Undertake other tasks as reasonably required within the scope of the job.
• Demonstrate CIVICUS values and principles in all their professional relationships and any interactions that may reflect on CIVICUS.

Person Specification

Education and Language

• Degree in any of the social sciences or other relevant field, or to be near completion of studies towards such degree.
• Oral and written fluency in English.

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience

• Excellent writing skills.
• Experience with MS Office.
• Strong interest in working in the field of civil society.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly the ability to build rapport with youth activists and interviewees.
• Inclination and ability to work as part of a diverse, multicultural virtual team.
• Ability to work independently and deliver within deadlines and with high attention to detail.
• Commitment to CIVICUS’ vision, mission, values and ways of working.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of social science research methodologies, particularly qualitative interviewing techniques.
• Research experience.
• Familiarity with civil society issues.
• Experience in developing social media content.
• Experience using Canva, Piktochart, Flourish and other design/data visualisation software.
• Additional languages (French and/or Spanish preferred).

The closing deadline for applications is on the 18th of May 2026 at 11:59pm SAST. Application instructions: Applicants are advised not to use autofill when completing the application form for this job. To avoid errors, please fill out the form manually without using autofill.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the next steps. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.

CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.