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Intern in Development Economics at Nordic Africa Institute

Nordic Africa Institute

Published on October 16, 2026

LocationSweden DeadlineNovember 8, 2026 · OPEN Job typeInternship International applicantsNot specified

About the opportunity

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), established in 1962, is a knowledge hub for collaborative research, documentation, and communication focused on contemporary Africa. Under the direct supervision of Senior Researcher Assem Abu Hatab, the successful candidate will support research in development economics. Key areas include inclusive growth, poverty reduction, food security, climate change adaptation, and migration. The internship offers hands-on experience in applied development research, mentorship from senior researchers, and opportunities to network with academics and policymakers.

Salary and benefits

  • Hands-on experience in a leading research institute focused on African development
  • Mentorship from senior researchers and exposure to cutting-edge policy debates
  • Opportunities to publish and present your work
  • Networking with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries

Who can apply?

  • Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a master's programme in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences, or another field related to development economics.
  • Residence in Sweden and proximity to Uppsala is compulsory as no visa sponsorship is provided.
  • Good quantitative and analytical skills, with familiarity in statistical packages or programming languages (e.g., STATA, SPSS, or R) as an advantage.
  • Good academic writing skills and high oral and written fluency in English; knowledge of Swedish is meritorious.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment.

When to apply

  • Closing date for application: 8 November 2026
  • Estimated start time: Spring semester 2027

How to apply

  • Submit your application by 8 November 2026 referring to the advertisement.
  • Ensure you have secured financial support (such as CSN or an arrangement approved by Arbetsförmedlingen) and housing arranged prior to commencement.

Additional information

  • This internship is unpaid and NAI does not provide a salary or financial compensation.
  • The internship must either form part of the applicant's ongoing university studies and be approved by their university, or be approved as a work placement through Arbetsförmedlingen.
  • In-person attendance at NAI’s office in Uppsala is required.

Our Take on This Opportunity

This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.

You may be a strong fit if…

  • Strong fit for master's students or recent graduates in economics, development studies, or political economy seeking practical research exposure.
  • Ideal for individuals with quantitative and analytical skills who want to contribute to policy-relevant African development projects.
  • Well-suited for candidates already residing in Sweden who are looking to build a professional network within Nordic and African research spaces.

What should you think carefully about?

  • The position is strictly unpaid, meaning applicants must independently secure funding through sources like CSN or Arbetsförmedlingen.
  • On-site presence in Uppsala is mandatory, requiring local residence or commuting distance with pre-arranged accommodation.
  • No visa sponsorship is provided, making local Swedish residency a mandatory prerequisite.

How could this fit your current goals and plans?

This 20-week unpaid research internship provides a structured pathway to gain applied experience in development economics, enhance academic writing and data analysis skills, and establish valuable connections with researchers and policymakers in the Nordic-African network.

Our take

This opportunity is strongly recommended for master's students or graduates based in Sweden who have independent financial support and a keen interest in African development economics. It is unsuitable for applicants requiring relocation without secured funding or visa sponsorship.

Ready to apply?

Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.

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