Intern, Sahel and West Africa Projects

Role:

International Crisis Group’s West Africa and Sahel projects are looking for an intern to start in January 2027 to support their project directors and analysts in their daily activities. Requiring a natural flair for politics and foreign affairs, it is an excellent opportunity for someone to learn about conflict analysis and advocacy work but also to gain valuable experience in a high-profile international NGO.

This internship would suit a candidate with an excellent level in both French and English and a recent undergraduate or graduate degree in international relations, political science or related fields. The ideal candidate is someone seeking to gain experience in a fast-paced, international NGO working to prevent and resolve deadly conflict in the region. Based in Dakar, Senegal, the role will involve supporting both the Sahel and West Africa projects by following developments in countries within the region including but not limited to Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the coastal Gulf of Guinea countries.

Internships are available exclusively to students participating in academic or sponsored programs, e.g. students who can integrate the internship into their academic curriculum for credit or those who have secured external funding, such as a grant or scholarship, to support them during the internship.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring political and security-related developments across West Africa and the Sahel via online sources.

• Writing daily press roundups on countries covered by the projects.

• Assisting in drafting monthly situation reports on countries covered by the projects.

• Assisting in various research assignments, including conflict data analysis.

• Attending in person and virtual events of interest held by International Crisis Group and taking a written note thereof.

• Attending Crisis Group in person and virtual research meetings where possible and taking a written note thereof.

• Other administrative tasks as may be required.

Qualifications include:

• Good writing, research and organisational skills.

• Good knowledge of international politics related to conflict prevention and demonstrable knowledge of African politics, preferably West Africa/Sahel.

• Previous experience working in/on West Africa or the Sahel an asset.

• Ability to summarise information in a concise and clear manner.

• Good level in both verbal and written English and French required.

• Knowledge of Arabic, Hausa, Bambara, Tamacheq, Fulfulde, Mooré, or Portuguese strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of visualisation tools (QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Tableau) an asset.

• Authorization to undertake an internship in Senegal.

If interested, please apply by 16 November 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the application may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.