CID Global Internship Program

1. International Development Workshop: Each year the program starts with an International Development Workshop taught by CID faculty and staff. The aim is to provide students with a fundamental toolkit of analytical and practical skills for international development, providing an overview of some current research questions for development economics and how the faculty approach these questions. Students learn about key current issues in international development and how to work with policy actors internationally. Students will also have a chance to meet their fellow interns, and build a cohort amongst themselves, forming a community we will cultivate throughout the internships. 
2. International Internship: CID connects with the host organization prior to matching interns to understand internship needs and ensure consistent standards about the work product. Together, CID and the host organizations draft internship descriptions to guide students and help with matchmaking. Students will have a field supervisor to help them use the tools learned in the workshop and connect with others in their summer internship cohort as they develop their interests and expertise in international development.  

1. Social Media Content: Interns will submit one social media post for CID’s Twitter and LinkedIn by July 15, 2024. In addition to the written text for the posts, interns should include a photo or short video that can be shared publicly. Interns will include all recommended tagging and hashtags. See a social media post from summer 2023 here.
2. Blog: Interns will submit a first-person narrative blog post by August 31, 2024, describing their experience. The blog should contain at least two photos and should focus on the impact of the summer work, a specific impactful challenge or moment, or how this experience will inform future studies and career. The blog post can be used on the CID website and promoted on CID’s social media channels. If students cannot share their work publicly, please let us know. The blog should not be longer than 750-1,000 words. See a blog from summer 2023 here.  
3. A Collection of High-Resolution Photos: Along with the blog, interns will submit 5-10 high-resolution photos of their internship that CID can use to share their work with supporters and future participants by August 31, 2024. 

Applications for Summer 2025 will open in January 2025 

Internships are either funded by the host organization or students can apply for limited Harvard funding.

Students  may need to complete pre-departure requirements set forth by Harvard and may also have to complete additional documentation required by your host organization.   

Students will be responsible for booking their own travel and accommodations, as well as obtaining the necessary visa for travel. CID will be able to answer questions about this process.   

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 4-6 undergraduate or graduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Bangalore, India, or Agastya campus creativity lab located 120kms from Bangalore
Preferred Qualifications: Curiosity, initiative and adaptability; Interpersonal and interviewing skills; Ability to build and analyze data; Ability to offer creative actionable recommendations; Social media / digital communication and marketing skills; Familiarity and interest in sustainability / climate change; ability to develop frameworks and strategies; exposure to STEM education

In your personal statement, include what difference you believe you can make to Agastya. 

Open to Harvard undergraduates and graduate students

Organization Description

Agastya’s Vision is to create an India of "creators, tinkerers, solution seekers and leaders who are humane, anchored and connected. Agastya’s Mission is to spark curiosity (Aah!), nurture creativity (Aha!), and instill confidence (Ha! Ha!) and caring in economically disadvantaged children, government school teachers and communities through experiential hands-on science and arts education and teacher training via scalable and sustainable methods.  

Founded in April 1999, Agastya International Foundation is a charitable education trust that runs one of the world's largest mobile hands-on science education programs for economically disadvantaged children and teachers. Through all its programs, Agastya has reached over 20 million children and 300,000 teachers in 22 states across India. Following the Covid-19 crisis Agastya has launched blended learning programs that integrate online/digital learning with physical learning at scale. By making practical, hands-on science education accessible to rural government schools, Agastya aims to transform the thinking of underserved and under-resourced children and teachers through its many flagship programs. Agastya Vision 2.0 plans to impact 100 million children and 1 million teachers in the next 10 years through its various innovative programs. Please refer to the following websites for detailed information on what we do. 

• www.agastya.org
• www.agastyausa.org
• www.myagastya.education

Professors, Scientists & Senior Executives from various Educational Institutions & Corporations across the globe visit Agastya Creative Campus to learn & impart creative knowledge. Please refer to the following links:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3P_VGIyDD4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdMwhH3l2qQ
• https://youtu.be/GRtlDQViEFE

Internship Responsibilities

The following opportunities are an initial set of projects. Other projects can be identified and explored based on the candidate’s skillset and interests in alignment with Agastya’s vision and mission. 

1. Impact assessment of Teacher Training: As part of our vision/mission, we engage with 6000-8000 teachers on capacity building & train them for a week on Agastya’s transformative hands-on learning pedagogy. Interns are expected to establish and document an executable process for measuring and assessing the impact of Agastya’s Teacher Training program on teachers and, through them, students and community. 
2. Alignment of Agastya programs with NEP-2020 (National Educational policy) requirements: Interns are expected to align/map the competencies achieved through Agastya’s interventions through various programs against NEP-2020. Interns should have some prior understanding of NCF/SC (National curriculum framework for school education) guideline.
3. Implementation/certification of “net zero carbon foot print” in Agastya: As part of our operational delivery strategy to meet our vision/mission, we use vans, buses; motorbikes across 22 states of India, thus contributing to carbon emission. We have a 172-acre ecology campus where we have developed green belts with thousands of trees, fauna and flora to neutralize carbon emissions to support sustainable development. A previous Harvard student worked on developing strategy & framework in terms of data collection for two months. That information will be shared and interns are expected to take the reference of previous study and then develop a strategy & framework to implement the certification process for Agastya as a “net zero_ carbon food print” organization.  
4. Implementation of enterprise application software: Agastya has large operations to meet country-wide needs. To meet the internal efficiency and also donor expectations most of the operations are automated on software applications. Agastya is planning to implement enterprise-wide software to meet the requirements of accounting/finance/reporting, supply chain, procurement, HR/payroll and asset management functions. Interns are expected to perform requirement analysis, product configuration, testing and training. 
5. Improving/ Recreating STEM models: Agastya International Foundation as part of its transformative education system to spark curiosity, nurture creativity & instill confidence in economically disadvantaged school children, uses experiential learning as the primary means. Every science concept from Chemistry, physics & biology disciplines are explained through models and experiments. All our programs that cater to children from 5th standard to 10 standard & school teachers have hundreds of models.  Interns are expected to: revisit the existing models, renovate/ recreate new models to improve the impact on learning and efficiency in model making by the end beneficiary, conceptualize and create new STEM models along with activities and projects, create content including multimedia for Agastya “virtual school” programs.
6. Impact Assessment framework: Agastya has an impact assessment process in place to measure the impact of its interventions. We would like to develop a framework to measure the impact of all the major programs that Agastya operates, which will help Agastya to fully/better understand Agastya’s social impact and present a compelling case to Agastya stakeholders. Interns are expected to revisit the existing processes & create an impact assessment frame work for various programs including the concepts such as social return on Investment (SROI) with clear Metrics for measurement.

Responsibilities:

Interns will report to the respective functional head at Agastya. Work will consist of data gathering and analysis, meetings with stakeholders (teachers, field staff, students), surveys and brainstorming. Deliverables will include specific actionable data and recommendations.  

An example (Impact Assessment of Teacher Training): What changes does Agastya need to make to its training to improve its impact on teaching practices? What percentage of government schoolteachers trained by Agastya implement its pedagogy in their classrooms? What quantifiable metrics should Agastya use to track and monitor the effectiveness of its teacher training programs? 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 1-2 undergraduate or graduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Remote with the opportunity to visit the office in Tokyo, Japan
Preferred Qualifications:  Excellent English language and communication skills especially using email; knowledge in the sector is not required (as research work will be produced by experts), only an interest in the topic; Major in economics or public policy. 

In your personal statement, indicate general interest in issues related to the economic and financial development in Asia and the Pacific. 

Open to Harvard undergraduate and HKS graduate students

Organization Description

ADBI is the Tokyo-based think tank of the Asian Development Bank, which supports a multilateral development bank for Asia and the Pacific. ADBI conducts evidence-based policy research and capacity building and training programs for eliminating poverty and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across the region. 

ADBI conducts high-level research on issues with strategic implications for development thinking and policy making in Asia and the Pacific. 

Research activities include hosting presentations by distinguished experts, organizing regional and international seminars and conferences to contribute to the development policy debate, and publishing books and papers that help to identify effective development strategies and improve the capacity for sound development in the region. 

Selected topics are based on ADB’s priority sectors and themes, an annual needs survey, and inputs from regional policy makers and partners. 

Internship Responsibilities

We have several projects that the intern(s) can choose from: 

1. Guidelines for transit-oriented development and land value capture in station development: Exploring the dynamic landscape of urban development, this research initiative delves into the intricate process of transit-oriented development and land value capture in the context of station development. The core focus lies in deciphering the complex interplay of stakeholders’ interests, jurisdictional authority, and institutional allocation. This research focuses on the fundamental questions of “Whose land, whose authority, whose jurisdiction, and who will do what?” when it comes to station area development. These aspects stand as pivotal challenges, particularly in countries like India and Thailand that need to push for private sector involvement. By untangling these complexities, the project will pave the way for aligning diverse stakeholders’ interests, ultimately fostering the realization of theoretical spillover effects associated with transit-oriented development and land value capture. The research will provide actionable insights for sustainable, inclusive, and effective station development paradigms for countries implementing megaprojects such as high-speed railways.
2. Exploring modular integrated construction for developing countries’ infrastructure needs: This research venture delves into the innovative realm of modular integrated construction (MIC), presenting a potential solution to address the pressing infrastructure demand in developing countries with strong infrastructure needs. By focusing on key elements such as off-site preassembly, paralyzed systems, and modular building techniques, MIC emerges as a viable, safe, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to conventional on-site construction practices. A remarkable time-saving potential of 25%–50% further underscores its significance. The central inquiry of this research revolves around whether MIC holds the potential to address infrastructure deficits effectively in developing nations. To this end, the project investigates the requisite framework, policy considerations, and capacity-building prerequisites. 
3. Urban development, city transport, and management in developing Asia: This edited book proposal focuses on the crucial challenges of urban development, city transport, and management in developing Asian cities. The rapid urbanization in the region necessitates comprehensive strategies for sustainable growth and improved quality of life. The book aims to provide multidisciplinary insights and innovative solutions by exploring topics such as infrastructure, efficient transportation systems, sustainable urban planning, and community engagement. It aims to present case studies and best practices to address diverse urbanization challenges, emphasizing collaboration between governments, urban planners, and communities. The book’s anticipated outcomes include comprehensive insights, innovative solutions, policy implications, and the stimulation of further research, with the goal of shaping resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable urban landscapes in developing Asian cities.

The kind of work will be literature review, data analysis, or writing of policy briefs and organization of workshop/conferences related to the above projects. Interns will be responsible for: Conducting literature review and summarizing key takeaways. Editorial work on literature, if needed.

Organization of conference/workshop, if timing works.

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 3 graduate students
Dates: at least 8 weeks, between May-August 
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Preferred Qualifications: Currently studying or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, IT, Management, Finance, Public Policy, Statistics, or others; Passion for social research and learning more about it; Interested in research/program design and/or evaluation, including the design and execution of surveys, management of data collection methods

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

CERP is a leading independent social impact organization focused on improving decision making through rigorous research, advanced analytics, capacity building, data collection and advisory services. CERP’s mission is to deepen the culture of evidence across public and private sectors, inspire innovation, drive impact and improve lives. 

Internship Responsibilities

Based on student interests and project requirements, students will be matched to / placed within different projects and research programs at CERP. 

CERP Research houses research and evaluation projects, specializing in Randomized Controlled Trials, working on a variety of themes such as education, health, labor market and employment, skills training, agriculture, gender issues, transport and urban planning, taxation, provision of public goods and services, to name a few. Projects are led by international and Pakistani academics and policy experts from world renowned institutes specializing in research and impact evaluation design, data collection, intervention, implementation, rigorous analysis of results, and effective dissemination of findings. It also houses the Research Development Unit which develops new and existing research and evaluation projects with assistance on fundraising, connecting potential researchers, local partners, and funders, advising on project management, and conduct research operations. Below are some of the research projects: 

Women's Mobility Program: A large-scale evaluation study of the barriers to women’s labor force participation, and how they impact jobseekers and employers in the labor market. 

Infant Feeding Project: The project will develop and user-test an innovative mobile health application to provide decision-making support and educational tools through training to Community Health Workers (CHW) serving in rural communities to adopt WHO-recommended breastfeeding practices and improve infant health. 

Education Program: The LEAPS project is a longitudinal study aimed at exploring the educational landscape of Pakistan and providing a framework for an evidence-based debate about education performance and policy in Pakistan. 

World Bank Food Insecurity Survey: CERP’s Survey Unit conducted Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) across the city of Karachi to ascertain COVID-19’s impact on food, health and income security. 

Verticals of CERP: 

Analytics: Empowers organisations to effectively use data to make better decisions 

Advisory: Translates evidence and insights into actions. 

Learning Hub: Customizes and delivers evidence-based training to a wide spectrum of audience 

Labs: Spearheads technological innovation for social impact 

Survey: Collects data using cutting-edge practices to ensure quality accuracy and reliability. 

Expected work from projects: Data Analysis; Write Research Summaries; Field Research (depends upon the project); Data cleaning and preparation of a survey dataset 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 4 graduate students 
Dates: 8 weeks, between May and August
Location: Barranquilla/ Cartagena, Colombia 
Preferred Qualifications: The intern should be familiar with working with diverse forms of quantitative and qualitative data. Capacity to communicate and work with local communities is essential to the project and therefore knowledge of Spanish language is preferred but not mandatory. As the intern will be working within the Department of Urban Development, we encourage applications from students with knowledge or interest in urban issues. Furthermore, sensibility working with vulnerable communities and passion for field work and practical activities is highly desirable from applicants. 

Personal Statement: The work of the Fundacion’s Department of Urban Development promotes an integral approach that intersects the construction of housing and public infrastructure and the implementation of multiple social programs so that the people can rely on a solid platform to develop their life projects. Therefore, in your personal statement, please include:  

1. What is the intern’s interest in working with vulnerable groups in Colombia? 
2. What is the intern’s previous academic or practical experience working in developing contexts? 
3. How can urban infrastructure trigger social development and prosperity? 

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

The Fundación Santo Domingo leads high-impact projects for social transformation in the country through 4 main areas: education, health, environment, and urban development. With more than 150 employees and a wide spectrum of action, the Fundación Santo Domingo is one of the leading social institutions in Colombia. Along its 60-year history, the Fundación has implemented numerous social projects with a special focus in the Caribbean region and more specifically in the cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena. It has also collaborated with the national government and led the introduction of substantial reforms in the sectors of education and environment. Besides its focus on education, health, and environment, the Fundación leads an innovative approach to Urban Development, in which the construction of housing and infrastructure is accomplished with the implementation of social programs that aim to provide a solid platform for people to thrive. 

The Fundación Santo Domingo’s Department of Urban Development focuses on designing and building sustainable urban environments that provide infrastructure and services that promote the communities’ social and economic prosperity. The Fundación leads the development of two masterplans in the cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena, with the potential of building more than 60,000 homes and 740,000 m2 of public space. Alongside the construction of housing and public infrastructure, the Fundación implements numerous social programs with an emphasis on education, healthcare, environment, and community development. To date, the two masterplans are home to more than 45,000 people. Although these communities belong to low-income levels, in the masterplans they find a solid platform with guaranteed access to public services and quality infrastructure to develop their life projects. The Fundación also supports the consolidation of grassroots organizations that promote local economic development and employment opportunities for the masterplans' residents. 

Internship Responsibilities

The masterplans of the Fundación Santo Domingo have been under development for more than 10 years. Along this time, more than 10,000 homes have been built and the projects house more than 45,000 people. Furthermore, more than 16 public facilities, including schools, hospitals, parks, libraries, and cultural centers are now in service and numerous social projects have been implemented to help people thrive. In the implementation of the projects and programs, data has been collected through different tools and in different formats. Therefore, it is of the interest of the Fundación, to collect and organize the data emerging from different sources and find the best ways to analyze it and process it, so it can become a useful tool to take decisions and improve the organization’s work. Furthermore, the end goal of the project is to work with students to use this data to shape recommendations and ideate new projects that can improve the performance and impact of existing projects, as well as create new possibilities to improve the lives of people in the masterplans. In this work, the knowledge of the interns will be essential to give the Fundación’s team a fresh look at the work they are implementing on the ground and to come up with innovative ideas for the future. 

In the first phase of the project, interns will be encouraged to review and understand the programs and projects managed by the Foundation´s team, as well as the tools and methods used to collect data, and the outcome developed indicators. 

In the second phase of the summer project the interns will have the opportunity to do field work with the Fundación’s team to shape recommendations on existing programs and how to measure social impact and ideate new projects and programs that promote inclusive prosperity in the masterplans. Students will also have the possibility and the Fundación’s team support to collect new data if needed to achieve the desired goals. Due to the close relationship the Fundación has with local policymakers, the interns will also have the possibility to provide insights on policies needed to unleash the growth potential at a municipal scale. In this project, the interns will analyze and collect data, work with communities and the Fundación’s team on the ground to improve its projects and programs, and therefore have a meaningful contribution to the organization and the communities in general. 

As described, the Fundación works in a wide spectrum of social topics. Nevertheless, for the summer of 2023 we will encourage projects with a special focus on: 

• Employment and local economic development. 
• Community development. 
• Access to housing and sustainable urban environments. 

The intern will be working on the ground with the Fundación’s Department of Urban Development and with the Analytics team. In the first phase of the project, the intern will be responsible for collecting and analyzing the data collected by the Fundación or data available from private and public sources that can be useful for its development. Data is available in different formats and collected through different tools. It is expected that the intern has the capacity to analyze it and process it in a way that is useful for the development of the second phase of the project. The deliverable of the first phase must contain an analysis of the information that was found in the research phase plus the main takeaway points that can lead to recommendations for existing programs or ideas for new programs. It is also desirable that the intern can comment on how information and data can be collected in the future. 

On the second phase the intern will be working with the community on the ground, to verify and contrast the information analyzed from collected data with the realities of the territory. Together with the Fundación’s team, the intern will take part in workshops and activities in the masterplans that will bring her/him closer to current realities. The intern is expected to write a report of the participation in community activities and put together a presentation with recommendations to improve existing programs and ideas for new programs that can help people thrive. 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 1 graduate student 
Dates: at least 8 weeks, between June - August 
Location: Bangalore, India, or remote 
Preferred Qualifications: An ideal candidate will have 1. Knowledge of and experience with developing optimal operational models; 2. Knowledge of and experience with process improvement; 3. Experience of developing customer segmentation, user personas and stories; 4. Strong documentation and communication skills

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

Good Business Lab (GBL) was founded in 2017 as a research-based start-up by two academics from the University of Michigan and the Head of Organizational Development at Shahi Exports, India's largest apparel exporter. GBL uses rigorous research methods to drive wellbeing outcomes for all workers across various supply chains. They have conducted several rigorous studies that show how a firm's investments in its workers can improve worker welfare while contributing measurably to the bottom line. Through their work, they try to find a common ground between worker wellbeing and business interests. 

This internship is housed at GBL Ventures, a unit of Good Business Lab that develops innovative, user-centered workplace technologies (e.g., in HR technology, Financial technology) for the labor-intensive manufacturing sector. GBL’s vision is to improve the lives of workers by bringing innovative solutions impacting day-to-day processes (e.g., communication between workers and managers) to the fore. Along with building G.R.E.A.T (good, research-based, enabling, accessible, transformative) products, which are backed by rigorous research, they have a culture of care, empathy, and flexibility.  

Internship Responsibilities

The intern will be immersed in a dynamic project focused on the growth and optimization of STITCH, our innovative workforce skill enhancement tool. STITCH specializes in identifying promising candidates and elevating their skills to foster improved working environments and heightened productivity. The digital screening component of STITCH facilitates the identification of top-tier supervisory candidates, while its versatility extends to administering various surveys. 

Our overarching goal is to design and implement an optimal operational model tailored to the specific market segment and user needs. STITCH's unique value proposition lies in its multilingual, individualized training programs that are accessible anytime, anywhere. Users have the flexibility to explore new materials and reinforce existing concepts, ensuring optimal knowledge retention. 

STITCH aims to revolutionize the way organizations approach talent identification, development, and overall workforce improvement. The intern's responsibilities will encompass strategic planning in business and growth, as well as streamlining operational processes to enhance STITCH's market presence and impact. The project will provide an excellent opportunity to contribute to the intersection of technology and human resources, ultimately shaping the future of efficient and effective workforce management. STITCH is currently live in 4 factories for research. Our aim is to scale STITCH with more brands and suppliers in India and abroad in order to impact more workers, and advance the business case for worker wellbeing. 

Responsibilities:  

1. Create and test multiple operational strategies for STITCH implementation in South Asia especially in India to help us ensure highest user and customer satisfaction. 
2. Assist in improving resource allocation for onboarding, trainings, customer success to increase team productivity. 
3. Refine and test the pricing strategy in line with the operational strategies to suit the Indian and South Asian market. 
4. Document and create SOPs for the team to follow in the future. 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 3 – 4 undergraduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Preferred Qualifications: Interns are expected to have a background in economics or a related subject. Skills in quantitative analysis are desirable. Soft skills such as being adaptable to new environments and being able to work in teams are also desirable.

In your personal statement, please include an expression of interest in reasons to work in Indonesia. 

Open to Harvard undergraduate students

Organization Description

Launched on January 26, 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia Bureau of Economic Research (IBER) is a consortium of several faculties of economics and business of top Indonesian state universities and research centers. Inspired by a view of a platform of economist research network for Indonesia, IBER wishes to support quality research in economics for publication in national and international journals by providing intellectual input through high-level professional engagement; building capacity for younger economists; and building a platform to contribute to evidence-based public analysis of key issues for Indonesia and objective policy input. 

Internship Responsibilities:

IBER aims to match interns to projects that fit their interests. Within the internship interview, IBER will assess which areas of research and policy interns are specifically drawn too. IBER will then contact its consortium members to inform them of these interests and assign supervisors whose work best matches these interests. Supervisors will be professors and senior researchers based within universities and think tanks that are members of our consortium. 

Intern’s responsibilities include: Committing to the internship for the full duration, a minimum of 8 weeks; Fulfilling the obligations of the internship to the best of their ability; Completing all internship-related requirements before, during, and after the internship; Completing a post-internship evaluation and feedback on the internship and internship program. 

List of possible duties (will depend on particular project intern will join): Literature reviews on topics/ policies of interest; Statistical analysis of survey data (requires basic skills in statistical analysis, the use of statistical software such as Stata. Interns will be able to ask for guidance and advice from their supervisors on this); Possible interviews with stakeholders (if interns join a project with government stakeholder or community leaders, they might be required to join in interviews and/or FGDs); Writing up an internship report (this could be in short paper form, i.e., 1,500-2,000 words) or presented in a power point presentation. 

The main deliverable for the internship would be the intern’s final report in the form of a power point presentation and an oral presentation with IBER Directors and their supervisors. This will be arranged at the end of their internship. 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 4 undergraduate students 
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Preferred Qualifications: Possess strong academic standing; strong writing skills and fluent in English; interest in policy research and the multi-faceted causes and potential solutions to the issues tackled in this field; and demonstrate strength in qualitative and quantitative research, with an interest in sharpening their existing research competencies and learning other methodologies. 

In your personal statement, please describe your interest in Malaysia/Southeast Asia and why you would like to come to this region. 

Open to Harvard undergraduate students

Organization Description

The Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) carries out research on the pressing issues of the nation. We then recommend policies to improve the well-being of Malaysians based on that research. 

They do all this through: 

• rigorous impartial analysis founded on data;
• convening discussions, amongst those who are relevant, to illuminate understanding of the issues; and 
• being advocates of the knowledge we acquire.

Broadly, KRI’s research agenda are: 1) Growth and structural transformation; 2) Inclusive and sustainable development; 3) Urban and regional development 

More information about our research work is available at krinstitute.org. 

Internship Responsibilities

1. Policy research on Care Economy: This project will work on how Malaysia can accelerate the development of the care industry/economy that serves the needs of all segments of society. It will look at intersectional challenges of care work with issues related to demographic changes/ageing, women, children, people with disabilities, etc. Expected work by intern: Literature review, data analysis, drafting research findings
2. Policy research on digital and technology policy, including a project on artificial intelligence (AI): The AI project will investigate the impact of AI on platform workers and assess sectoral AI adoption and regulations with the aim of developing feasible measures of AI governance in Malaysia. Expected work by intern: Policy review of global AI governance frameworks and regulations, literature review of risk mitigation of AI models, database building, basic statistical analysis, reference management
3. Policy research on green industrialisation/climate finance: Green industrialisation poses a number of additional structural challenges for developing countries, such as sustainable financing and equitable transition whilst achieving sustainable development goals. The policy toolbox for middle-income developing countries, neither rich nor poor, offers an under-explored area of hybrid strategies. Expected work by intern: Assist in literature review, stakeholder engagement, data visualisation, reference management.
4. Policy research on Firm Productivity and Job Quality: A critical area of future research for KRI is the productivity of our firms and the jobs they create. The preliminary plan is to focus on critical sub-sectors and industries of our economy, and to assess firm productivity levels and job quality. Expected work by intern: Lit review, basic data work, preparation of presentations, and other research support as required by the project(s).

Responsibilities – all internships could include the following in addition to the above: 

• Performing library research on specified topics; 
• Tabulating and/or organising collected data into tables or graphs; 
• Processing data from various sources of large data sets using statistical analysis software; 
• Collecting and analysing data using standard statistical techniques such as multiple regression and factor analysis and providing assistance in the preparation of statistical reports and data presentations; 
• Assist in the production of research reports, presentations, articles and other publications; and 
• To undertake any other research-related duties that may be assigned to you. 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 2 undergraduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, sometime between mid-May and August (preference to start in May if possible)
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Preferred Qualifications: Major in economics, public policy, or a closely related field including training in empirical research methods is required; Excellent writing skills; In addition to fluency in English, working proficiency in French is a strong plus; Strong interest in international development or public/social policy demonstrated through coursework, study abroad, or previous internship experience; Excited to learn and enthusiastic about taking on a broad range of assignments.

Open to Harvard undergraduate students

Organization Description

The Morocco Employment Lab (MEL) seeks to create a culture of evidence-based policymaking through rigorous impact evaluations and capacity building in collaboration with a wide range of public and non-governmental organizations. The Lab is led by J-PAL and the Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard University, and based at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Rabat.  

MEL works across four complementary components that contribute to building a culture of evidence-based policy and ensuring that programs are informed by evidence: 

• Identify policy priorities:  MEL works with policymakers to diagnose key policy challenges, especially those compounded by COVID-19, identify data, highlight and prioritize knowledge gaps.
• Build capacity for evidence use: MEL hosts training workshops and events on how to generate and use evidence in policymaking. Tailored trainings are delivered to researchers, civil service trainees, NGOs, and government officials at different levels to create a broad understanding of how evidence can be used in the policy and program design.
• Conduct impact evaluations: Together with its policy partners, MEL co-designs and implements a portfolio of impact evaluations that address the identified policy priority issues.
• Share evidence to inform policy:  MEL disseminates research results to a wide range of stakeholders through a large-scale policy symposium, policy briefs, and online communication channels.

Internship Responsibilities

The exact projects in which the intern(s) will be involved are yet to be defined. 

The intern(s) will be involved with the policy team. Their tasks could include desk reviews, policy writing, assisting the organization of policy events and creating social media content. 

The Policy intern(s)’ responsibilities will include the following: 

• Communications: Assist in the drafting and preparation of materials for MEL’s outreach work, including content development for presentations and social media.
• Policy writing: Write notes that translate research into lessons for policymakers in different social policy sectors such as labor, education, health or social protection. 
• Stakeholder engagement: Participate in initial conversations with prospective partners to identify promising opportunities for randomized evaluations or evidence dissemination activities. Support and attend convenings designed to bring policymakers, practitioners, and researchers together to spur new research or scale-up collaborations and share policy lessons from completed research.
• Event support: Contribute to the organization of policy events in Morocco, such as conferences, policy webinars, and/or trainings.

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 2 graduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Preferred Qualifications: We welcome interns with diverse backgrounds and qualifications to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial internship experience. While we do not have specific course requirements, we value candidates who possess the following:

Cross-Cultural Competence: Given the scope of our initiatives, interns that understand and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives, navigating cultural nuances, and being open to working effectively with individuals from various backgrounds would be valuable. 

Data Analysis and Research Proficiency: Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret and draw insights from complex datasets. Proficiency in relevant research methods and tools, as well as the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations, will contribute significantly to the success of our projects. 

Exemplary Experiences: We would be specially interested in candidates who have demonstrated a profound interest in and engagement with humanitarian work, development, policy advocacy, and community service through coursework, research, or extracurricular activities. 

Positive Attitude: Optimism contributes to a healthy and enjoyable work environment. Interns who approach challenges with a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn from experiences are highly regarded. 

These qualifications are not exhaustive; we recognize each intern's unique strengths. We encourage applicants with varied experiences and perspectives to apply. 

In your personal statement, please include: 

• Why MMF? Describe what attracts you to intern with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation and how its mission aligns with your values and career aspirations. 
• Impactful Learning: Elaborate on how you anticipate this internship will contribute significantly to your learning and personal development. Highlight specific skills, knowledge, or experiences you aim to gain. 
• Global Perspective: Discuss how your past international experiences, if any, have shaped your perspective and prepared you for a cross-cultural work environment. 
• Contribution: Explain the skills and qualities you bring to the position. Provide examples of instances where you've utilised these skills in relevant contexts. 
• Future Goals: Connect the internship experience to your future goals. How do you envision this opportunity influencing your career trajectory and contributing to your long-term aspirations? 

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to impactful humanitarian and developmental initiatives rooted in the enduring legacy of Murtala Ramat Muhammed, a former military head of state of Nigeria. Our multifaceted approach addresses critical areas: education, women's empowerment, humanitarian response, and governance. Collectively, these aim to uplift underserved communities, create positive societal change, and honour the principles of public service. 

Our scholarship programs exemplify our commitment to educational empowerment. By providing deserving students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, with scholarships, we unlock the doors to quality education. Under education, MMF implements initiatives like the Computer for School Program (C4S), Zuba Box technology, teachers' ICT training, Digital Learning Centers, and School Rehabilitation. We have partnered with Sahara Foundation for an all-year-round scholarship program for hundreds of students. This strategic partnership is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and cultivate academic excellence. 

Our dedication to women's empowerment is manifested through comprehensive training programs. MMF catalyses positive transformations in women's lives, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency by covering technical skills, life-building skills, soft skills, business management, financial literacy, and socio-cultural norms. MMF currently collaborates with The Cherie Blair Foundation and Women in Development Enterprise Across Africa (W.I.D.E.A.A.), running annual mentoring programs for women in business and international exchange programs, respectively. 

In times of crisis, we extend our support to communities affected by disasters. From strengthening institutional capacity to managing emergencies to providing essential relief materials, we play a pivotal role in aiding and rebuilding affected regions. MMF has actively engaged in projects such as Covid MedAssist, relief material supply to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), the "Bring Back our Girls" Campaign, and educational support for Chibok and Dapchi Girls in partnership with the Victim Support Fund and TY Danjuma Foundation. 

Our annual MMF lectures serve as a platform for shaping national policies and opinions. By fostering unbiased discussions on topics ranging from education to infrastructure development, these lectures contribute to Nigeria's progress and facilitate valuable networking opportunities. Moreover, they create a conducive environment for mentorship relationships, connecting the experienced and aspiring. 

In the context of the prospective interns they will be fully involved in a community-based immersive program which also covers participating in critical international partnership curating programs, international exchange programs and more, especially in collaboration with our partners: the African Gifted Foundation - For STEM-based scholarships for young girls, Neem Foundation in Abuja, focused on crisis response, and Shining Hope for Communities in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to urban slum development, creating enriching opportunities for immersive learning in our program. 

In essence, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation emerges as a dynamic force contributing to Africa's social, economic, and political development. MMF is not just an organisation but a testament to the enduring impact of visionary leadership and our commitment to service for the greater good. 

Internship Responsibilities

Potential Projects: These projects align with MMF's commitment to holistic development, addressing education, gender, and economic issues in conflict-affected regions. Interns will have the opportunity to collaborate with MMF and Neem Foundation, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in post-conflict settings. 

Project 1: International Exchange Program Enhancement

Objective: Strengthen and expand MMF's international exchange program, focusing on partnerships with Neem Foundation (Abuja) and Shining Hope for Communities (S.H.O.F.C.O.) Kenya.

Tasks: Conduct a comprehensive document and partner-focused review of historical and existing exchange programs and related partners; Develop strategies for targeted collaboration between MMF, Neem Foundation and S.H.O.F.C.O., focusing on potential program beneficiaries; Create engaging content for program promotion and participant recruitment; Establish a framework for evaluating program impact and success.

Project 2: Sustainable Development Impact Assessment with On-Site Exploration

Objective: Assess the long-term impact of MMF's initiatives in the thematic areas of education, women's empowerment, humanitarian response, and governance, with immersive on-site exploration.

Tasks: Conduct a desk review and data analysis of past and ongoing projects; Develop a comprehensive impact assessment framework; Collaborate with relevant teams to gather qualitative and quantitative data; Visit diverse program locations (Lagos, including with the Neem Foundation in Abuja) for on-site exploration and community engagement.

Project 3: Education Access in Post-Crisis Environments with Community Visits

Objective: Investigate the challenges and opportunities in providing quality education in post-crisis environments, drawing insights from MMF's initiatives and partnerships, including community visits.

Tasks: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of educational programs in post-crisis settings; Analyse the impact of MMF's scholarship programs in such contexts; Develop recommendations for improving access to education in these challenging environments; Visit project areas in Lagos and Abuja to engage with local communities and understand the on-the-ground impact.

Additional Responsibilities:

Workforce Integration and Learning Experience: Act as an integral part of the workforce, participating in day-to-day office activities and fostering collaboration with coworkers; Engage in learning opportunities that contribute to personal and professional development within the organisational context.

On-Site Exploration and Community Impact: Participate in partner visits, community impact program areas, and possible visits across Nigeria; Gain firsthand insights into local challenges and contribute to brainstorming discussions for project improvement.

Collaboration with Volunteer Network: Collaborate with the existing volunteer network, actively participating in joint initiatives and leveraging their experiences; Foster a collaborative environment by contributing to discussions and incorporating diverse perspectives.

Project Coordination and Office Participation: Actively participate in project coordination, ensuring alignment with organisational goals; Join brainstorming sessions, contributing a fresh perspective gained from international exposure.

Deliverables Focused on Internship Experience: Office Engagement Report: Document your integration into the office environment, highlighting your contributions and learning experiences. Partner and Community Impact Diary: Capture your experiences during partner visits, community impact program areas, and possible visits across Nigeria. Collaboration Showcase: Develop a presentation or documentation showcasing collaborative efforts with the MMF staff, partner stakeholders and volunteer network, emphasising knowledge exchange. Project Coordination Reflection: Share insights gained from actively participating in project coordination and brainstorming sessions, emphasizing the global-local synergy.

This tailored approach positions the internship as a platform for reciprocal learning, where the intern contributes global insights and MMF and its partners provide valuable contextual knowledge.

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 1-2 graduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Preferred Qualifications: Degrees in Finance, Accounting, Economic, Statistics or Business; Sound quantitative and qualitative analytical skills; Strong numeric skills; Attention to detail; Presentation skills; Computer savvy; Good Interpersonal skills

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

NSIA is an investment institution of the Federation set up to manage funds in excess of budgeted hydrocarbon revenues. We play a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians by building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure, providing stabilisation support in times of economic stress. 

Internship Responsibilities:

Projects are typically around investing in the international market and in key sectors of the Nigerian economy such as Power, Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology, Financial Market Infrastructure, etc. 

Key responsibilities of the intern would include: 

• Conducting research and analysis on prospective transactions to identify financial trends
• Proactively monitoring and reporting portfolio activities
• Providing up-to-date portfolio report to the Team Lead 
• Preparing weekly deal log report 
• Providing support in planning and implementation of exit strategies from projects based on directives 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 3 undergraduate students
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Preferred Qualifications: Students should have taken courses in Economics/Econometrics; good quantitative and analytical skills as well as good communication and writing skills; advanced background in econometrics/data science and/or experience of data analytics and doing research with big data would be a plus; strong interest in the application of behavioral economics/experience in running experiment/RCT would also be a plus; a team player, be able to work independently; Knowledge of the Thai language would be a plus.

Open to Harvard undergraduate students

Organization Description

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has founded the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER) to foster economic research, provide a centralized platform for disseminating high-quality research, and connect researchers with necessary resources. PIER is a quasi-independent institution governed by a board composed of senior BOT officials and distinguished external members.  

PIER’s mission is to produce, coordinate, and maximize the impact of research as follows:  

• Produce in-depth research and support BOT’s conduct of policy in the areas of economics and related fields. 
• Coordinate research and foster academic collaboration by strengthening research networks and pooling resources such as knowledge, data, seminars, and research funding together.  
• Disseminate research and synthesize key findings to the public to raise the prominence of research among policymakers and society at large. 

Internship Responsibilities:

The interns will be assigned to work in one of the three research projects.  

Project I The climate change project: This project entails the research on the impacts of climate change on the macroeconomy and different economic sectors in Thailand as well as the possible climate change adaptation that could be implemented to reduce the climate impacts and risks. The possible scopes of work may include 1) conducting a comprehensive and detailed review of literature on the impacts of climate change on the Thai economy, focusing on agriculture, industrial and tourism sectors, 2) using the climate projection data to guide planning for climate change adaptation, and 3) reviewing and recommending the types of climate finance and technologies that would be key enablers for driving climate change adaptation in Thailand. 

Project II The farmer debt intervention project: This is a long-term collaborative project that works with the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to design and test various sustainable debt solutions to Thai farmers nationwide. The ongoing activities involve 1) using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) to test interventions that nudge farmers to repay loans as well as multi-dimensional interventions for sustainable debt solutions to farmers, 2) using RCT to test financial literacy program that can encourage farmers’ good financial behaviors, 3) understanding the landscape of rural financial institutions and markets and 4) using big farmer data to better understand farmers’ credit risk for more sustainable lending. 

Project III The household finance big data project: We have various administrative data that can be used to reflect financial health, stability, and welfare of Thai households such as 1) loan account data from the National Credit Bureau 2) deposit account data from Deposit Protection Agency merged with the loan data at individual level, 3) transaction data of electronic payments from 5 largest banks. Several research questions can be explored with these data. 

Additionally, the interns will get to experience “Central Banking” through a program designed specifically for them which will include:  

1.  hearing from various departments (e.g., Monetary Policy Group, Financial Markets Group, Financial Institutions Policy Group) within the Bank regarding central bank work and  
2. spending time working at our regional offices for roughly 1-2 weeks 

Duties undertaken by the intern will be those expected of a research assistant namely: Conducting literature review and summarizing research findings; Analysis of data and preparation of presentation materials; Presentation of research/findings at weekly update sessions; Writing of final report regarding findings with regards to the project. 

Internship Details

Internship Opportunities: 1 graduate student
Dates: 8 weeks, between June and August
Location: Washington, D.C. / Remote
Preferred Qualifications: Professional proficiency in spoken and written English; Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams; Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging; Experience conducting descriptive statistical analysis; Experience using statistical analysis software preferred (STATA, SPSS, R, etc.) 

In your personal statement, please describe where you believe you would exhibit strength and what areas will be more of a learning opportunity for you? 

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. 

Save the Children’s Department of Education and Child Protection (DECP) in the International Programs (IP) division is committed to ensuring evidence-based solutions address the underlying causes of marginalization in education and developing insights into the inhibiting factors for child protection. The Research, Evidence and Learning (REL) team in DECP are a team of applied researchers and knowledge professionals that collaboratively generate and disseminate research in education and child protection that bridges the humanitarian and development nexus. We support program colleagues with evidence to inform high-quality programs. The evidence we generate and share drives thought leadership and advocacy in the education and child protection sectors. We are seeking an intern to support the REL team to review and revise learning evaluation toolkits that measure a variety of programs, projects, and special initiatives. 

Internship Responsibilities:

The Research, Evidence, and Learning Intern will assist in generating evidence and applying research to education programs. The role offers the opportunity to combine data analysis and its application into real world development problems. The Research, Evidence, and Learning Intern will work closely with the Advisors, Lead Advisors, and Managing Director of the Research, Evidence, and Learning team to provide support in data management, data analysis and training materials of data collection tools. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative and research skills and an interest in education. As part of this internship, the selected candidate will have the opportunity of choosing a data analysis project with the datasets that the team holds or desk review/literature review of a relevant subject area and present to the Department of Education and Child Protection (DECP). 

Responsibilities

Data management (60%)  

• Data cleaning, merging and preparing for statistical analysis for data collected through the: 
  • Holistic Assessment of Learning and Development Outcomes (HALDO)  
  • International Social and Emotional Learning Assessment (ISELA) 
  • Other measurement tools as time permits 
• Reviewing data quality and making recommendations to data collection teams.
• Carrying out descriptive statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Supporting the implementation of evidence and data management strategy across the DECP team. 
• Support data curation needed for the global learning outcomes database across the Save the Children movement. 

Implementation tools (40%)  

• Review existing training materials of ISELA, the Holistic Assessment for Learning, and the Holistic Assessment of Learning and Development Outcomes (HALDO) to adapt previous efforts to current needs. 
• Solicit and consolidate feedback on toolkits from key staff, validating toolkits with relevant Country Office research and evaluation leads.  
• Support document drafting and preparation. 

Support other special projects and initiatives related to learning evaluation. 

Internship Details

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 

Internship Opportunities: 2 - 3 graduate students
Dates: 8 - 12 weeks, between May and August
Location: Paris Headquarters, one of the UNESCO Regional offices, or a UNESCO field office.
Preferred Qualifications: Current graduate students; In addition to an excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English, another United Nations official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) may be a requirement depending on the location of the internship (Language requirements or preferences will be communicated based on the specificities of the proposed assignments); demonstrate an understanding of the work of the United Nations, and of UNESCO in particular; have an understanding of working in a highly multi-cultural environment; demonstrate alignment with the four core values and abilities in the seven core competencies of the  UNESCO Competency Framework which articulates standards of behaviours and performance for the Organization.

Open to Harvard graduate students

Organization Description

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. 

Internship Responsibilities:

Projects are being identified and further details will be communicated at a later stage in the process. Internship assignments within UNESCO are varied and may include assisting in and contributing to any of the following:  

• carrying out research and compiling background information 
• analysing and presenting data  
• implementing projects or programmes 
• monitoring & evaluating projects and programmes 
• drafting communications for internal and/or external stakeholders 
• organising events, workshops, training sessions and conferences 

Depending on the nature of the programme/project, the duties may include: 

• Contributing to the preparation of documents, reports, work plans and communication content including briefings, project documents, talking points, speeches and online content. 
• Assisting in conducting research, and drafting and preparing materials pertaining to the implementation of UNESCO’s programmes and projects.  
• Sourcing, compiling, analysing and presenting data.
• Assisting with the planning and implementation of meetings, training workshops, events, webinars and conferences organized by UNESCO for internal and/or external participants.  
• Assisting in building and maintaining working relationships with other entities within UNESCO, the UN system, and with donors and partners outside the Organization.