Imara Leadership Initiative Internships 2026, Apply Now - Imara Leadership Initiative internships
Join the Imara Leadership Initiative Team: Two Paid Internships for Recent Graduates.
Starting a career is hard. Many graduates finish university with strong grades and big ideas, then meet a job market that asks for experience they have not yet had a chance to build. Imara Leadership Initiative (ILI) is offering two paid internships designed to close that gap.
About Imara Leadership Initiative.
ILI is a purpose-driven leadership organisation working to advance ethical, inclusive and transformative leadership across Africa. Its work sits where good governance, gender equality, health, economic empowerment, peacebuilding and climate action meet. It is a young, ambitious, multi-country team, currently operating across Ghana and Tanzania and building leaders and institutions that can drive real change locally, nationally and across the continent.
If you want your first professional role to mean something, this is a team worth knowing.
Opportunity 1: Executive Assistant, CEO's Office (Intern)
Location: Remote (hybrid, must be based in Africa)
Type: Paid Internship
Reports to: CEO
Duration: 3 to 6 months, with potential extension
Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:00 HRS EAT
The role
You will support the daily operation of the CEO's Office and get close exposure to executive administration, mission logistics, protocol and stakeholder engagement. The office moves at the pace of its principal, so expect a fast, confidential, and rewarding environment.
What you will do
• Support domestic and international missions, including itineraries, bookings, accommodation, visas, transfers and travel packs.
• Track travel, procurement, payment and invoice requests so approvals and documents are completed on time.
• Assist with meetings, calendars, agendas, attendance lists and action trackers.
• Maintain contact databases and invitation lists, and support high-level visits, delegations and events.
• Do basic research, prepare mission summaries and administrative reports, and help improve office processes.
Who should apply
• A recent university graduate (graduated between 2023 and 2026)
• A strong academic background, ideally in international relations, diplomacy, communications, public policy, finance or a related field
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and time management
• Strong written and verbal communication and a service mindset
• Discretion, maturity and sound judgement with sensitive information
• Fluent English, with an additional African Union official language strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Opportunity 2: Project Coordinator (Intern)
Location: Remote (hybrid, must be based in the United Republic of Tanzania)
Type: Paid Internship
Reports to: Head of Programmes
Duration: 3 to 6 months, with potential extension
Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:00 HRS EAT
The role
You will help plan, coordinate and document ILI's programmes and projects, gaining practical experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, research, communications, monitoring and reporting. The work touches leadership, youth, women, peace and security, health, climate resilience and civic engagement.
What you will do
• Support workplans, timelines, activity schedules and coordination with teams and partners
• Help deliver meetings, workshops, trainings and events on plan
• Engage partners, government institutions, civil society organisations, youth and women led groups, volunteers and consultants, and keep stakeholder databases current
• Manage logistics, registration, agendas, minutes and action trackers
• Maintain project trackers, verify programme data and write activity summaries and progress updates
• Conduct desk research and help prepare briefs, concept notes and presentations
• Support social media content, newsletters, success stories and event materials
Who should apply
• A recent university graduate (graduated between 2023 and 2026)
• A background in project management, international development, international relations, public policy, political science, social sciences, communications or business administration
• A genuine interest in development, leadership, youth and women empowerment, peace, health, climate resilience or civic engagement
• Strong coordination, time management and attention to detail
• Confident communication and a collaborative style
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and digital collaboration tools; knowledge of project management, CRM or data tools is a plus
• Fluent English, with Swahili strongly preferred
What success looks like
By the end of the internship, ILI expects you to have delivered reliable, high-quality work on time, contributed clearly to real workstreams, and shown initiative, discretion and strong judgement under tight timelines. You will also understand ILI's priorities and the wider leadership and development landscape it works in. Just as important, you leave with practical experience and a stronger foundation for the job market.
How the selection works.
A team of reviewers will assess applications on a rolling basis, so applying early is smart. Strong applicants will be invited to two rounds of interviews after the deadline.
Tips for a stronger application.
• Read the role carefully and match your experience to the responsibilities listed.
• Show your organisation skills through examples, such as events you coordinated or trackers you managed.
• Keep your answers clear, honest and well structured.
• Check that you meet the location and graduation year requirements before applying.
• Submit before the deadline, not on it.
Ready to apply?
Your next opportunity to make an impact could start here.
To learn more about the organisation, visit Learn more here.
Log in to join the discussion.
Your experience matters
Rate The Light of Engineering
Tell us about your experience discovering or applying for this opportunity. Reviews are checked before publication.