Research Intern

Call for Applications: Research Intern Position

Youth and Urbanism is seeking passionate individuals to join our team in shaping urban spaces that support youth development and create safe environments for children and young people.

About Youth and Urbanism

Picture a world where lively cities beat with the power of strong youth, where each street tells tales of welcome, fresh ideas, and tough spirit. At Youth and Urbanism, we do not just build groups—we spark big changes in city places. As a youth-led force, we aim hard at growing steady city life that links farm and town lands, opening doors for left-out voices to grow strong. Through joined, life-changing work, we tie the bonds of linked growth, building worlds where all ages can bloom.

For the past three years, Youth and Urbanism has stood at the front, deep in city poor areas, on a hunt to build answers for our age-old troubles. We lead the charge, turning hard spots into wins and dreams into truth.

Youth and Urbanism Team

Our Vision, Mission & Belief

Our Vision

We envision cities planned, built and governed in ways that support youth development and are safe children and young people

Vision Statement

Our Mission

Shaping Urbanism for children and young people

Mission Statement

If you are driven and eager to tackle urban challenges, join our skilled team at Youth and Urbanism. Work with top experts in youth empowerment and urban innovation. Together, we can shape the cities of tomorrow. Your talents could make a real difference.

Position Overview: Research Intern

This opportunity is ideal for motivated professionals passionate about youth empowerment and urban development. You will collaborate with dynamic teams, gaining practical experience in urban policy, youth advocacy, and sustainable practices—fostering valuable skills for long-term career growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for positions at Youth and Urbanism, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate program (master's degree or equivalent, or higher); or be in the final year of an undergraduate program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, begin the role within one year of graduation. For mid- to senior-level positions, relevant professional experience (e.g., 2+ years in urban planning or youth advocacy) may substitute for academic requirements.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Show a strong passion for youth empowerment, urban planning, sustainability, or related areas.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Be fluent in English (proficiency in additional languages, such as Swahili or French, is a plus).
• Possess strong computer skills, including expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with digital collaboration tools.

We strongly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to foster an inclusive environment that mirrors the global youth community.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Intern, you will play a crucial role in securing and managing funding for our urban development initiatives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting team members with day-to-day tasks and administrative support
• Conducting research and gathering information on relevant topics
• Participating in meetings and contributing ideas
• Learning organizational processes and best practices
• Supporting project coordination and documentation
• Building skills in youth empowerment and urban development

Benefits and Support

In addition to hands-on experience in youth empowerment and urban innovation, successful candidates will receive:

• Structured mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
• Access to professional development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and certifications (e.g., in fundraising, urban policy, or sustainable development).
• Networking events with partners, donors, and alumni to build career connections.
• Resources such as digital tools, research databases, and co-working spaces (for in-person roles).
• Regular performance feedback sessions to support growth and skill-building.
• A certificate of completion or letter of recommendation upon successful fulfillment of the role, highlighting achievements and contributions.
• For funded projects, potential for stipends, travel reimbursements, or other financial benefits as outlined in project budgets.

These benefits are designed to provide meaningful value, ensuring your time with us advances your professional journey, even in unpaid or entry-level capacities.

Fundraising and Financial Model

At Youth and Urbanism, we operate a collaborative funding model where team members actively contribute to securing grants and donations for projects. This builds essential skills in proposal writing, donor engagement, and resource mobilization—key competencies for careers in nonprofits and urban development.

Process:

New team members receive training and templates for fundraising (e.g., 4-6 hours of initial workshops). Time allocation is typically 10-20% of your role, integrated into project work.

Success Examples:

Past teams have secured funding from organizations like Hivos, WWF, Foundation Avina, Embassy of Portugal and local foundations, averaging $60,000 per project, with administrative costs benefiting participants (e.g., stipends or expense coverage).

Risks and Support:

If funding is not secured within the first 1-2 months, roles may shift to volunteer-based or be paused with mutual agreement. We provide guidance on external funding sources but do not guarantee financial outcomes.

70% of past participants have benefited from funded projects. This model empowers young professionals to drive sustainable impact while fostering self-reliance.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online via our portal. Click "Apply Now" and complete the form, including the following required documents:

• Updated CV or resume (maximum 2 pages, in PDF format).
• Cover letter or motivation statement (500-800 words) addressing your passion for urbanism and youth empowerment, how your skills align with our mission, and why you are interested in this role. Please reference specific examples from your experience.
• Academic transcripts or proof of enrollment/graduation (for academic-based eligibility).
• Two professional or academic references (contact details only; we will reach out if shortlisted).
• Optional: Portfolio, writing samples, or a short video pitch (1-2 minutes) showcasing your relevant work or ideas.

Format preferences: All documents should be in PDF or Word format, with clear file names (e.g., LastName_CV.pdf). Word limits must be adhered to for fair evaluation.

Application Deadline: We accept applications on a rolling basis. For priority consideration in upcoming cohorts, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Selection Process

Our selection process is designed to be fair, transparent, and inclusive, with built-in measures to mitigate bias (e.g., anonymous initial reviews).

Stages:

1. Initial Screening: Applications reviewed for eligibility and alignment (within 1-2 weeks of submission).
2. Shortlisting: Top candidates invited for assessments, such as a written task or skills test relevant to the role (e.g., a short research brief on urban challenges).
3. Interviews: Virtual or in-person interviews (1-2 rounds, typically 30-60 minutes each) with panelists, focusing on passion, skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions like "How would you address youth exclusion in urban planning?"
4. Reference Checks and Final Offer: Conducted for finalists, followed by offers within 2-4 weeks of interviews.

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications are scored on passion and motivation (30%), relevant skills and experience (40%), alignment with our values (20%), and diversity contribution (10%).

Timeline:

From submission to decision, expect 4-8 weeks. All applicants will be notified of their status via email. Due to high volume, we appreciate your patience. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 6 months.

Health, Safety, and Well-Being

Youth and Urbanism prioritizes the safety and well-being of all team members, especially in fieldwork within urban poor areas.

Insurance:

Applicants are responsible for their own health and travel insurance; we recommend comprehensive coverage and can provide guidance on affordable options.

Protocols:

All roles adhere to our Health and Safety Policy, including risk assessments for activities, COVID-19 guidelines, and emergency response plans. For in-person work, we provide personal protective equipment as needed.

Support:

Access to mental health resources (e.g., confidential counseling referrals) and flexible scheduling to prevent burnout. We accommodate disabilities—please disclose needs during application for reasonable adjustments (e.g., accessible tools or modified schedules).

Code of Conduct:

Emphasizes integrity, respect, and professionalism; violations may result in termination.

Data Privacy

Your personal data will be handled in compliance with the Kenya Data Protection Act and GDPR (for international applicants). Information is used solely for recruitment, stored securely, and retained for up to 12 months post-process (or longer with consent for future opportunities). You have rights to access, correct, or delete your data—contact us at privacy@youthandurbanism.org for details.

Post-Role Opportunities

While participation does not guarantee future employment, many alumni transition to paid roles within our organization or partners. Benefits include:

• Access to our global alumni network for ongoing mentorship and job referrals.
• Priority consideration for extensions, promotions, or new openings based on performance.
• Career pathways guidance, including resume reviews and introductions to urban development networks.

Important Information

• Unpaid Nature (for Applicable Roles): As emphasized, entry-level positions are unpaid. Participation does not guarantee future employment with Youth and Urbanism, nor does it confer any advantage in recruitment processes.
• Visa and Work Permits: Successful applicants are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and permits. Youth and Urbanism does not provide direct assistance but can offer invitation letters upon request.
• Commitment: Participants are expected to commit to the agreed-upon schedule and adhere to our organizational code of conduct.
• Equal Opportunity: Youth and Urbanism is committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.

For any questions, please write to opportunities@youthandurbanism.org (cc: info@youthandurbanism.org).

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming passionate individuals to our team!