Position Overview
The Rockefeller Foundation leverages science, innovation,
and technology to empower vulnerable families locked out of prosperity to
improve their lives and prospects. We invest in solutions in the areas of
health, food, power, and economic mobility, and forge partnerships to bring
those solutions to scale around the world.
The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking an Intern for our
Health Team to be based at the Africa Regional Office in Nairobi,
Kenya. The internship is open to Kenya-based candidates who combine solid
academic credentials with curiosity, creativity, and passion for social impact.
We value our Interns and want to invest in and mentor future leaders who will
grow personally and professionally and create impact in the philanthropic
sector. As an Intern at The Rockefeller Foundation, you will have the chance to
contribute to our initiatives through engaging in meaningful work assignments.
The Health Team is working to help communities, especially
the most vulnerable, better protect their health from the growing risks of
climate change, including heat stress, respiratory illnesses, vector-borne
diseases, and water-borne diseases. We take a systems approach that combines
timely climate information, strong and coordinated multisectoral local
responses, and supportive policies to ensure health services can act early,
effectively, and equitably when climate threats arise.
Please Note:
- The
internship will run for 3 months (August – October 2025)
- The
position will be based in the Nairobi office, and authorization to work in
Kenya is required.
- Submission
of a cover letter is required.
- This
position is open to graduate students only.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Support
efforts to improve public health decision-making in the era of climate
change through the implementation and strengthening of climate-informed
health action.
- Conduct
research and analysis of solutions to address the impacts of climate
change on human health, particularly challenges impacting the most
vulnerable populations.
- “Connect
the dots” across multiple workstreams to create strategy and communication
materials for internal and external audiences.
- Support
the execution of meetings and convenings by researching potential
invitees, managing invitations, and preparing research briefs and other
materials.
- Prepare
background and briefing materials to inform strategic engagements and
partnerships.
- Support
the execution of meetings and convenings by researching potential
invitees, managing invitations, and preparing research briefs and other
materials.
- Draft
grant and contract materials with guidance from program officers, and
support project management.
Education, Experience, and Skills
- Currently
enrolled in a graduate program in one of the following areas:
public/global health, environmental health/science, public policy,
government, international development, health economics or a related
field.
- Strong
analytical, writing, and communication skills and the ability to research
new, potentially unfamiliar topics with limited guidance.
- Proven
ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize
evidence from peer-reviewed studies and grey literature.
- Comfort
with policy analysis, report writing, and developing briefing notes or
slide decks tailored for policy and decision-makers.
- Experience
delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- Previous
work experience in the nonprofit sector, consulting, research, or
business-related field preferred.
- Must
be authorized to work in Kenya.
- Must
be a collaborative and proactive self-starter.
- Committed
to the mission of the Foundation.
Preferred Qualifications
- A
basic understanding of human capital development frameworks and their
relevance to health, education, and productivity outcomes.
- Familiarity
with health system resilience and climate adaptation strategies in low-
and middle-income countries, especially in Africa.
- Knowledge
of maternal and child health (MNCH) indicators and vulnerabilities related
to climate change, particularly extreme heat impacts on MNCH outcomes.
- Experience
or familiarity with socioeconomic impact assessment, especially regarding
heat exposure and other climate hazards.
- Familiarity
with regional African policy platforms and institutions (e.g., African
Union, Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD, regional economic communities) and an
understanding of approaches to use evidence effectively to influence these
platforms.
Qualifications and Competencies
- Bias
for Action: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a
sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Communicates
Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that
convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Decision
Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the
organization moving forward.
- Plans
and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments
aligned with organizational goals.
- Values
Differences: Recognizes the value of, and seeks to learn from,
different perspectives; commits to being self-aware and respectful;
exhibits accountability, humility, and integrity.