The main focus areas of the internship are:

• Conduct desk-research on studies and evaluations related to the sustainable blue economy in Kenya, as well as other similar contexts.
• Identify potential local partners (civil society and private sector) active and/or with interest in relevant blue economy value chains, and – in collaboration with the Head of Programme – plan, hold and document scoping meetings.
• Conduct a mapping of key actors (donors, UN bodies, academia, private sector) involved in the blue economy in Kenya and their strategic priorities.
• Compile a synopsis of research conducted, along with synthesised recommendations/actions/next steps for discussion by the HoP with the Senior Leadership Team and relevant HQ technical and fundraising focal points.
• Support the HoP and other relevant staff to draft one or more concept notes.

The key anticipated outputs of the internship are:

• Detailed report – with concise summary – of findings/learning from relevant studies conducted; past and ongoing relevant initiatives and actions in Kenya; findings/learning from studies/research/initiatives in similar contexts; relevant actors and their strategic priorities.
• Mapping of relevant local civil society and private sector actors, with actions/recommendations.
• One or more concept notes for initiatives that DCA could support and/or jointly fundraise for.

 Required Qualifications:

• Good academic qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant discipline (Natural Sciences, Political Sciences, Social Research, Economics, Anthropology, Natural Resource Management, Monitoring & Evaluation or similar).
• Strong motivation and interest in working in project research, design and implementation in the development sector, particularly related to market systems.
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Capacity for analysis and synthesis
• Good working knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work.
• Openness to feedback and willingness to learn.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work in a fast paced, results oriented working environment.
• Ability to work independently, with initiative.