Research and Innovation Intern at Teenage Education and Empowerment Network

Teenage Network is an adolescent-serving nonprofit working to promote access to quality education and health for girls between the ages of 10-19 years in Nigeria. Our work has impacted more than 100,000 girls across 7 states in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research and Innovation Intern

Location: Abuja (FCT) 
Employment Type: NYSC

Job Description

• We are seeking a highly curious, analytical and forward-thinking Research & Innovation Intern to support our work in strategy development, evidence generation, programme design, and organisational learning.
• This role is ideal for a young professional who is passionate about using data, research and creative problem-solving to shape impactful development programmes.
• The intern will work closely with the Research, Programmes and Strategy teams to support the development of innovative solutions, conduct background studies, review emerging trends, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities
Research & Evidence Generation:

• Conduct desk reviews, landscape analyses and literature searches on priority thematic areas (e.g., gender equality, education, SRHR, child protection, climate change, digital safety, community development).
• Support primary data collection activities, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions and stakeholder mapping.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
• Draft research briefs, evidence summaries, fact sheets and insight papers.
• Track emerging trends, best practices and innovations within the development sector.

Innovation & Strategy Development:

• Support the design and testing of new programme ideas, digital tools, community engagement models and advocacy strategies.
• Assist in generating insights that contribute to organisational strategy, programme improvement and strategic planning processes.
• Support brainstorming sessions, co-creation workshops and innovation sprints.
• Identify gaps, challenges and opportunities that can inform program design, partnerships and resource mobilisation.

Programme Design & Proposal Support:

• Contribute to the development of concept notes, project designs and grant proposals.
• Support problem analysis, theory of change development, and logical framework formulation.
• Assist in packaging research findings into compelling content that strengthens funding proposals and partner engagements.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Adaptation (MELA):

• Support the tracking of project indicators and learning questions.
• Assist with documentation of lessons learned, success stories and promising approaches.
• Participate in internal learning sessions, reflection meetings and strategic reviews.

Communication & Documentation:

• Prepare clear briefs, presentation decks and knowledge products.
• Assist in developing infographics, research summaries or innovation portfolios when needed.
• Maintain an organised repository of research materials, datasets and evidence sources.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong interest in research, strategy development, innovation, and evidence-driven programming.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesise information clearly.
• Ability to conduct desk research independently and produce well-structured briefs.
• Foundational understanding of development issues in Nigeria or Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Creativity, curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas and approaches.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and digital collaboration tools.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, Power BI, STATA or NVivo) is an added advantage.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Currently serving as a National Youth Corps Member in Abuja
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, or related social science or development studies, a second class upper is an advantage.
• Passionate about research, innovation and strategy.
• Eager to learn, experiment and contribute to high-impact development work.
• Strong ethical values, respect for confidentiality and commitment to inclusivity.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research, strategy development and innovation.
• Exposure to programme design, donor engagement and evidence-based development practice.
• Mentorship from experienced programme, research and strategy professionals.
• A supportive environment for learning, creativity and professional growth.
• Reference letter and potential consideration for future roles based on performance.
• Monthly stipend.

Application Closing Date
22nd December, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Cover Letter (max 1 page) describing their motivation and relevant skills, CV (max 2–3 pages), and a writing sample (research brief, essay, report excerpt or academic paper), desired but not compulsory to: recruitments@teenagenetwork.org using “Research and Innovation Intern” as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• This position is specifically reserved for a National Youth Corps member to provide an opportunity for professional growth and development.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: Teenage Network is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Interested and qualified candidates within Abuja (Residing close to Bannex-Jahi) are encouraged to apply.