About African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a pioneering development research think tank that focuses on harnessing applications of science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa. ACTS is an Intergovernmental organization founded in 1988 to pursue policy-oriented research aimed at strengthening the capacity of African countries and institutions to harness science and technology for sustainable development. ACTS envisions a sustainable economic, social, and environmental future for Africa through science, technology and innovation. The successful candidate will work under the Climate Resilient Economies (CRE) programme lead.

About the CRE Programme

The CRE programme is the climate change focused program at ACTS, aiming to bring into discussion the climate change agenda in Africa, including aspects of sustainability, managing future emissions, and climate justice. The programme aligns with international discourses to pursue green technology, fostering technical and financial support for climate action and offering demand driven capacity enhancement. Aligned with the Africa Agenda 2063, and various national development blueprints in Africa, the programme has a mission to provide policy choices that support the generation, uptake and harnessing of climate change-related STI for sustainable and diversified livelihoods, socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation in Africa.

The intern will be attached to the Blue empowerment project, which aims to contribute to tackling barriers for the empowerment of fisher women in Kenya’s coastal region through adoption of climate-smart integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) of seaweeds and fish for improved livelihoods and climate resilience. It focuses on alleviating climate change and socio-economic challenges since it is a resilient, low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable innovation. Interns will contribute to the implementation of this project by conducting research, supporting technology optimization, and enhancing the investment readiness of community-led initiatives.

Under the general supervision of to the CRE Programme Lead, regular mentorship and guidance provided by senior researchers and project leads, the intern should carry out the following duties:

1. Business Development

• Conduct market assessments to identify business opportunities and gaps in technology adoption.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement sustainable business models, particularly for Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems.
• Develop proposals and reports for business-related initiatives under the CRE Programme.
• Support the organization of business incubation workshops and value addition training for coastal community groups.

2. Investment Readiness

• Undertake research and prepare investment readiness assessments for community-based enterprises in the blue economy sector.
• Develop frameworks for aggregation models such as cooperatives to enhance financial inclusion for smallholder groups.
• Facilitate investor engagement, including preparing investment profiles and organizing pitching events.
• Analyze financial viability and propose innovative financing solutions for community-led initiatives.

3. Technology Optimization

• Assist in the design, testing, and optimization of sustainable IMTA solutions for community use.
• Provide input into the development of technical manuals and training materials on technology usage.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and address technological barriers in resource use efficiency.
• Evaluate the feasibility of scaling technology-based solutions in targeted communities.

4. Research Dissemination and Social Media Engagement

• Develop content for social media platforms to communicate research findings and project impacts, ensuring clarity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Create infographics, blogs, and short videos to highlight project achievements and key lessons learned.
• Support the dissemination of research outputs through ACTS’ website, newsletters, and external networks.
• Assist in organizing webinars, stakeholder forums, and workshops to share findings and engage the public in climate resilience and blue economy topics.
• Track engagement metrics on social media to evaluate and improve the reach and impact of research communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and field research aligned with the the Blue Empowerment project and CRE Programme's focus areas.
• Collaborate with project teams in developing knowledge products such as policy briefs, technical reports, and blogs.
• Participate in workshops, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building initiatives organized by ACTS.
• Draft a high-quality master’s thesis based on research activities undertaken during the internship.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and provide updates on research progress and outputs.
• Document lessons learned and provide recommendations for scaling successful initiatives.

Deliverables

• Monthly Progress Reports: Summarizing tasks completed, findings, and next steps.
• Market Research Reports: Detailed analysis of business opportunities and challenges.
• Investment Profiles: Comprehensive documentation of community enterprise readiness.
• Technology Optimization Frameworks: Recommendations for improving IMTA and related technologies.
• Research Dissemination Materials: Blogs, infographics, social media posts, and videos communicating key findings and achievements.
• Final Research Thesis: Academic submission reflecting the intern's contributions to the CRE Programme.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Technology Studies, or related fields.
• Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in business development and investment readiness.
• Demonstrated understanding of technology optimization and community-based initiatives.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools is an added advantage.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Develop practical skills in business development, investment readiness, and technology optimization.
• Gain hands-on experience in translating research into actionable community initiatives.
• Build expertise in research dissemination and social media engagement to amplify project impacts.
• Produce an academically rigorous thesis aligned with ACTS’ strategic priorities.
• Establish a professional network within climate resilience and the blue economy sectors.

How to apply

Send applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with copy  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with subject line “Intern– Blue Empowerment project, CRE”.

Closing date: Applications received by 6^th January 2024 are guaranteed to be considered. Applications received thereafter may be considered if the position has not been filled.