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Essential Job Details
- Position Title: Behavioural Research Intern
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Other options: Amman, Mexico City)
- Employment Type: Internship (6 Months)
- Remuneration: $1,000 per month (Health insurance not included)
- Reporting To: Behavioural Research Manager
- Start Date: End of June 2025
- Application Deadline: 16th June 2025
- Work Permissions: Must have legal authorization to work in selected location
- Language Requirements: Mandatory fluency in English plus two of the following: Arabic, French, Spanish
Introduction
This Behavioural Research Internship at MAGENTA represents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers and behavioral science enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience in Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) initiatives across developing regions. As a leading SBC agency, MAGENTA specializes in applying behavioral science principles to design innovative solutions for some of the world’s most pressing social challenges.
The internship vacancy is particularly suited for recent graduates or early-career professionals with strong academic backgrounds in psychology, social sciences or related fields who are seeking to:
- Develop practical research skills in qualitative and quantitative methods
- Gain exposure to international development projects with UN agencies and NGOs
- Contribute to evidence-based interventions that create measurable social impact
- Work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with behavioral science experts
With operations spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, MAGENTA offers interns unparalleled opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and development contexts while building professional competencies in behavioral research methodologies.
About MAGENTA
MAGENTA stands at the forefront of Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) innovation, combining rigorous behavioral science with practical field implementation. Established as a thought leader in behavioral design, the organization works at the intersection of research and real-world application to drive meaningful change in communities worldwide.
Organizational Profile
- Geographic Reach: Active in 30+ countries across Global South regions
- Client Portfolio: Works with UN agencies (UNICEF, WHO), major INGOs (Save the Children, CARE), governments and private sector partners
- Thematic Expertise: Specializes in health behavior change, social norm transformation, gender equity, and governance reform
- Methodological Approach: Integrates behavioral economics, psychology, anthropology and data science in intervention design
Recent Impact Highlights
- Designed nationwide SBC campaigns improving maternal health practices in East Africa
- Developed behavioral nudges reducing corruption in public service delivery
- Implemented social norm change programs addressing gender-based violence
- Pioneered innovative research methods for measuring behavioral change
The organization maintains regional hubs in Nairobi, Amman and Mexico City, with a diverse team of behavioral scientists, researchers and implementation specialists driving its mission forward.
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioural Research Intern will play a critical support role across MAGENTA’s research portfolio, gaining exposure to all phases of behavioral research projects from design to dissemination.
1. Research Project Coordination (40% of role)
- Support study implementation across multiple countries, ensuring adherence to research protocols
- Coordinate with fieldwork teams to monitor data collection progress and troubleshoot challenges
- Develop quality control systems for verifying data accuracy and completeness
- Maintain research documentation including ethics approvals, consent forms and data management plans
- Organize research materials including translations, training guides and field manuals
- Schedule and document team meetings and stakeholder consultations
2. Research Design & Analysis (35% of role)
- Contribute to tool development including surveys, interview guides and observational protocols
- Support sampling design for quantitative and qualitative studies
- Clean and process datasets using Excel, SPSS or other statistical software
- Code qualitative data using NVivo or similar qualitative analysis platforms
- Prepare data visualizations to communicate key findings
- Draft sections of research reports under senior staff supervision
- Contribute to presentation materials for diverse stakeholder audiences
3. Business Development Support (25% of role)
- Research funding opportunities from institutional donors and foundations
- Compile literature reviews to inform proposal development
- Prepare annex materials including organizational capacity statements
- Support budget development for research components
- Edit proposal content for clarity and compliance
- Maintain knowledge management systems for past proposals
Qualifications and Skills
MAGENTA seeks candidates who combine strong academic foundations with practical aptitude for behavioral research in development contexts.
Academic Requirements
- Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Anthropology, Sociology or related social science field
- Preferred: Master’s degree or current enrollment in relevant graduate program
- Coursework: Research methods, statistics, behavioral economics or psychology preferred
Technical Competencies
- Research Methods: Understanding of both quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Data Analysis: Experience with SPSS, STATA, R or qualitative coding software
- Software Proficiency: Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, reference managers (Zotero/Mendeley)
- Language Skills: Native-level English plus professional fluency in two additional languages
Professional Attributes
- Cultural Adaptability: Comfort working across diverse cultural contexts
- Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot fieldwork challenges
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data quality
- Time Management: Capacity to balance multiple priorities
- Communication: Clear written and verbal expression
Behavioral Competencies
- Intellectual Curiosity: Passion for understanding human behavior
- Professional Ethics: Commitment to research integrity
- Team Orientation: Collaborative work style
- Initiative: Self-directed learning approach
- Resilience: Adaptability in challenging environments
Internship Experience & Benefits
Beyond core responsibilities, the internship offers structured professional development opportunities:
Learning Components
- Formal Training: Workshops on behavioral research methods
- Mentorship: Regular check-ins with assigned supervisor
- Peer Learning: Collaboration with international intern cohort
- Field Exposure: Potential site visits to research locations
Career Development
- Portfolio Building: Tangible research outputs for professional showcase
- Networking: Engagement with sector professionals
- Recommendations: Strong performance may lead to references
- Transition Support: Career guidance for post-internship steps
Work Environment
- Flexible Scheduling: Hybrid remote/in-office arrangements
- Collaborative Culture: Flat organizational structure
- Innovation Focus: Encouragement of new ideas
- Feedback Culture: Regular performance discussions
Company Culture and Values
MAGENTA’s workplace ethos reflects its behavioral science foundations, intentionally designed to foster professional growth and impactful work.
Core Values in Practice
- Curiosity
- Weekly “Learning Lab” sessions exploring new research
- Encouragement to question assumptions and propose alternatives
- Dedicated time for professional development
- Transparency
- Open-door policy across all levels
- Clear criteria for performance evaluation
- Regular all-staff updates on organizational direction
- Authenticity
- Emphasis on bringing whole self to work
- Recognition of diverse backgrounds and perspectives
- Alignment between organizational values and daily practice
- Innovation
- Quarterly innovation challenges with rewards
- Dedicated budget for piloting new approaches
- Cross-disciplinary project teams
Diversity & Inclusion Commitments
- Gender Parity: 60% of leadership positions held by women
- Local Representation: 75% of staff from countries of operation
- Accommodations: Accessibility provisions for differently-abled
- Anti-Discrimination: Zero tolerance for bias of any form
How to Apply
Application Deadline: June 16, 2025
Expected Start Date: Late June 2025
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum)
- Focus on relevant coursework, research experience and skills
- Include GPA if recent graduate
- List language proficiencies with proficiency levels
- Motivation Letter (1 page maximum)
- Explain interest in behavioral research
- Highlight relevant academic/professional experiences
- Describe how you align with MAGENTA’s values
- Include specific example of problem-solving ability
Selection Process
- Initial Screening: CV and letter review (1 week post-deadline)
- Written Exercise: Short research task (3 days to complete)
- Interviews: Two rounds with research team members
- Reference Checks: For final candidates
- Offer Extended: Within 3 weeks of deadline
Apply Online: MAGENTA Recruitment Portal
Additional Engagement
Job Alert Services
Professional Networks
Tags
Behavioral Research Intern, Social and Behavioral Change Jobs, NGO Internships Nairobi, Psychology Research Opportunities, International Development Careers, UN Agency Internships, Qualitative Research Jobs, Behavioral Science Careers, Early-Career Research Positions, Global Health Research Jobs, Kenya NGO Jobs 2025, Remote Research Internships, Data Analysis Internships, Cross-Cultural Research Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this internship open to current students?
Yes, we accept applications from both recent graduates and currently enrolled students who can commit to the full 6-month duration.
2. What are the working hours?
Standard hours are 9am-5pm with flexibility for academic commitments when coordinated in advance.
3. Is there any possibility of extension or full-time employment?
While not guaranteed, exceptional interns may be considered for future openings.
4. What equipment will be provided?
Interns receive a laptop, software licenses, and access to organizational systems.
5. Are there opportunities for fieldwork?
Depending on project needs and safety conditions, some interns may support fieldwork.
6. How international is the intern cohort?
We typically have interns from 5+ countries across our global offices.
7. What mentorship structure exists?
Each intern is paired with both a direct supervisor and peer mentor.
