Internship Management Programme in Africa Region

Are you a student at a Danish university seeking practical experience within a leading global humanitarian organization? Interested in learning about the Danish Red Cross's work in the Africa Region and gaining insights from seasoned international humanitarian professionals? The Danish Red Cross Country Office in Malawi is seeking an intern to join their team.

Danish Red Cross (DRC) Country Office in Malawi

The Danish Red Cross leads a consortium supporting the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) in implementing the 'Community Resilience Programme' in Southern Malawi. This integrated program focuses on Livelihoods, Health, Empowerment of the most vulnerable, Youth, and National Society Development. Support also extends to MRCS for Disaster Risk Reduction/Anticipatory Action and Response projects, with a consistent emphasis on strengthening MRCS's overall capacity. The Country Office collaborates with humanitarian donors including ECHO, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Red Cross/Crescent Movement partners, and DRC's own funds.

Purpose

This internship aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian work and program management. You will gain insights into professional partner relationships, project budgeting, donor engagement, brand awareness, and humanitarian terminology. This learning will occur through shadowing and supporting the Danish Red Cross (DRC) team in the field office, under the supervision of the DRC Country Manager and your designated supervisor.

Learning Objectives

• Develop an understanding of the humanitarian context and the intricacies of Programme Management by observing the team's daily operations, projects, and specializations. You will assist team members with tasks such as proposal and report writing, creating infographics, data collection, and logistical arrangements for field visits and workshops.
• Learn about inter-organizational communication and collaboration within the humanitarian sector and its specific vocabulary. This will be achieved by participating in key internal and external meetings, supporting minute-taking, and assisting with follow-up actions.
• Gain insight into the impact of humanitarian initiatives by supporting your supervisor in technical areas like data collection, processing, and documenting personal stories from affected populations.
• Understand the significance of branding in securing public funding for humanitarian organizations. You will contribute to posts for social media channels to enhance the Danish Red Cross's public image and play a role in organizing practical aspects for foreign visitors.
• Acquire knowledge of donor relations and humanitarian funding from entities like ECHO and DANIDA. You will assist team members with donor relations, which may involve reviewing Logical Frameworks, participating in reporting and communication efforts, and/or supporting project budget management.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You should be highly adaptable to new environments and comfortable with varying living standards, including shared accommodation, potential fluctuations in water, electricity, and internet access, and adjustments to temperature or climate. Resilience and the ability to self-manage under stressors like climate changes are important. The ideal candidate is driven, service-oriented, proactive, and capable of working independently. You should be structured, organized, resourceful, and possess a genuine interest in development and humanitarian work, aspiring to join the Red Cross Red Crescent movement. Curiosity, a willingness to learn from others, and strong teamwork skills are also essential.

What We Offer

This internship provides invaluable hands-on experience within the world's largest humanitarian organization. You will learn about the Red Cross's operations in Malawi and receive ongoing guidance and support from experienced international professionals. You will collaborate with experts in their respective fields, gaining relevant work experience in a dynamic setting. This opportunity allows you to apply your academic learning to challenging and inspiring real-world situations.

The internship runs from August 2026 to December 2026 (approximately 5 months) with a 40-hour work week. This is an unpaid internship. The Danish Red Cross will cover one round-trip air ticket, accommodation, health checks (if applicable), vaccinations, and insurance. Comprehensive onboarding will be provided in Copenhagen, Denmark, and online prior to your arrival.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a relevant Danish university program that includes an internship for ECTS credits. Academic background in areas such as social science, disaster management, political science, African studies, or development studies.
• Commitment to and adherence to the Red Cross Red Crescent 7 Fundamental Principles.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• A strong interest in development and humanitarian work.
• Proficient in MS Office and capable of quickly learning new digital platforms.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, adaptable for both professional and non-academic audiences.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in multicultural environments.
• Adherence to organizational rules and regulations, including the Code of Conduct, Principles and Guidelines, and local security protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in the Danish language is highly desirable.
• Prior volunteering or work experience with the Red Cross/Crescent movement or other humanitarian organizations.
• Possession of a valid international driver's license.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: (25) Danish Red Cross in Malawi: Overview | LinkedIn.

Application Process, Conditions, and Further Information

We encourage you to submit your application and CV no later than June 3rd, 2026, at 21:59 CEST. Applications and CVs must be in English and submitted through our online recruitment system. Only applicants currently enrolled in a Danish University program with an included internship will be considered. The duty station is Lilongwe, Malawi.

For any questions or further information, please contact Anaïs Dufberg at anduf@rodekors.dk.