Urgent Action Fund-Africa Seeks Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern | Apply by 6 July 2026

Early-career professionals passionate about women’s rights, social justice, grantmaking, and feminist movements across Africa have an exciting opportunity to join Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa) as a Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern (Francophone). This internship offers valuable experience supporting women’s rights organizations and activists while contributing to impactful grantmaking initiatives across the continent.

Applications are open until 6 July 2026, and the position is open to candidates residing in Francophone African countries.

About Urgent Action Fund-Africa

Urgent Action Fund-Africa is a leading pan-African feminist fund dedicated to advancing women’s rights, gender justice, environmental justice, democratic governance, and conflict transformation across Africa.

Registered in Kenya and Zimbabwe, the organization operates virtually and maintains a strategic presence across all five regions of Africa, including East, West, Central, Southern, and Indian Ocean countries.

Through its innovative Rapid Response Grantmaking model, UAF-Africa provides timely financial and technical support to women human rights defenders, grassroots organizations, and feminist movements responding to urgent opportunities and threats.

About the Sustaining Defenders Programme

The Sustaining Defenders Programme supports women’s rights organizations and activists working to advance gender equality and protect human rights across Africa.

As part of this program, the selected intern will assist in managing grantmaking processes, supporting communications with grantee partners, conducting research, and strengthening data management systems.

This role provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, donor relations, grants management, and feminist movement-building.

Key Responsibilities

The Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern will support various operational and programmatic activities within the grantmaking portfolio.

Grant Application Management

The intern will serve as an important first point of contact for applicants and support the grant review process.

Responsibilities include:

• Receiving and acknowledging grant applications
• Assigning applications for review
• Supporting communication with applicants
• Tracking grant requests and inquiries

Research and Due Diligence

The position requires conducting background research and supporting due diligence processes for potential grantee organizations.

Tasks may include:

• Collecting and verifying information
• Organizing online due diligence meetings
• Supporting risk assessment processes
• Maintaining accurate records

Data Entry and Database Management

The intern will help maintain accurate program information within the organization’s grantmaking systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Recording inquiries and applications
• Updating grant records
• Managing program data
• Supporting reporting processes

Translation and Communication Support

Because the role focuses on Francophone Africa, language support is a key responsibility.

The intern may assist with:

• Translating grant applications
• Translating communication materials
• Supporting bilingual communication with partners
• Facilitating information exchange across language groups

Required Qualifications

UAF-Africa is seeking candidates with relevant academic backgrounds and a strong commitment to women’s rights and social justice.

Applicants should hold a degree in one of the following fields:

• Social Sciences
• Women’s Studies
• Political Science
• International Development
• Law
• Related disciplines

Candidates with academic training related to human rights, governance, or gender studies are also encouraged to apply.

Language Requirements

Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position.

Successful candidates should be able to:

• Communicate professionally in both languages
• Produce written documentation
• Translate materials accurately
• Engage with diverse stakeholders across Africa

Strong bilingual communication skills will be essential for success in this role.

Experience and Skills

Applicants should possess between one and two years of relevant experience, particularly in grantmaking, nonprofit administration, or development programming.

Desired skills include:

• Strong organizational abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Research and analytical skills
• Time management capabilities
• Ability to multitask effectively

Experience using Salesforce or other grant management platforms will be considered an advantage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

UAF-Africa is looking for an individual who is passionate about advancing women’s rights and supporting feminist movements across Africa.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Commitment to gender equality
• Understanding of women’s rights issues
• Knowledge of African development contexts
• Ability to work independently in virtual environments
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Interest in philanthropy and social justice

Knowledge of women’s rights challenges in politically unstable and post-conflict settings will be particularly valuable.

Benefits of This Internship

This internship provides an excellent platform for young professionals seeking careers in international development, grantmaking, philanthropy, gender equality, and human rights.

Benefits include:

• Hands-on grantmaking experience
• Exposure to pan-African feminist movements
• Professional networking opportunities
• Experience working in a virtual international environment
• Development of research and program management skills
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful social change

The position also offers valuable insight into how rapid-response funding mechanisms support women human rights defenders across the continent.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UAF-Africa is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within its workforce.

The organization actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds and strives to create a workplace where all individuals can contribute meaningfully and thrive professionally.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before 6 July 2026 through the organization’s online recruitment platform.

For emerging professionals seeking to build a career in grantmaking, women’s rights, and international development, the Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern opportunity offers an excellent pathway to gain practical experience while supporting transformative initiatives across Africa.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.