Job Description

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Center for International Law and Policy in Africa (CILPA) is currently seeking motivated and committed interns to join our team. Selected interns will receive competitive stipends while gaining invaluable practical experience working with our think tank, which focuses on international and regional law in Africa. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to our research, programs, communications and operational activities while supporting our mission, organizational development and overall growth.

All applications should be submitted by Friday, 18^th September, 2026. For more information on the various internships available and information on how to apply, please familiarize yourself with the contents of this document.

ABOUT CILPA

CILPA is an independent and non-profit think tank that aims to shape discourse and build bridges between research, policy, and practice on issues of international law, and regional law in Africa. It is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in Sierra Leonean and as a 501 (c) (3) in the United States, with an office in Freetown, Sierra Leone and Florida, United States of America.

CILPA’s work focuses on critical issues of public and private international law of particular relevance to the continent of Africa. As a research center, CILPA is dedicated to the scientific study of, and promotion of knowledge of, international law, and regional law, especially African Union law, and their role as vehicles to advance peace, stability, security, as well as social and economic development.  CILPA’s vision is to become one of the leading think tanks on issues of public, and private international law, as well as African Union law in Africa. More information about the think tank can be found at www.cilpa.org.

INTERNSHIPS DESCRIPTION

We have various in-person internship opportunities available in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The available positions are Communications Intern, Legal Research and Policy Intern, Legal Training and Operations Intern and Programs Intern. The experience will likely be most beneficial to early-career professionals. All applicants must possess a strong academic background and good analytical and writing skills, regardless of field.  

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Location: Internships positions are in person from the CILPA office in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
• Duration: a minimum of 3 (three months) starting from 1^st October, 2026.  Work hours: 40 hours per week.

• A personal laptop/computer is required.

Internship Scope

• Interns report directly to their Line Manager. Excellent interns may also be selected to assist the Founding Director with a variety of tasks.
• Tasks are dependent on the background of the interns and include but not limited to: – Research and drafting of various legal, academic, policy, administrative, and concept documents.
  • Grant mapping and applications. – Compiling of databases.
  • Assisting with organizing events.
  • Assisting with CILPA’s social media pages, website, and public relations.
  • General administrative support.

Necessary Qualifications

• Knowledge of Public International Law/International institutions and bodies e.g. UN, AU etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Mass Communication, Human Rights, Public Administration, International Relations and other related fields.
• Proficiency in written and speaking English is an absolute requirement. A working knowledge of Arabic, French, Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.  Flexible and adaptable.
• Time-management skills, requiring minimal oversight.

What we offer

• Recommendation letters on request.
• Valuable skills, network and knowledge.
• Impactful work.
• Competitive stipends.

APPLICATIONS

To apply for an internship, please send your resume (max. 2 pages), a cover letter (max. 1 page) and relevant work sample(s) of not more than 5 pages (article, policy brief, flyer, proposal etc.) to info@cilpa.org, with “CILPA Internship,” the role, and your name in the subject line. Copy fbseisay@cilpa.org and emustapha@cilpa.org.

In the cover letter please include the following:

• Your name, field and level of study and current affiliation.
• The type of internship you are interested in: communications, legal research and policy, legal training and operations and programs.
• The duration you are available for.
• Why you are interested in this internship with CILPA.
• How your experiences and skills make you suitable for the internship.
• Any other relevant information.

CILPA is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, people of colour, individuals with disabilities, and those from other underrepresented groups.

If you are shortlisted for the internship position we will schedule an interview, after which you will be informed whether or not you have been selected for the position.