Terms of Reference (TOR)——Intern (x2)

Job Description

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Position Title: Intern (x2)

Department: Research and Development

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

1. Background

Economic Policy Research Development and Statistics (EPRDS) – Consulting Limited is a socio-economic LLC that has actively been working in Sierra Leone for over 10 years. Throughout this period, the firm has provided consulting services for different organizations, including non-governmental organizations, bilateral and multilateral organizations, government departments (and institutions); parastatals, and private sector entities. In recent years, its operations have extended to other parts of Africa and Asia. 

The vision of EPRDS is to contribute to the eradication of poverty and food insecurity in developing countries through empirical research.  Through sound empirical research, evidence-based decision-making would be enhanced amongst policymakers. EPRDS aims to provide such services to decision-makers. 

Through our research activities, we work closely with young researchers to help build the capacities of the up-and-coming generation of Sierra Leone researchers. This is one of EPRD’s strategies for long-term nation-building.

EPRDS Consulting is committed to fostering the professional development of young talents by providing opportunities for hands-on experience in Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning. EPRDS is therefore running an internship program to train young graduates to make a difference in society through research. The internship program offers graduates the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to real-world projects while gaining practical skills.

Against this backdrop, EPRDS is looking for two (2) graduates for a six (6) month UNPAID internship programme to join the team to carry out the day-to-day activities within the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for learning and building a career path.

2. Objective of the Internship

The objective of the internship is to support the team in carrying out the day-to-day activities and ongoing projects while providing the intern with practical experience in Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning, project management, communications, and data analysis.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be expected to perform the following but not limited to the below tasks:

• Support EPRDS to achieve on planned activities 
• Be willing to participate in project conceptualization and implementation
• Keeps track of activities implemented at EPRDS. 
• Writes monthly reports on the status of implementation at EPRDS
• Assists in organizing capacity assessment and capacity building activities for partners 
• Be willing to collect data and information for EPRDS for planning, development of proposals, situation analysis, stakeholder mapping etc. 
• Be willing to participate in qualitative data transcription
• Be committed to be at the EPRDS office on a daily basis.
• Be willing to participate in trainings conducted by EPRDS
• Assist in research, data collection, and analysis as required by the team.
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Participate in meetings, take minutes, and follow up on action items.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of specific projects and events.
• Perform administrative tasks related to departmental activities.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

4. Expected Deliverables

 Bi-Weekly Progress Reports

• Brief updates outlining tasks completed, skills applied/learned, and any challenges faced.
• Submitted to the supervisor at the end of each week.

 Work Samples or Outputs

• Contributions to actual projects (e.g., research reports, marketing content, designs, data analysis, coding scripts, etc.).
• Any completed assignments or tasks relevant to departmental goals.

 Final Internship Report

• A comprehensive summary of the intern’s experience, including:
  • Objectives set at the start of the internship
  • Activities undertaken
  • Skills and knowledge gained
  • Lessons learned
  • Suggestions for improving the internship program

 Presentation to the Team (Optional)

• A short presentation (10–15 minutes) to the department or supervisor summarizing the internship experience and key contributions.

 Documentation and Filing

• Proper organization and submission of any documentation produced during the internship.
• Ensuring all work is stored/shared according to company protocols (e.g., shared drives, folders).

 Feedback and Evaluation Forms

• Completion of a self-assessment and feedback form about the internship experience.
• Participation in a feedback session with the supervisor or Admin

 Handover Notes

• Brief handover documentation in case a project is to be continued by another intern or staff member.

5. Qualifications and Requirements

• A first-class degree/2:1 in Agricultural Economics, or other Social Sciences 
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint 
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Good analytical and report writing skills 
• Fluency in English and other local Sierra Leone dialects
• Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural, gender, and inclusion issues, and capable of making sound judgments 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn and take initiative

6. Learning Opportunities

• Exposure to professional working environments
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Opportunities to contribute to real projects
• Development of technical and soft skills

7. Reporting and Supervision

The intern will report directly to the head of programmes. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions will be held to support the intern’s growth.

8. APPLICATION PROCESS/HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their detailed CVs along with a one-page cover letter to eprdsl@gmail.com and copy hbaheprds@gmail.com. Please mention Internship in the subject line when sending your application

Hard Copy Applications should be addressed to Office Admin, EPRDS, and delivered at No 1 Ahmed Drive, Aberdeen Road, Freetown

The deadline to submit applications is 5 pm, Friday, June 13th, 2025