Graduate Intern – Youth, Employment and Skills (YES)

Organization: African Center for Economic Transformation
Location: Accra, Ghana
Employment Type: Full-Time Internship
Application Deadline: 24 March 2026

Company Profile

The African Center for Economic Transformation is a leading pan-African economic policy institute dedicated to supporting Africa’s long-term growth and economic transformation. ACET works with governments, the private sector, and development partners to design and implement practical policies that drive sustainable economic development across the continent.

Through rigorous research, policy advisory services, and strategic partnerships, ACET contributes to advancing inclusive growth, job creation, and skills development for Africa’s youth.

Job Summary

The Graduate Intern – Youth, Employment and Skills (YES) will provide analytical, research, and operational support to the Youth, Employment and Skills (YES) Program. The intern will contribute to research projects, policy engagement activities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives while gaining practical experience in economic research and policy development.

The internship offers an opportunity for a recent graduate to build professional experience while contributing to initiatives that advance youth employment and skills development across Africa.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Graduate Intern will:

• Collaborate closely with the Youth, Employment and Skills (YES) program team to support ongoing research and policy initiatives.

• Provide inputs during the drafting of research reports and contribute to the development of analytical outputs.

• Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis from research activities and assist in synthesizing findings.

• Participate in stakeholder engagement processes, including validation workshops and dissemination of research results.

• Support knowledge exchange activities within the YES chapter of the Pan African Coalition for Transformation, which operates across six African countries.

• Work with the Head of YES to develop thought leadership materials such as policy briefs, blogs, and commentary pieces that communicate key insights from the YES program to policymakers and stakeholders.

• Assist with business development activities, including conducting background research to support technical proposals and program initiatives.

• Provide administrative and operational support to the YES team and contribute to broader portfolio activities as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A minimum of a postgraduate degree (MSc/MA) in Economics, Education, or a related field within the Social Sciences.

Experience

• Relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or academic projects in areas such as:

  • Economic research

  • Education policy

  • International development

  • Youth employment

  • Skills development

• This role is particularly suitable for recent graduates transitioning into the professional workforce.

• Please note that the internship does not guarantee employment after completion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data effectively.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Working knowledge of French will be considered an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV