Mercy Corps is inviting applications for a Graduate Intern – MEL (Business Engagement Market Systems) position in Nairobi, Kenya. This full-time, on-site opportunity is designed for recent graduates or students awaiting graduation who want to build practical experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), data management, research, data analysis, digital systems and Market Systems Development (MSD).
The Graduate Intern will join the Mercy Corps Kenya Country MEL team and support programme data management, quality assurance, analysis, reporting and organizational learning across programmes focused on resilience, livelihoods, peacebuilding, humanitarian response and market systems development.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian and development organization working with communities to build a more just and peaceful world.
The Mercy Corps Kenya Country MEL team supports programmes by generating credible evidence, strengthening accountability, improving programme quality and helping teams use learning to adapt their work.
The team works across areas including resilience, livelihoods, peacebuilding, humanitarian response and Market Systems Development.
About the Graduate Intern – MEL Role
The Graduate Intern will work under the supervision of the MEL Country Manager and support the management, analysis, quality assurance and use of programme data.
This position provides hands-on exposure to the full MEL cycle, including:
- Results measurement
- Digital data collection
- Data cleaning and validation
- Data analysis
- Dashboard development
- Basic statistical analysis
- Research and assessments
- Programme reporting
- Learning and adaptive management
- Market Systems Development
The intern will also gain experience understanding market actors, assessing sustainability of programme results and examining how development initiatives contribute to inclusive and long-term change.
Key Responsibilities
1. MEL Data Systems and Documentation
The intern will:
- Support testing and documentation of digital data-collection tools and workflows.
- Assist with CommCare forms and applications.
- Maintain data dictionaries and indicator mappings.
- Support system documentation and change logs.
- Conduct routine checks on data synchronization and completeness.
- Organize programme databases, evidence files and MEL records.
- Provide basic user support to programme teams and partners.
2. Data Management and Quality Assurance
Responsibilities include:
- Cleaning and coding datasets.
- Validating and deduplicating programme and participant data.
- Conducting routine data-quality checks.
- Identifying missing information and inconsistencies.
- Supporting teams to resolve data-quality issues.
- Maintaining appropriate audit trails.
- Applying confidentiality and data-protection procedures.
- Supporting preparation of validated datasets for reporting, research and evaluation.
3. Data Analysis, Visualization and Reporting
The Graduate Intern will use Microsoft Excel and other approved tools to produce:
- Descriptive statistics
- Tables
- Charts
- Data summaries
- Routine analytical outputs
- Programme performance reports
The intern will also support the development and updating of Power BI dashboards and assist with trend and disaggregated analysis by factors such as geography, sex and age.
4. Research, Learning and Adaptive Management
The role will provide exposure to:
- Surveys
- Field monitoring
- Assessments
- Evaluations
- Quantitative research
- Qualitative data analysis
- Market Systems Development analysis
- Participant reach analysis
- Outcome measurement
- Partner performance analysis
- Sustainability and systems-change analysis
5. Collaboration and Professional Development
The intern will collaborate with Mercy Corps MEL colleagues, programme teams, partners and regional or global technical teams.
The successful candidate will also participate in supervision, mentoring, coaching and structured learning activities.
Mercy Corps expects team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that support both personal and organizational development.
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Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for recent graduates and students awaiting graduation with a strong interest in data, monitoring and evaluation, research, technology and international development.
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or a closely related field:
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Applied Statistics
- Economics and Statistics
- Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Business Information Technology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Operations Research
- Actuarial Science
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Other closely related quantitative disciplines
Candidates from technical or computing backgrounds should demonstrate exposure to MEL, research or programme-performance concepts through coursework, academic research, volunteering or self-directed learning.
Candidates from MEL or development-related backgrounds should demonstrate foundational quantitative, data-management and digital-systems skills.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Have graduated within the last 12 months with a Bachelor’s degree, or be awaiting graduation after completing coursework.
- Have a basic understanding of MEL concepts.
- Understand results frameworks, indicators, data collection and data quality.
- Have foundational knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Have basic Microsoft Excel skills.
- Be interested in learning tools such as Power BI, CommCare, SQL, Microsoft Azure, Stata, SPSS, R or Python.
- Demonstrate analytical thinking and attention to detail.
- Be able to handle confidential information responsibly.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Be willing to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.
- Have proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Have working knowledge of Kiswahili.
- Be willing and able to travel to programme locations when required.
Skills That Can Give You an Advantage
Although this is a graduate internship, applicants can strengthen their applications by demonstrating exposure to:
- Microsoft Excel
- Power BI
- Data visualization
- Data cleaning
- Statistical analysis
- Research methods
- Monitoring and evaluation
- CommCare
- SQL
- Python
- R
- SPSS
- Stata
- Databases
- Market Systems Development
Academic projects, internships, volunteer experience and self-directed learning can help demonstrate relevant capabilities.
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Living and Working Conditions
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with potential periodic travel to Mercy Corps programme locations across the country.
Some assignments may involve locations where amenities are limited or where security procedures and restrictions apply.
The position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports directly to the MEL Country Manager.
Why Consider This Mercy Corps Internship?
This opportunity can provide recent graduates with practical exposure to the professional MEL environment while developing valuable technical skills.
Successful candidates can gain experience in:
🌍 International development programming
📊 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
💻 Digital data systems
📈 Data analysis and visualization
🔎 Research and evaluation
📱 Digital data collection
📊 Power BI dashboards
🌱 Market Systems Development
🤝 Programme collaboration
📚 Professional learning and mentorship
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the complete vacancy announcement and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
Applicants should prepare an updated CV and provide accurate information demonstrating their academic background, technical skills and relevant experience.
Applications should be submitted through the official Mercy Corps careers platform before the applicable closing date.
Important Note
This is a graduate-level internship, so applicants should clearly highlight relevant university coursework, academic projects, research, volunteering, technical skills and other experiences that demonstrate their potential.
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and respectful workplaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a graduate internship?
Yes. The position is specifically designed as a Graduate Intern – MEL opportunity.
Where is the position based?
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and is full-time and on-site.
Who is eligible?
Candidates who graduated within the previous 12 months with a Bachelor’s degree, or candidates who have completed their coursework and are awaiting graduation, may be eligible.
What fields of study are accepted?
Relevant fields include Data Science, Statistics, Economics and Statistics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Actuarial Science, Monitoring and Evaluation and related quantitative disciplines.
Is previous professional experience required?
The position is aimed at graduates, so relevant exposure can come from coursework, academic research, final-year projects, volunteering, internships or self-directed learning.
What technical skills are useful?
Basic Microsoft Excel skills are required. Knowledge or interest in Power BI, CommCare, SQL, Microsoft Azure, R, Python, SPSS or Stata can be advantageous.
Is Kiswahili required?
Yes. The vacancy specifies proficiency in English and working knowledge of Kiswahili.
Is the position remote?
No. The position is listed as on-site in Nairobi, Kenya, although travel to programme locations may be required.
Final Thoughts
The Mercy Corps Graduate Intern – MEL opportunity is a strong entry-level option for graduates who want to combine data, technology, research and international development.
Candidates with quantitative backgrounds and an interest in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning can use this opportunity to develop practical experience with real programme data, digital systems, dashboards and evidence-based decision-making.
If your goal is to build a career in MEL, data analytics, international development or programme performance, this internship could provide valuable hands-on experience and professional exposure.
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