ACET Regional Integration Graduate Intern 2026: Fully Funded Career Opportunity in Economic Research and African Development

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is inviting applications for a Regional Integration (RI) Graduate Intern to support research, policy development, regional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for recent postgraduate graduates who want to build professional experience in economic research, regional integration, international development, public policy, data analysis, and African economic transformation.

The position is based in Accra, Ghana, with remote work arrangements available, and the successful intern will work under the supervision of a Senior Policy Analyst within ACET’s Regional Integration Program.

Applications are open until Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Opportunity Overview

• Organization: African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
• Opportunity: Regional Integration Graduate Intern
• Job Title: Graduate Intern – Regional Integration (RI)
• Category: Internship
• Location: Accra / Remote
• Posted: 13 August 2026
• Reporting to: Senior Policy Analyst
• Application deadline: Thursday, 27 August 2026
• Application method: Email application
• Application email: pnc@acetforafrica.org
• Interview format: Virtual or in person for candidates based in Ghana
• Target applicants: Recent postgraduate graduates, particularly those with backgrounds in Economics or related Social Sciences

About the African Center for Economic Transformation

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is an African economic policy institute focused on supporting Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

The organization conducts research, provides policy advice, and works to encourage practical action that can help African countries develop stronger economies, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods.

ACET describes itself as an organization focused on advancing African solutions to African challenges. Its work brings together research, policy thinking, partnerships, and practical approaches to economic transformation across the continent.

For an aspiring policy professional, researcher, development practitioner, economist, or analyst, an internship with an institution such as ACET can provide exposure to the intersection of research, public policy, economic development, regional cooperation, and government engagement.

About the Regional Integration Program

The internship is situated within ACET’s Regional Integration (RI) Program.

Regional integration is an important component of Africa’s economic development agenda. It involves strengthening economic relationships between African countries, improving cross-border trade and cooperation, supporting regional value chains, and identifying policies that can help countries participate more effectively in regional and continental markets.

The intern will therefore have the opportunity to contribute to work connected to regional value chain development, while gaining exposure to research, program coordination, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, reporting, and business development.

Role and Purpose of the Internship

The Regional Integration Program is looking for a graduate intern who can provide support across several areas of its work.

The role is designed around three broad areas:

1. Research and analysis
2. Program coordination and implementation
3. Stakeholder engagement

The intern will also contribute to communications and knowledge products, business development activities, and administrative support when required.

This makes the opportunity broader than a traditional research internship. The successful candidate is expected to combine analytical ability, strong writing, organizational skills, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with different stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Data Analysis

A major component of the position involves supporting ACET’s research activities.

The intern will assist project teams with:

• Collecting relevant research data.
• Organizing and analyzing information.
• Interpreting data.
• Synthesizing research findings.
• Providing inputs into research reports.
• Supporting evidence-based analysis.
• Contributing to the development of research outputs.

This responsibility makes research ability particularly important for applicants.

Candidates should be comfortable working with information from different sources, identifying relevant evidence, understanding findings, and communicating analytical conclusions clearly.

2. Cross-Country Project Coordination

The intern will support coordination across projects involving different countries and stakeholders.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting communication between project teams.
• Helping coordinate activities across countries.
• Assisting with project-related follow-up.
• Engaging stakeholders during research validation processes.
• Supporting dissemination of research findings.
• Helping ensure project activities progress according to established plans.

This aspect of the role could provide valuable experience for candidates interested in project management, international development, policy coordination, consulting, and regional development.

3. Policy Briefs, Blogs and Thought Pieces

The successful candidate will also support the program’s communications and knowledge-sharing activities.

This includes working with the program Lead to develop:

• Thought pieces.
• Policy briefs.
• Blogs.
• Research narratives.
• Key messages related to regional integration.

The objective is to make complex research and policy findings easier for policymakers and other stakeholders to understand and use.

Strong writing skills will therefore be important.

Applicants should be able to take research information, identify the most important findings, and communicate those findings in a clear and accessible way.

4. Business Development Support

The intern may also contribute to ACET’s business development activities.

This could involve conducting background research to support the preparation of technical proposals.

Candidates interested in consulting, development organizations, research institutes, policy institutions, or international organizations may find this aspect of the role particularly valuable because it provides exposure to how organizations develop proposals around technical and policy projects.

5. Administrative Support

The intern will provide additional administrative support to the Regional Integration Program when required.

This may involve helping with coordination, documentation, communication, scheduling, reporting, research organization, and other activities necessary for effective program implementation.

The role therefore requires someone who is not only academically capable but also organized, dependable, adaptable, and comfortable handling multiple responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a postgraduate degree in Economics or a related field in the Social Sciences.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include areas such as:

• Economics
• Development Economics
• International Development
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Other closely related Social Science disciplines

However, applicants should carefully assess whether their postgraduate qualification is sufficiently related to the role before applying.

Professional and Relevant Experience

Previous professional experience is not presented as an absolute requirement, but relevant experience will strengthen an application.

ACET specifically indicates that experience gained through:

• Employment
• Volunteering
• Internships
• Research
• International development activities
• Economic research
• Related development work

can be an advantage.

The internship is intended for recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience and transition into the world of work.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their academic background, research projects, internships, volunteer work, employment, or other experiences have prepared them to contribute to the Regional Integration Program.

Required Skills and Abilities

Excellent Research Skills

Research is central to this internship.

Applicants should be able to:

• Find and evaluate relevant information.
• Conduct structured research.
• Organize evidence.
• Analyze information.
• Draw meaningful conclusions.
• Contribute to research reports.

Data Analysis Skills

The position also requires candidates who can support data collection and analysis.

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to work with data and translate information into useful findings.

Where applicable, candidates should highlight relevant coursework, research projects, professional assignments, or technical tools they have used for data analysis.

Strong Writing Skills

Writing is another major requirement.

The intern may contribute to:

• Research reports
• Policy briefs
• Blogs
• Thought pieces
• Technical proposals
• Research summaries

Applicants should therefore ensure that their CV and cover letter demonstrate clear, professional, analytical writing.

French Language Skills

ACET states that candidates should possess a good working knowledge of French.

This is an important requirement because the position involves regional and cross-country work.

Applicants who have French-language qualifications, professional experience using French, academic exposure to French, or practical communication ability should clearly indicate this in their application.

Teamwork

The intern will work with project teams and interact with colleagues and stakeholders.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate effectively.
• Contribute to team projects.
• Communicate professionally.
• Support colleagues.
• Work across different assignments.

Ability to Work With Limited Oversight

The organization is also looking for candidates who can work comfortably with limited supervision.

This means applicants should demonstrate:

• Initiative
• Self-management
• Accountability
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• The ability to complete assigned tasks independently

Personal Qualities ACET Is Looking For

Beyond academic qualifications and technical skills, ACET highlights several personal qualities.

Interpersonal Skills

The successful candidate should have outstanding interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with different people.

Organizational Skills

Because the position combines research, coordination, stakeholder engagement, communications, business development, and administrative responsibilities, strong organization will be essential.

Communication Skills

The intern will interact with colleagues, partners, government officials, and stakeholders from different backgrounds and cultures.

Professional verbal and written communication will therefore be important.

Administrative Ability

Candidates should also be capable of handling administrative responsibilities efficiently and professionally.

ACET’s Core Values

Applicants should understand the values of the organization before applying.

ACET identifies five core values:

Pioneering

ACET seeks to push boundaries and operate in the spirit of a “think and do” tank.

Respect

The organization emphasizes mutual respect and believes that people grow by respecting one another.

Integrity

Transparency and accountability are central to ACET’s approach.

Collaboration

ACET believes that strong results are achieved when people work effectively together.

Excellence

The organization strives for high standards of critical thinking and seeks effective solutions to difficult challenges.

A strong cover letter should ideally show how the applicant’s own experience and working style align with these values.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is particularly suited to recent postgraduate graduates who want to build professional experience in economic research, regional integration, public policy, international development, or related fields.

Potentially relevant applicants include graduates with postgraduate qualifications in:

• Economics
• Development Economics
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Other related Social Sciences

Applicants with relevant research, internship, volunteer, or professional experience may have an additional advantage.

The opportunity may also appeal to people seeking to build careers as:

• Policy analysts
• Economic researchers
• Development professionals
• Research analysts
• Project coordinators
• International development practitioners
• Public policy professionals
• Regional integration specialists
• Management or development consultants

Countries and Geographic Eligibility

The vacancy does not state a nationality restriction.

The position is listed as Accra/Remote, and ACET describes itself as a Pan-African organization with a diversified African and global talent base.

Candidates should therefore focus primarily on meeting the stated educational, professional, language, research, analytical, and interpersonal requirements.

Candidates based in Ghana should note that interviews may be conducted in person, while virtual interviews may also be used.

Because the vacancy does not explicitly specify a list of eligible countries or a nationality requirement, applicants outside Ghana should confirm their ability to participate remotely and their eligibility before submitting an application.

Is This an Internship, Job, Scholarship or Fellowship?

Category: Internship

This is a graduate internship opportunity, not a scholarship, conference, award, competition, fellowship, grant, or permanent employment position.

ACET explicitly notes that the internship does not guarantee employment after the internship.

Applicants should therefore view the opportunity primarily as a professional development and experience-building opportunity.

What Can Applicants Gain From the Opportunity?

Although the vacancy does not advertise a specific financial benefit or salary package, the responsibilities indicate several potentially valuable professional development opportunities.

Research Experience

Participants can gain practical exposure to economic and policy research, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and report development.

Policy Writing Experience

The intern can contribute to policy briefs, blogs, thought pieces, and other research communications.

Regional Development Exposure

Working within the Regional Integration Program can expose the intern to issues involving African economic integration and regional value chains.

Cross-Country Coordination

The role provides exposure to projects involving multiple countries and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

The intern may interact with partners, policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Business Development

The position also offers exposure to technical proposal development and background research for business development activities.

Professional Networking

Working within a Pan-African policy institution can provide opportunities to develop professional relationships with researchers, policy professionals, development practitioners, government stakeholders, and other experts.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are required to submit:

1. A current CV
2. A cover letter explaining why they are the most suitable candidate

Applications should be submitted by email to:

pnc@acetforafrica.org

Applicants should ensure that their CV and cover letter are tailored specifically to the Regional Integration Graduate Intern position.

More information about this internship, visit ACET for Africa

For more global internship programs visit the OFY Website HERE 

How to Make Your Application Stronger

Tailor Your CV

Do not submit a generic CV if you can avoid it.

Highlight experiences related to:

• Research
• Data analysis
• Policy
• Economics
• Development
• Regional integration
• Project coordination
• Stakeholder engagement
• Writing
• Administration

Demonstrate Research Ability

If you have completed a dissertation, thesis, research project, policy paper, academic publication, or professional research assignment, consider highlighting it.

Highlight French Proficiency

Because French is specifically identified as a desired skill, clearly state your level of French proficiency if applicable.

Connect Your Experience to Regional Integration

Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in regional integration and African economic transformation rather than simply stating that you need an internship.

Show Evidence of Impact

Whenever possible, describe what you achieved rather than simply listing responsibilities.

For example, instead of only saying that you “conducted research,” explain the type of research you conducted, what you analyzed, and how your findings were used.

Demonstrate Independence

Since ACET wants someone comfortable working with limited oversight, provide examples that demonstrate initiative and independent problem-solving.

Important Application Details

Detail	Information
Organization	African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
Position	Regional Integration Graduate Intern
Program	Regional Integration
Location	Accra / Remote
Posted	13 August 2026
Minimum Education	Postgraduate degree
Preferred Academic Background	Economics or related Social Sciences
Key Skills	Research, data analysis, writing, French, teamwork
Application Documents	CV and Cover Letter
Application Email	pnc@acetforafrica.org
Deadline	Thursday, 27 August 2026
Interview	Virtual or in person for candidates based in Ghana
Employment After Internship	Not guaranteed

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit their applications before the final day rather than waiting until the deadline.

Late applications may not be considered.

Important Note for Applicants

ACET states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The organization also strongly encourages female candidates to apply.

Applicants should carefully review their CV and cover letter before submission to ensure that their qualifications and relevant experience are clearly presented.

Conclusion

The ACET Regional Integration Graduate Intern opportunity provides an interesting entry point for postgraduate graduates seeking practical experience in economic research, regional integration, public policy, international development, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and African economic transformation.

The position goes beyond basic administrative internship duties. It combines research and data analysis with cross-country coordination, policy writing, stakeholder engagement, business development, and program support.

For candidates interested in careers in economic policy, research institutions, development organizations, consulting, government, regional organizations, or African development, the experience could provide valuable exposure to the type of work performed within a Pan-African economic policy institution.

Eligible applicants should prepare a targeted CV and compelling cover letter and submit both to pnc@acetforafrica.org before the Thursday, 27 August 2026 deadline.

Most importantly, applicants should demonstrate not only that they meet the academic requirements but also that they possess the research, analytical, writing, communication, organizational, and collaborative abilities required to contribute meaningfully to ACET’s Regional Integration Program.