Internal Controls Compliance – Intern

Save the Children is seeking a highly motivated Internal Controls Compliance Intern to join its Nairobi office. This position offers early-career professionals a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in audit, risk management, and compliance within an international humanitarian organization. Ideal candidates will explore careers in internal audit, compliance, and donor management in Kenya and gain exposure to both national and field-level operations.

Key Job Information

• Position: Internal Controls Compliance Intern
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Internship (Full-time)
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Application Deadline: 24/11/2025

About Save the Children

Save the Children is a global leader in humanitarian response and child-focused development, employing over 25,000 staff across more than 100 countries. In Kenya, the organization has been active since the 1950s, delivering programs in child protection, education, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene). By integrating both development and emergency responses, Save the Children ensures that children and communities in crisis receive critical support while advocating for systemic change.

The Nairobi office supports a network of operational sites including Nandi, Kajiado, Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, and Wajir, partnering with local organizations to extend its reach. Save the Children’s operations in Kenya are guided by a commitment to child rights, equality, and safeguarding, providing interns with exposure to donor compliance, audit practices, and internal control systems within a leading international NGO.

Job Description

The Internal Controls Compliance Intern will work alongside the Risk, Governance and Compliance Manager and the internal audit team to strengthen internal controls, ensure adherence to organizational policies, and support donor compliance across programs. The role provides hands-on experience in evaluating processes, coordinating audits, reviewing documentation, and promoting a culture of compliance.

This internship offers exposure to audit internships in Kenya, donor compliance roles, and opportunities to understand regulatory requirements from major donors such as USAID, DFID, ECHO, EC, and UN bodies. It is ideal for candidates seeking risk management, compliance, or governance career paths within international NGOs.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the audit action tracker, follow up on outstanding actions, and provide trend analysis to management.
• Support external audits by coordinating timelines, providing required documentation, and accompanying auditors when necessary.
• Document and report audit findings, and assist in implementing corrective actions in collaboration with departments and field offices.
• Review award files, reports, and project documents to ensure compliance with donor regulations and internal procedures.
• Support training of budget holders, staff, and partners on donor compliance and internal control requirements.
• Participate in field visits to assess internal processes, compliance risks, and adherence to organizational and donor standards.
• Collaborate on policy and regulatory monitoring, and support development of mitigation measures for identified risks.
• Assist in partnership compliance by reviewing partner records, documenting findings, and tracking implementation of recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent.
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA Part II or ACCA II) is required.
• Familiarity with auditing, awards/grant management, and donor compliance.
• Basic knowledge of compliance regulations for major donors including USAID, EC, ECHO, DFID, and UN bodies.
• Strong computer skills, particularly accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and documentation skills.
• High cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in an international, multi-cultural environment.
• Strong time management and planning abilities, with attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel extensively to field offices (up to 50%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in internal audit or compliance within NGOs or international organizations.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and risk assessment procedures.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Strong results orientation and capacity to challenge existing practices constructively.

Benefits and Compensation

Interns will gain practical experience in internal controls, audit processes, and donor compliance while contributing to high-impact humanitarian programs. The role provides mentorship from experienced compliance professionals, exposure to field operations, and professional development opportunities, strengthening qualifications for future careers in governance, audit, and international development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Applicants must submit their CV and cover letter as a single document in English. Save the Children does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Employment is subject to adherence to Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding and Health & Safety policies. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.