PDQI-New Business Development Intern

Save the Children is seeking a Programme Development Quality and Impact (PDQI) – New Business Development Intern to join its Nairobi-based team. This internship is ideal for candidates searching for NGO jobs in Kenya, entry-level development opportunities, or Save the Children internships, and provides hands-on experience in proposal development, donor engagement, and new business development.

Key Job Information

Position: PDQI – New Business Development Intern
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with field travel as required)
Employment Type: Internship (6 months)
Experience Level: Entry-level / Early Career
Application Deadline: 24 November 2025
Child Safeguarding Level: Level 3

About Save the Children

Save the Children is a leading international NGO recognized worldwide for its work in humanitarian and development programming. For job seekers searching for careers at Save the Children or humanitarian internship opportunities in Kenya, the organization offers a platform to contribute directly to child protection, education, health, and emergency response initiatives. With operations in more than 100 countries, Save the Children continues to innovate, advocate, and respond to ensure every child survives, learns, and is protected.

In Kenya and Madagascar, Save the Children delivers programs that improve access to quality education, prevent violence against children, promote nutrition and healthcare, and strengthen community resilience. The Nairobi Country Office cultivates a culture of learning, teamwork, and growth — making it an excellent destination for graduates searching for entry-level development internships and programme development roles.

Joining the PDQI team provides a rich environment for learning, collaboration, and mentorship, especially for candidates seeking practical experience in development proposal writing, funding pipeline management, and donor strategy development.

Job Description

The PDQI – New Business Development Intern will support Save the Children’s efforts to grow funding and partnerships in line with the Country Strategic Plan. This role is well suited for individuals looking for programme development internships in Nairobi or internships supporting donor engagement and proposal writing.

Working closely with the Head of Programme Development and the wider PDQI team, the intern will assist with identifying funding opportunities, coordinating proposal development processes, maintaining knowledge resources, and supporting key documentation. This position offers rich exposure to humanitarian funding systems, NGO donor relations, and new business development workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Programme Development in reviewing new funding opportunities through online portals and partner networks — ideal for candidates searching for proposal development internships and grant writing experience.
• Assist internal teams with proposal development coordination, working with MEAL, Communications, Awards/Partnerships, Finance, and Operations departments.
• Prepare internal and external communications including donor updates, learning briefs, fundraising updates, and engagement summaries.
• Support the creation and use of proposal development templates, SOPs, proposal plans, and checklists ensuring quality control.
• Manage administrative business development tasks such as AMS record setup, risk assessment tool preparation, and document uploads.
• Maintain business development trackers (pipeline tracker, donor intelligence tracker, and opportunity tracker).
• Take part in proposal design workshops, strategy meetings, and donor engagement sessions — helpful for candidates seeking hands-on donor engagement experience.
• Assist in the development and execution of donor engagement strategies and follow-up action plans.
• Prepare donor briefs, print packages, and meeting documentation for Save the Children member offices and funding partners.
• Organize and maintain SharePoint knowledge resources including proposal files, concept notes, and version-controlled documents.
• Participate in PDQI team meetings and professional development sessions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, International Development, Project Management, Community Development, or a related field.
• Strong interest in humanitarian and development work in Kenya.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with information systems like SharePoint.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous exposure to NGO environments or community development initiatives.
• Interest in proposal writing, donor engagement, and programme development workflows.
• Experience working with trackers, databases, or version-controlled documentation.

Benefits and Compensation

This internship provides an opportunity to gain practical, career-building experience with one of the world’s most respected NGOs. Candidates searching for development sector career pathways in Kenya will gain real exposure to:

• Proposal development and humanitarian funding systems
• Donor relationship management
• Knowledge management and programme quality insights
• Cross-department collaboration and real-world project design

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Individuals searching for how to apply for Save the Children internships in Kenya are encouraged to submit their CV and cover letter as one document. Please include salary expectations where applicable.