Are you passionate about research, development work, humanitarian action, and creating positive social impact? AF Development Care (AFDC) is currently inviting applications for the position of Research Assistant Intern (Unpaid) in Sri Lanka. This remote internship presents an excellent opportunity for students, recent graduates, and aspiring development professionals to gain practical experience in research, project support, and international development initiatives.
As the development sector continues to grow across Asia and Africa, organizations increasingly seek individuals with strong analytical, research, and communication skills. This internship provides an opportunity to build those competencies while working alongside experienced professionals in the NGO and humanitarian sector.
About AF Development Care (AFDC)
AF Development Care (AFDC) is a development-focused organization committed to promoting sustainable development, community empowerment, humanitarian response, capacity building, and social impact initiatives. The organization collaborates with NGOs, civil society organizations, development partners, and international stakeholders to support evidence-based programming and effective project implementation across various sectors.
AFDC is known for creating learning opportunities for young professionals who wish to build careers in international development, project management, monitoring and evaluation, research, and humanitarian action. Through its internship programs, AFDC seeks to nurture future development leaders by providing hands-on exposure to real-world projects and organizational processes.
About the Research Assistant Internship
The Research Assistant Intern will support the organization's research and knowledge management activities. This role is ideal for individuals interested in development research, policy analysis, social sciences, humanitarian studies, public health, international relations, or related disciplines.
Working remotely, the selected intern will contribute to research assignments, data collection efforts, literature reviews, report writing, and project documentation. The internship allows participants to gain valuable experience while understanding how research contributes to effective development programming and evidence-based decision-making.
The internship is unpaid; however, participants will gain practical exposure, mentorship opportunities, and professional development experience that can strengthen their future career prospects in the NGO and development sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates may be expected to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Conducting desk research on development and humanitarian topics.
- Reviewing academic articles, reports, policy documents, and project publications.
- Supporting data collection and information gathering activities.
- Assisting in the preparation of research reports and presentations.
- Contributing to project documentation and knowledge management activities.
- Preparing summaries, briefs, and analytical notes.
- Supporting proposal development and project planning exercises.
- Assisting senior team members in monitoring ongoing activities.
- Participating in virtual meetings and collaborative project discussions.
- Supporting communication and coordination efforts within project teams.
These responsibilities provide interns with practical exposure to the research processes commonly used by NGOs, development agencies, consulting firms, and humanitarian organizations.
Eligibility Requirements
AF Development Care encourages applications from students and recent graduates who demonstrate a genuine interest in development and humanitarian work.
Ideal candidates should possess:
- Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a university program.
- Educational background in Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Economics, Public Health, or related fields.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Excellent research and analytical abilities.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic work setting.
Previous internship or volunteer experience is considered an advantage but is not mandatory. AFDC welcomes applications from fresh graduates and individuals seeking their first opportunity in the development sector.
Benefits of the Internship
Although the internship is unpaid, participants stand to gain several important benefits that can contribute to their professional growth.
1. Practical Research Experience
Interns will gain hands-on experience conducting research, analyzing information, and preparing professional reports. These skills are highly valued across the NGO, academic, and development sectors.
2. Exposure to International Development
Participants will learn about development challenges, humanitarian interventions, and community-focused initiatives that impact vulnerable populations across different regions.
3. Professional Networking
The internship provides opportunities to connect with development professionals, project managers, researchers, and practitioners working within the international development ecosystem.
4. Career Development
Many entry-level NGO and development sector positions require prior exposure to project work, research, or volunteer activities. This internship can serve as an important stepping stone toward future employment opportunities.
5. Remote Working Experience
As remote work becomes increasingly common, interns will develop valuable skills in virtual collaboration, communication, and project coordination.
Why Research Experience Matters in the NGO Sector
Research plays a critical role in designing, implementing, and evaluating development programs. Organizations rely on accurate data and evidence to identify community needs, measure impact, and improve project outcomes.
Professionals with strong research skills are often sought after for positions in:
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
- Program Management
- Project Coordination
- Public Health
- Humanitarian Response
- Policy Analysis
- Development Consulting
- Grant Writing
- Knowledge Management
By participating in a research-focused internship, candidates can develop transferable skills that remain valuable throughout their careers.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for:
- University students seeking practical experience.
- Recent graduates exploring careers in international development.
- Aspiring researchers and policy analysts.
- Individuals interested in humanitarian and NGO work.
- Professionals seeking to strengthen their research portfolio.
- Volunteers looking to transition into the development sector.
Applicants with a strong passion for learning, social impact, and community development are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please send the following to office@afdcglobal.org with a cc to afdcdirector@gmail.com with the subject line:
“Research Assistant Intern – Sri Lanka – [Your Name]”
Include:
CV (maximum 2 pages).
A brief motivation statement (250–300 words) explaining:
Why you are interested in this role; and
What you hope to learn during the internship and how it fits into your career plans.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview (online).
AFDC Global is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from the Global South. To know more about our work, visit visit https://www.afdcglobal.org / https://x.com/DevelopmentAf
Final Thoughts
The Research Assistant Intern (Unpaid) position at AF Development Care offers an excellent opportunity for students and early-career professionals to gain meaningful experience in research and development work. While the internship does not provide financial compensation, it offers valuable learning opportunities, professional exposure, and practical experience that can significantly enhance future career prospects.
For individuals interested in building a career in the NGO, humanitarian, or international development sectors, this internship can serve as an important first step toward acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in a competitive field.
If you are passionate about research, development, and creating positive social change, consider applying for this internship and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in the development sector.
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