Child Rights and Responsible Business Intern

Purpose of the Role

The Child Rights and Responsible Business Intern will support International Alert's work at the intersection of child rights, responsible business conduct, business and human rights, and private sector engagement.

The role requires an individual who combines strong research and analytical skills with a client-focused mindset and the ability to build positive relationships with businesses, industry stakeholders, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners.

The intern will contribute to programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, business outreach, policy analysis, knowledge management, training coordination, and the development of practical solutions that help companies identify, prevent, and address risks to children's rights within their operations, supply chains, and surrounding communities.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Support

• Support the implementation of Child Rights and Responsible Business projects and activities.
• Assist in coordinating meetings, workshops, consultations, training sessions, and stakeholder engagements.
• Support the preparation of project reports, briefing notes, presentations, and donor updates.
• Assist in monitoring project activities and maintaining programme documentation.
• Support project planning, implementation, and learning processes.

Research and Policy Analysis

• Conduct desk research on child rights, business and human rights, ESG, responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, and related thematic areas.
• Support the review of national and international legal and policy frameworks affecting children and businesses.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, policy briefs, research papers, and learning materials.
• Monitor emerging trends and developments in child rights, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Private Sector and Client Engagement

• Support engagement with private sector companies, industry associations, investors, chambers of commerce, and business networks.
• Assist in managing relationships with existing and prospective corporate partners.
• Support the preparation of presentations, concept notes, proposals, and briefing materials for business stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of child rights and responsible business advisory services for corporate clients.
• Assist in organizing business roundtables, consultations, learning events, and stakeholder dialogues.
• Support the collection and analysis of client feedback to improve programme delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Represent International Alert professionally during stakeholder meetings and external engagements as required.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Support engagement with government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, academic institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Assist in stakeholder mapping and partnership development activities.
• Prepare meeting minutes, action trackers, and stakeholder engagement reports.
• Support outreach and awareness-raising initiatives related to child rights and responsible business.

Knowledge Management and Communications

• Maintain project records, databases, and documentation systems.
• Support documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and case studies.
• Assist in drafting communication materials, newsletters, website content, and social media content related to programme activities.
• Contribute to internal learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Administrative Support

• Support logistics and coordination of programme events.
• Assist with filing, record keeping, and project administration.
• Provide administrative support to the Country Programme Manager and programme team as required.
• Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by the supervisor.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Human Rights, Business Management, International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in Child Rights, Business and Human Rights, Corporate Sustainability, ESG, Responsible Business Conduct, Safeguarding, or related fields.
• Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Essential Competencies

• Strong client orientation and service mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage professionally with corporate executives, government representatives, development partners, and community stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to International Alert's values, safeguarding principles, and ethical standards.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Candidates with the following will have an advantage:

• Professional legal qualification and membership of a recognized professional body.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Human Rights, International Development, Sustainability, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Experience in client relationship management, customer service, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in human resources management, recruitment, or organizational development.
• Experience supporting child protection, safeguarding, human rights, or development programmes.
• Experience in legal advisory services, compliance, or policy analysis.
• Experience working with private sector organizations, consulting firms, law firms, development agencies, or non-governmental organizations.
• Knowledge of international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Children's Rights and Business Principles (CRBPs), and related responsible business standards.

What We Offer

• Practical experience in a leading international peacebuilding organization.
• Exposure to Child Rights and Responsible Business programming and private sector engagement.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Hands-on experience working with government institutions, businesses, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative initiatives that promote responsible business conduct and the protection of children's rights in Nigeria.

Safeguarding

International Alert is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to comply with International Alert's safeguarding policies and may be subject to reference checks and other safeguarding requirements.

Equal Opportunities

International Alert is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics.