Apply for the Save the Children Graduate Trainee Programme 2026 in Kenya. This entry-level Awards Management opportunity offers graduates valuable NGO experience, international development exposure, and career growth within one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
Overview
Applications are now open for the Save the Children Graduate Trainee Programme 2026, offering young professionals an opportunity to launch their careers in the international development and humanitarian sector.
The organization is currently recruiting a Grants and Awards Intern based in Nairobi, Kenya. This full-time opportunity is designed for recent graduates interested in grants management, partnerships, donor compliance, project administration, and international NGO operations.
The internship provides hands-on experience supporting award management processes while working alongside experienced development professionals in one of the world’s largest child-focused humanitarian organizations.
For graduates seeking international NGO careers, this programme offers valuable exposure to donor-funded projects, partnership management, and development programming.
About Save the Children
Save the Children is one of the world’s leading independent organizations working to improve the lives of children.
Operating in more than 100 countries, the organization focuses on:
- Child protection
- Education
- Health and nutrition
- Humanitarian response
- Emergency relief
- Economic strengthening
- Gender equality
- Child rights advocacy
Save the Children works closely with governments, donors, UN agencies, local partners, and communities to deliver sustainable development and humanitarian programmes.
Programme Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Grants and Awards Intern |
| Organization | Save the Children |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Department | Awards Management |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Programme Level | Graduate Trainee / Internship |
| Job ID | 16662 |
| Application Deadline | 5 June 2026 |
| Career Area | International Development & Grants Management |
Role Purpose
The Awards Management Intern will support the management of grants, donor-funded projects, and implementing partners across various programmes.
The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple departments to ensure awards are effectively managed and comply with organizational and donor requirements.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in international development project management and donor compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Proposal Development Support
The intern will:
- Manage award documentation during proposal stages
- Support document processing and filing
- Upload records into the Awards Management System (AMS)
- Ensure workflows are completed on time
Awards and Partnership Management
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting monthly award review meetings
- Recording and distributing meeting action points
- Assisting with partner vetting processes
- Supporting partner assessments
- Assisting with partnership agreements
- Supporting partner payment processes
- Helping coordinate monitoring visits
Awards Management System (AMS) Support
The intern will:
- Update award information within AMS
- Maintain reporting trackers
- Support portfolio analysis reporting
- Ensure records remain accurate and up to date
- Maintain audit trails for awards and sub-awards
Grant Tracking and Reporting
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining income trackers
- Updating funding trackers
- Monitoring award close-out processes
- Supporting partner reporting schedules
- Coordinating award-related meetings
Donor Compliance
The intern will support compliance activities related to:
- Donor reporting deadlines
- Award implementation periods
- Grant amendments
- Audit requirements
- Organizational grant management policies
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain practical experience in:
- International grant management
- Partnership coordination
- Donor compliance
- Project administration
- NGO operations
- Monitoring and reporting systems
- Stakeholder engagement
- Award management systems
These skills are highly valued across NGOs, UN agencies, donor organizations, and international development institutions.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Commerce
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Related disciplines
Recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Skills and Experience Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Technical Skills
- Strong organizational abilities
- Planning and coordination skills
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Attention to detail
- Data management capabilities
Professional Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to work under pressure
Interpersonal Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Cultural awareness
- Relationship-building abilities
- Teamwork skills
- Professional communication
- Experience working in diverse environments
Desired Competencies
Save the Children is looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
Delivering Results
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Accountability
- Strong performance management
Working Effectively with Others
- Collaboration skills
- Team engagement
- Cross-functional communication
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Critical thinking
- Strategic analysis
- Risk assessment
Leadership and Development
- Initiative
- Confidence
- Inclusive leadership
- Ability to contribute innovative ideas
Why Apply?
Benefits of joining the programme include:
- Practical NGO experience
- Exposure to international development programmes
- Professional mentorship
- Career development opportunities
- Experience working with donor-funded projects
- Networking opportunities within the humanitarian sector
- Valuable skills for future NGO and UN careers
Career Opportunities After the Programme
The experience gained through this internship can support future careers in:
- International NGOs
- UN agencies
- Humanitarian organizations
- Development consulting
- Project management
- Grant management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Programme coordination
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Save the Children recruitment platform before the application deadline.
Application Deadline
5 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as positions may receive a high volume of applications.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Save the Children |
| Position | Grants and Awards Intern |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Programme Type | Graduate Trainee Programme |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Education Required | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Eligible Fields | Commerce, Economics, Business Administration |
| Experience Required | Entry-Level |
| Application Deadline | 5 June 2026 |
| Focus Area | Awards Management & International Development |
Conclusion
The Save the Children Graduate Trainee Programme 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking meaningful careers in international development and humanitarian work.
Through hands-on experience in awards management, donor compliance, partnership coordination, and project administration, participants will develop valuable professional skills while contributing to programmes that improve the lives of children and communities worldwide.
Graduates interested in building long-term careers in NGOs, international organizations, and development institutions should strongly consider applying for this opportunity before the deadline.
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