Applications are now open for the Cloneshouse Internship Programme (CIP) 2027, a fully remote professional development opportunity designed for young and emerging professionals interested in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), research, evidence generation, business development and impact technology.

The programme, delivered by Cloneshouse Foundation in partnership with Cloneshouse LLC, a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning firm, will select 15 interns from eligible countries across West and Central Africa, including Nigeria.

The selected participants will receive practical training, mentorship and exposure to real development projects. The programme combines structured learning with assignments and professional workflows, giving interns opportunities to develop experience in evaluation, research, data collection and analysis, evidence generation, business development and technical assistance.

Participants typically undertake a three-week Basic Monitoring and Evaluation course followed by a six-week Advanced Programme Evaluation Management course while working alongside mid-level and senior consultants.

Applicants are not required to already be experts in monitoring and evaluation. However, they are expected to demonstrate a genuine interest in evaluation, evidence, development practice, research, learning, technology or related fields and be prepared to commit the required time to the programme.

Eligible applicants must be from one of the following 16 countries:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Cabo Verde
• Côte d’Ivoire
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liberia
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Togo

The programme places emphasis on practical learning, with interns expected to participate in assignments, group work, learning sessions and project activities throughout the programme.

Areas of potential learning and professional exposure include:

• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Evaluation design and management
• Research and evidence generation
• Data collection and analysis
• Data interpretation and visualisation
• Business development
• Proposal and tender preparation
• Desk research
• Technical assistance
• Development project activities
• Professional communication and teamwork

Selected interns will receive practical professional experience, structured MEL training and mentorship from experienced professionals. They will also have opportunities for peer learning, teamwork and participation in real development assignments alongside consultants and project teams.

The experience may support participants in developing their careers and professional portfolios. Cloneshouse also notes that previous interns have progressed into junior consulting roles within the organisation.

The internship is described by Cloneshouse as unpaid. However, interns assigned to certain projects may receive a stipend at the discretion of project teams. Per diems and travel expenses may also be available where an intern agrees to travel for a Cloneshouse project.

Participation in the internship itself is 100% remote.

For the 2027 cohort, Cloneshouse plans to admit 15 interns. According to the organisation, the limited cohort size is intended to facilitate mentorship, participation in team activities, relationship-building among interns and practical exposure to its work.

Applicants will be required to complete an online application form containing basic personal and professional information and provide a statement of interest outlining their reasons for wanting to join the programme.

Applications will undergo a competitive selection process. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete further assessments, potentially including a screening exercise or interview.

Candidates who advance in the process may subsequently be required to submit a CV and other supporting documents. The Foundation states that shortlisted applicants will also need to provide proof of enrolment in a graduate degree, while their CVs must contain two referees.

Cloneshouse will also organise an online information session for prospective applicants on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM WAT.

The session will explain the programme structure, learning expectations, selection process and participation requirements. Prospective applicants will also be able to ask questions ahead of submitting their applications.

The application timeline is as follows:

• Applications open: September 14, 2026
• Information session: September 29, 2026 at 2 PM WAT
• Application deadline: November 6, 2026
• Programme begins: February 2027
• Format: Fully remote

Interested candidates can apply through the official Cloneshouse Internship Programme page.

Apply for the Cloneshouse Internship Programme

Applicants are expected to meet the country eligibility requirements and clearly demonstrate their interest in monitoring and evaluation, research, evidence, development practice, technology or related areas.

The key details for the 2027 cohort are:

• Programme: Cloneshouse Internship Programme 2027
• Organisation: Cloneshouse Foundation
• Cohort: 15 interns
• Eligible countries: 16 African countries, including Nigeria
• Focus areas: MEL, research, evidence generation, business development and impact technology
• Format: 100% remote
• Start date: February 2027
• Application deadline: November 6, 2026
• Cost: No application fee stated
• Internship status: Unpaid, with possible project-based stipends at the discretion of project teams

Source: msmeafricaonline.com