Innovation Operations and Research Intern

Overview

Support CASIPA's internal operations, research functions, and institutional documentation. This role is for organized, analytical individuals who want to contribute to how a growing innovation institution operates and grows.

About This Role

As the Innovation Operations and Research Intern, you will support CASIPA's operational backbone — tracking programs, conducting ecosystem research, maintaining documentation, and supporting the coordination of CASIPA's institutional workflows. You will be expected to be thorough, reliable, and capable of operating independently. This role is best suited for individuals who enjoy systems thinking, research, and structured problem-solving. You will contribute to how CASIPA tracks its ecosystem, manages its programs, and builds its institutional knowledge base.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on innovation trends relevant to Canada-Africa collaboration
• Maintain and update CASIPA's ecosystem databases, program trackers, and operational documentation
• Support meeting coordination, note-taking, and follow-up tracking for CASIPA programs
• Contribute to the development of research reports, sector analyses, and ecosystem intelligence
• Assist with CRM or database management for applicants, members, and partners
• Document CASIPA processes and contribute to institutional knowledge management
• Support program logistics for CASIPA events, summits, and cohort activities

Required Skills

Strong research and analytical ability

Excellent organizational skills

Clear written communication

Comfort with structured documentation and data management

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Interest in innovation, Africa, or bilateral development

Preferred Qualifications

Background in business operations, research, public policy, or related field

Experience with project management, CRM systems, or research tools

Familiarity with innovation ecosystem research or technology sector intelligence

Prior experience in organizational operations, program coordination, or research roles

What You'll Gain

You will develop real operational experience inside a growing innovation institution, build your research and documentation skills, and gain exposure to the Canada-Africa innovation ecosystem from the inside. This experience is applicable to careers in operations, program management, research, consulting, or international development.

Selection Process

• Application review by CASIPA team 2. Pre-screen conversation (15 to 20 minutes) 3. Research task review 4. Final interview with CASIPA leadership 5. Offer and onboarding

Eligibility

Open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with strong research and organizational skills. Remote participation accepted. Applicants from Canada and Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.