The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Legal Intern to support its Legal Department. This role is designed for a proactive individual with a strong interest in legal research and a desire to contribute meaningfully to advancing Africa’s development narrative.
Reporting to the Legal Counsel, the Intern will get exposed to the legal risk register maintenance as well as initiating and implementing actions that mitigate legal risks in the business processes. This work will entail exposure to legal research and administrative support in the following areas:
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct research and drafting of legal documents as required and collating background information on legal issues for the attention of Legal Counsel.
- Support in drafting, proof reading and editing of legal documents.
- Maintain and update a calendar of enforcement triggers and monitor compliance issues in consultation with Legal Counsel.
- Maintain and update the registry of legal documents including all legal instruments pertaining to the preparation, negotiation, signing and enforcement of financing agreements.
- Provide support in the development and maintenance of the legal database.
- Assist in logging and processing requests addressed to the department and any other administrative tasks as assigned by Legal Counsel.
Selection Criteria
Selection will be on a competitive basis and the following minimum qualifications, experience and competencies are required:
Education:
University degree in Law from a recognized university. Candidates registered as legal practitioners admitted to the bar in a jurisdiction will have an added advantage.
Work experience:
At least two years’ experience and candidates must have an interest in development work or aspiring to develop a career as an in-house lawyer.
Language: Very good knowledge of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French would be an added advantage.
Core Competencies
- Planning and organizing
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication
- Respect for organizational, intercultural and ethical values
- Learning and Innovation
About the African Capacity Building Foundation
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is the leading capacity development institution in Africa and has become the African Union’s specialized Agency since 2017. Since 1991, ACBF has empowered over 100,000 professionals across the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia, while building institutions in more than 40 member states. Through strategic partnerships and impactful programs, the Foundation builds human and institutional capacity and generates and disseminates knowledge to advance Africa’s sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ACBF’s current strategic plan focuses on key impact areas such as Climate Change and Energy for productive use, Agribusiness and Food Sovereignty, Trade as an engine for economic development, and Economic and Social Governance. The Foundation is headquartered in Harare, with regional offices in Accra and Nairobi and a Liaison Office at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
How to Apply
To apply for this internship opportunity please submit in confidence a resume and a cover letter that details why you are a good fit for this internship position to with the subject Legal Intern by 14 August 2026.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.