It’s that time of the week again. You’re scanning for where to apply, what to pursue, and how to advance your academic or professional journey. From trade finance to aviation safety, these six opportunity picks span sectors like health, communications, food systems, and development. 1. Paid Internship at Afreximbank Looking to boost your career while contributing to Africa’s transformation? The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is now accepting applications for its fully funded internship programme. Designed for students and young professionals, the paid internship offers hands-on experience in trade finance, development, and international cooperation. Afreximbank, a pan-African multilateral financial institution, is at the forefront of intra- and extra-African trade. Alongside its core mandate, the bank also hosts the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS), and Afrexinsure. With its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, and branches across the continent and the Caribbean, the bank plays a critical role in shaping Africa’s economic future. The internship is open to nationals of Afreximbank member states (yes, Rwanda is one), as well as students of African descent in the diaspora, and even non-African applicants who share a vision for a transformed continent. Entry is competitive and merit-based. Eligible candidates are students aged 20 to 32 who are currently enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Strong consideration will be given to those studying economics, business, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, statistics, engineering, and related fields. The programme accepts applications on a rolling basis, so if you're curious, driven, and ready to make an impact, don’t wait to apply. 2. ASECNA Rwandan Scholarship In Aerodrome Firefighting If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in aviation safety, the ASECNA aerodrome firefighting scholarship might be your runway. The Regional School of Fire Safety (ERSI) in Douala, Cameroon, is recruiting future aerodrome firefighters to serve at Kigali International Airport. Applicants must hold an A2 certificate in science-based subjects—Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mechanics, or Computer Science—or an equivalent qualification. Physical and medical fitness is a must. Candidates need a certificate issued within the last three months, and those who make the cut must pass the SIGYCOP aptitude test to proceed. A valid category B driver’s license is required, and before beginning training, candidates must also obtain a heavy goods vehicle license. Applicants should be under 28 by December 31, stand at least 1.60 metres tall, and weigh no less than 60 kilogrammes. Online registration runs until May 4, with supporting documents to be submitted between May 19 and June 13 at www.ersi-asecna.com. 3. GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize And in the world of agriculture, the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is now live for its seventh edition, poised to spotlight Africa’s brightest food system innovators. If you’re building a venture in agrifood that addresses challenges like climate change, food insecurity, or nutrition gaps, this is your moment. The competition offers two grand prizes of $50,000—one awarded to a female entrepreneur and the other to a male entrepreneur—supporting ventures that are both scalable and impactful. Winners and finalists will be flown to Dakar, Senegal this September to pitch at the Africa Food Systems Forum Summit. There, they will take the stage at the continent’s largest agribusiness matchmaking platform, the Agribusiness Dealroom, gaining access to investors, partners, and potential collaborators. The deadline to apply is June 10. Full details are available on the GoGettaz platform. 4. UN Talent Pipeline The UN Talent Pipeline is now open for applications for its 2025 cohort, a targeted capacity-building programme designed to prepare professionals from developing countries for careers within the United Nations Secretariat. The initiative supports the UN’s goal of equitable global representation and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16.8, which promotes inclusive participation in international governance. This opportunity is aimed at mid-career professionals from UN Member States that are currently underrepresented or unrepresented within the Secretariat. Applicants must hold either a Master’s degree and have at least five years of relevant work experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and seven years of experience. Strong English proficiency is required, and candidates must have professional and academic backgrounds that align with one of nine job families: Audit, Finance, Human Resources, Human Rights, Information Technology, Legal Affairs, Political Affairs, Programme Management, or Sustainable Development. The deadline to apply is May 4. 5. Travel Grants For Four-Month One Health Research Stays In Germany For early-career researchers in health and life sciences, the One Health Platform is offering funded four-month research stays in Germany. With a focus on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, this initiative promotes global collaboration under the One Health framework. Selected researchers will conduct their work at leading German research institutions, with funding that includes €1,500 per month for doctoral researchers and €2,350 per month for postdoctoral fellows. Travel expenses, including flights and rail transport, will be covered in line with the German Federal Travel Expense Act. All research stays must be completed by December 31, 2025. The deadline to apply is May 13. Further details are available via the Helmholtz Institute. Email: hioh-office@helmholtz-hioh.de 6. ILO Internship Programme And for those looking to break into international development work, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is inviting applications to its Internship Programme. The internships run from three to six months and are open to graduate students in their final year, those enrolled in higher degree programmes relevant to the ILO’s mandate, or those who graduated within the past year. Applicants must be proficient in at least one of the ILO’s working languages—English, French, or Spanish—and must demonstrate the ability to work in an international, multicultural setting. Interns based in Geneva will receive a stipend of 2,450 CHF (Approx. Rwf4.3 million) per month unless partially or fully funded through another institution. In such cases, the ILO will top up funding to meet the standard amount. Travel costs are the intern’s responsibility. Applications must be submitted via the ILO Jobs platform, and each application must include a cover letter at the time of submission. Most internship opportunities close on April 30. Maximize these opportunities by either applying yourself or sharing them with potential candidates. Stay updated on the latest opportunities throughout Rwanda by visiting The New Times' Jobs and Tender profile, the largest job market in the country, and follow our social media platforms for daily postings.
