Business Development Intern

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN 

Contract type: Fixed term – 40 hours per week 

Location: Kigali, Rwanda 

Salary: Monthly Stipend (RWF150,000)  
 

Change starts with water. Change starts with you. 

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future. 

About WaterAid 

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen. 

About the team 

WaterAid Rwanda (WARw) works through supporting local organizations and government to plan and implement inclusive and sustainable services of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). WARw also seeks to influence the policy change through government and other key WASH stakeholders to secure and protect the right of poor people to safe, affordable water and sanitation services. Occupying the position of Business development in WaterAid is an exciting opportunity to work with WaterAid and contribute to the achievement of the national and global goals towards realizing the WASH access for everyone everywhere.  

About the role 

As our Business Development Intern, you will support the Head of Business Development by assisting in day-to-day tasks in Business development department, including proposal development review, manage BD documentation in internal systems, and logistical-related administrative support and work closely with all Country Programme staff to drive sustainable change. 

In this role, you will: 

• Support funding opportunity review 

• Assist in proposal development  

• Strengthen partner and donor engagement:  

• Conduct donor and sector research 

• Manage BD documentation and WAPS 

• Support internal coordination for Business Development activities 

• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding. 

To be successful, you will need: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Development Studies, Economics, Project Management, International Relations, or a related field. 

• Strong academic background with demonstrated interest in development programming, proposal development, or donor-funded projects. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and strong digital literacy. 

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have: 

• Foundational knowledge of the development sector, particularly WASH, health, or education (is an added advantage). 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear summaries, briefs, and sections of proposals. 

• Research and data-gathering skills, including the ability to identify funding opportunities and produce concise intelligence summaries. 

View the full job description here  

Closing date: Applications close 5:00 PM Rwandan time on 27 July 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 03 August 2026. 

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and cover letter  

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? 

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well. 

Pre‑employment screening 

To be eligible for this internship, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and be residing and eligible to work in Kigali, Rwanda.

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a monthly stipend of RWF150,000 to support you in transport and communication. You will also benefit from a supportive environment designed to help you learn, grow and thrive in professional career. 

Our People Promise 

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. 

Equal Opportunities 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. 

Safeguarding 

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). 

Together, we’ll change the world through water.  

Join us and be part of the change!