Busara is a non-profit research and advisory organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Mexico. Our team of more than 130 staff members represents over 15 countries, speaks more than 40 languages, and has carried out projects in over 50 countries.

Our mission is to advance and apply behavioral science to help reduce poverty. Since our founding in 2013, we have built the world’s largest behavioral science laboratory and developed applied research portfolios in areas such as agriculture, health, inclusive finance, governance, and education.

Over the years, Busara has grown into a global leader in behavioral science and an example of how scientific methods and practical application can be combined to address issues of equity, access, poverty, and opportunity.

The Smith Internship Program at Busara

We are pleased to collaborate with Smith College to offer an experiential internship program for female students from the global south. Smith College, known for empowering women through education and real-world impact, is partnering with Busara, a leader in behavioral science and poverty alleviation research, to create this opportunity.

Real-World Impact and Learning

This partnership provides an internship that integrates learning, practical experience, and collaboration, giving students firsthand exposure to applied research for social impact. Interns will explore various fields of applied research in the development sector, working on pressing challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the Global South through a behavioral science perspective.

Through this immersive learning experience, interns will be able to:
• Contribute to projects that use behavioral economics to address real-world challenges and opportunities
• Apply creative thinking to develop solutions tailored to the needs of the global south

Application and Internship Details

Recognizing the importance of context in research, the internship will include four participants sponsored by Smith College: two current Smith students and two interns from the global south.

Applications for the Global South Internship are now open to final-year students and recent graduates who are motivated, adaptable, and passionate about creating meaningful change. The internship lasts 12 weeks, from June to August 2026, offering deep exposure to behavioral science and hands-on involvement in impactful projects.

Join Smith and Busara on this journey where learning meets real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

Interns will work closely with project leads on the tasks listed below and may also be asked to support other activities at Busara:
• Assist in designing and developing research and advisory projects that use behavioral science to address global poverty
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative behavioral research
• Develop and test research instruments
• Support the management of large-scale field and lab projects with leading academics and institutions
• Organize, clean, and analyze data
• Help disseminate findings, prepare project reports, and present results
• Contribute to internal projects as needed
• Perform any additional duties assigned by the project supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum Requirements

• Final-semester students in undergraduate or master’s programs
• Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome, including psychology, sociology, economics, public policy, political science, statistics, marketing, and similar fields
• High motivation, energy, and a positive, proactive attitude
• Interest in qualitative or quantitative research or data analysis
• Flexibility, self-motivation, strong multitasking skills, and teamwork
• Interest or experience in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in behavioral science

As we review applications on a rolling basis, we recommend applying as early as possible.

Data Privacy Statement

As part of Busara’s recruitment process, we collect and store personal information provided by applicants through various channels. This may include application details, assessment data, interview information (including video interviews), and references. The information is used to evaluate applications, maintain communication with candidates, and, if chosen by the applicant, to consider them for future roles. All data is handled as part of the job application record and retained only for the required period.

By applying, you consent to Busara processing your personal data as described. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and keeping your information secure.