Research and Learning Intern

Research and Learning Intern

With operations in more than 70 countries, Habitat for Humanity is the world’s largest organization focused on increasing access to adequate and affordable housing. Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has been committed to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat has helped more than 59 million people improve their living conditions. Through its 50 years of experience, Habitat for Humanity recognizes that to meaningfully impact global housing conditions, we must influence housing ecosystems, and that research and evidence are cornerstones.

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Masters-level student intern to support the Global Research and Learning Team. The intern will contribute to the team’s efforts in synthesizing existing research, developing research guidance and tools, coordinating research projects, supporting administration of meetings, and supporting ongoing research initiatives as requested. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in international development research and contribute to impactful housing solutions.

The primary objectives of this internship are to:
• Synthesize and leverage existing research into format that can better promote learning and inform programs.
• Support the development of research guidance and tools for Habitat network staff.
• Support in the development and administration of systems to coordinate and ensure quality oversight of HFH network.
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of team meetings and workshop.
• Support ongoing research projects as requested, such as the Global Housing Research Project.

The intern will perform the following tasks under the supervision of the Director of Network Learning, but in close coordination with the rest of the Research and Learning team:

• Research Synthesis:

1. Organize and curate a database of key international housing literature (sourced from existing literature reviews and new literature searches).

2. Conduct two literature reviews, synthesizing findings from existing HFHI research products, academic publications, and grey literature related international housing.

3. Draft engaging research summaries for the Research Digest newsletter and HFHI’s website.

• Research Guidance and Tool Development:

1. Coordinate the drafting and refinement of research guidance documents, such as protocols for academic research partnerships.

2. Assist in development of templates or tools for HFH network staff taking on research (e.g. consultant TOR templates).

• Coordination of Network Research:

1. Manage the Research Pipeline Tracker, following up with different teams (e.g. different regional offices) to make sure it is up to date. Support related KPI reporting derived from the tracker.

2. Draft documentation for new coordination mechanisms and processes aimed at improving network research quality.

3. Ad hoc support to prioritized “one MEARL” team initiatives (e.g. combining the evaluations tracker and research tracker into one file).

• Meeting and Workshop Support:

1. Assist in the planning and organization of meetings and workshops, including housing curriculum design group meetings, network learning sessions, and Community of Practice calls.

2. Take detailed and accurate meeting minutes and action items.

3. Draft digital whiteboard exercises.

4. Support the facilitation of online and in-person meetings.

• Ad hoc research support:

1. When requested, support the Global Housing Research Project. This may include analysis of survey data on housing conditions and perceptions using data from a 22-country survey conducted by HFHI in 2026 (e.g. quantitate analysis, creating data visualizations, or supporting report writing). Alternatively, it could mean support in administering a pilot expert survey on housing policies.

2. Contribute to data visualization and report production as needed.

Qualifications
• Currently enrolled in – or recently graduated from – a Masters-level program in a field related to international housing, urban planning, architecture, development studies, public policy, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative or qualitative research methods and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software Or statistical analysis software (R, Stata, or python) is desirable
• Familiarity with AI tools for research and productivity.
• Interest in and commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
• Active support of HFHI Values:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission

Supervision and Reporting
The intern will report to the Director for Network Learning, and also support the rest of the Research and Learning team. The intern will coordinate close with the larger MEARL team, actively supporting joint MEARL projects. Regular meetings will be held to provide guidance, feedback, and support.

Duration and Location
The internship will start no earlier than July 13 and ending June 15, 2027. The intern will have a flexible schedule of between 20 to 40 hours per week, averaging 25 to 29 hours per week over the course of the year and earn an hourly rate of $19 per hour. The internship will be fully remote, with meetings scheduled at times appropriate for coordination with teams in diverse time zones: the US, Europe, and Asia.

Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.