Apply for the 5th Cohort of SEATINI’s Graduate Trainee Programme

Do you have a passion for social justice, a sharp analytical mind, and the ambition to influence policies that create lasting change in your community?

SEATINI Uganda invites ambitious and socially conscious graduates to apply for the 5th Cohort of the Graduate Trainee Programme, building on the success of previous cohorts that have nurtured critical thinkers, policy analysts and emerging leaders in policy research, advocacy, and development.

The Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) is a regional think tank and pan-African research and advocacy organization committed to strengthening stakeholders’ capacity to influence trade, fiscal, and investment policies and practices for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development across East Africa and the continent at large.

Over the years, SEATINI has:

1. Strengthened the capacity of governments, civil society organizations, and community actors to effectively engage in national, regional, and global policy processes.
2. Advanced Africentric development alternatives grounded in justice and sustainability.
3. Fostered broad-based coalitions that champion fair trade, fiscal justice, and people-centered development.

About the Graduate Trainee Programme

SEATINI’s Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to shape the next generation of critical thinkers, social justice champions, and policy analysts equipped to influence trade, fiscal, and investment policy processes, contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development trajectory. The 5th Cohort will continue this legacy of nurturing emerging leaders with hands-on exposure to research, advocacy, and policy engagement.

Programme Highlights

1. Objective:
   To cultivate emerging thought leaders by providing hands-on experience in research, policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Scope:
   The trainees will engage in real-world research and advocacy initiatives, contribute to policy briefs and technical papers, participate in dialogues and stakeholder engagements, and apply academic knowledge to practical development challenges in areas such as trade justice, fiscal policy, investment governance, climate justice, and economic transformation.

3. Duration:
   The programme runs for up to six (6) months, offering structured mentorship and supervised professional exposure.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Development Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, Law, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Communications & Journalism, Multimedia/Interactive Design, or related disciplines relevant to public policy, climate justice, governance, and sustainable development.

• Thematic Interest and Alignment:
  Demonstrated interest in policy research and advocacy related to trade, taxation, public finance management, investment governance, regional integration, gender justice, climate justice, or equitable development in Africa.
• Communication Skills:
  Strong proficiency in English (written and spoken), with the ability to produce clear analytical writing, policy briefs, reports, and advocacy content tailored to diverse audiences.

Compensation:

• Unpaid positions, inclusive of lunch and transport allowances.
• Logistical support will be provided for work-related tasks.

Application Process:

• Submit a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Transcript, UCE and UACE certificates, and other certificates into a Single PDF document to hr@seatiniuganda.org
• Indicate in the subject: “SEATINI Uganda Graduate Trainee”
• Deadline for Application: 20th March 2026, 11:59 PM EAT

Join Us: 

Become part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering social justice and equitable development. Apply now and take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful career!