Looking ahead at the next school year: Native Internship Programme 2026/2027 open for calls

The Native Internship Programme (NIP) is aimed at people aged 18 or over, based in Europe, who are looking to develop professional skills while contributing to the organisation’s mission. Applications are open from 30 April to 29 June 2026, with the programme starting in September.

The programme offers remote internships running throughout the 2026/2027 school year, with a commitment of 20 hours per week and flexible working hours. Joining Native’s team offers a chance to contribute to projects with social impact across the organisation teams.

A Transformative Internship: Building Skills, Belonging and Purpose

Participants consistently describe Native’s internship as a transformative and deeply enriching experience, both professionally and personally. Natália Mendes, Philanthropy Manager, highlights how the remote format created a comfortable and inclusive environment that enabled her to develop a wide range of soft and practical skills, supported by a welcoming and friendly team.  For Sandra Chaves,Programme Manager, the experience “could not have been more incredible”, highlighting not only the opportunity to manage projects in close coordination with schools, teachers, scientists and local authorities, but also the profound impact of engaging daily with the realities of inequality—reminding her that meaningful change is built step by step. Similarly, Sara Lopes, Communications Manger, reflects on her role as a Multimedia Designer, spanning social media content creation and video production, noting that from day one she felt like a valued member of the team, which made the experience especially meaningful. Eva Gomes, Automations Manager underlines the impact of working on internal process automation, describing the internship as transformative in allowing her to apply technology within a social impact context while strengthening both her communication skills and empathy. Finally, Orcélio Cumbe,Partnerships Manager, points to the dynamic and impactful nature of managing and establishing partnerships, highlighting significant growth in confidence and skills in communication, coordination and teamwork, and a strengthened commitment to contributing to a more equitable and inclusive education system.

Opportunities for the upcoming year

For 2026/2027 there are several openings, providing opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds to engage in structured learning experiences with social impact. The available roles include:

• Philanthropy Manager – Consolidation & Development Unit

• Community Manager – Strategy, Data & Talent Unit

• Educational Programme Manager – Programmes & Projects Unit

• Communications Manager – Communications & Events Unit

• Multimedia Designer – Communications & Events Unit

• Partnerships Manager – Communications & Events Unit

• Impact Manager – Impact & Research Unit

• Financial Manager – Finance & Legal Unit

  
  

Internship details

The programme runs throughout the 2026/2027 school year, starting in September 2026. Internships are fully remote, with a weekly commitment of 20 hours and a flexible schedule that can be combined with other responsibilities. Participants will join on a voluntary basis, though any expenses connected with the intern work are covered. 

Selected participants will have access to:

• A structured onboarding programme

• Weekly one-to-one support and mentoring

• Regular team and learning sessions

• Participation in the annual retreat

• Role-specific training

• Reimbursement of expenses, where applicable

• Opportunity to accompany 2 interventions of the educational programmes in the classroom

  
  

The programme is open to people who:

• Are aged 18 or over

• Are fluent in Portuguese and English

• Are based in Europe (within a time difference of up to 3 hours from mainland Portugal)

• Have appropriate conditions for remote work

• Are available for 20 hours per week (including 6 hours between 9:00 and 17:00, mainland Portugal time)

Selection process

The selection process takes place in two stages:

• Applications: 30 April to 15 June 2026 apply here Extended until the 29 June

• First stage: shortlisted candidates will be notified by 19 June and invited to take part in an online group activity (29 June to 3 July)

• Second stage: Group dynamics

• Third stage: invitation to deliver short exercise and schedule final interviews with two members of our team will take place between 13 and 30 July

  
  

More information about the application process will be available through Native Scientists’ official channels and the Internship Programme’s webpage.