Interns (Program and Finance Teams)

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance. 

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development. 

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed. 

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better. 

ASI is owned and operated by its employees. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact. 

Role Context:

ASI Pakistan is excited to announce that internship slots are now open within our programs and the Finance Team. We’re looking for highly organized and resourceful individuals eager to learn and make a difference. The interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects in Pakistan, gaining valuable exposure and insights into development work and policy impact. These internships offer hands-on experience across a diverse range of focus areas, including: 

• Revenue Mobilisation 

• Trade & Investment 

• Climate Change & Sustainable Energy 

• Law Enforcement & Serious and Organized Crime 

• Finance

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Interns (2-3)

• Collaborate seamlessly with People & Talent, Legal, IT, Security, Operations, and Finance teams to drive cohesive and efficient business operations. 

•  Help manage and streamline contracts and agreements with both individuals and external service providers, ensuring strategic alignment and compliance. 

• Spearhead initiatives to refine and optimize knowledge management processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.  

• Address general queries from the Program Team with precision, escalating issues as needed to deliver exceptional and timely client service. 

• Assist coordination  with current and prospective stakeholders to complete essential procedures like sourcing, arranging meetings/interviews, conducting due diligence, and managing onboarding and offboarding. 

• Help  develop robust processes to systematically track and report on routine client activities, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

• Troubleshoot ASI Operating System challenges, proactively identifying and flagging critical risks to the team.  

• Conduct thorough analyses of current processes, recommending innovative enhancements to boost efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Review and analyse industry wide procurement practices sharing insights with the team.  

• Assist in performing reconciliations of financial data using Microsoft Excel 

Finance Intern (1)

• Perform financial reconciliations and data analysis using Microsoft Excel to ensure accuracy in reporting and record-keeping.

• Support efforts to improve internal documentation and knowledge-sharing systems, contributing to process efficiency and continuous learning.

• Address general queries from internal stakeholders with precision, escalating issues as needed to deliver exceptional and timely client service. 

• Aid in the development and maintenance of processes for tracking and reporting on routine financial and client-related activities, ensuring clarity and accountability.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provision of effective and timely business support services for the relevant team.

• Ensure effective stakeholder management with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure smooth functioning of routine tasks and contribute to the achievement of team objectives

• Take responsibility for data integrity to facilitate availability of availability of accurate information to the team.

• Clearly communicate with other teams and achieve results in a timely manner.

• Desirable – Recently completed undergraduate degree in a relevant subject 

• Currently enrolled in at least the second year of undergraduate program in a relevant subject

• Prior experience in administrative support roles or similar positions will be an added advantage.

• Knowledge of what Adam Smith International does, the development sector, their technical area.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling data and documents.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.  

• Excellent oral and written English.

• Excellent numerical ability with a focus on financial awareness and ability.

• Proactive, self-starter, resourceful.

• Open-minded, flexible approach to problem-solving.

• Required Competencies:

  1. Quality and accountability

  2. Continuous improvement

  3. Communication and knowledge management

  4. Collaboration and teamwork

  5. Personal impact and effectiveness

The total duration of internship is expected to be around 8-10 weeks in the Islamabad office.

Please note that the last date to apply is 8th June 2025 and we will be considering applications on a rolling basis.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. 

The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board. 

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.