Generalist Intern - Business Development

SmartChain Limited is hiring a Generalist Intern – Business Development to support business development and growth initiatives across the company. This is a hands-on learning opportunity for a curious, commercially minded, and proactive individual who wants to gain practical experience in market research, lead generation, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and commercial operations.

The role will support opportunity research, prospect and partner identification, outreach preparation, proposal development, pipeline administration, and growth projects across SmartChain's business priorities. The successful candidate will gain exposure to business development, sales, partnerships, marketing, technology, and operations while working on meaningful projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

This position requires strong research, communication, organizational, and analytical skills, together with a willingness to learn, take ownership of assigned tasks, and collaborate across teams. Candidates with relevant academic training, project experience, leadership experience, entrepreneurial initiatives, volunteer work, or other early-career exposure are encouraged to apply.

Employment Type: Internship

Location: Lagos, Nigeria (Hybrid)

Department: Business Development / Office of the CEO

Reports To: Business Development Lead or Designated Manager

Key Responsibilities

Market Research & Opportunity Identification

• Research target sectors, organizations, decision-makers, competitors, and market trends.
• Identify potential clients, partners, programmes, tenders, and growth opportunities.
• Prepare concise research briefs, prospect lists, and actionable recommendations.

Lead Generation & Pipeline Support

• Build and maintain prospect and partner databases.
• Support lead qualification, contact research, follow-up scheduling, and CRM administration.
• Track pipeline activities, follow-up actions, and opportunity progress.

Outreach, Proposals & Presentations

• Draft personalized emails, capability statements, proposals, presentations, and other business development materials.
• Support meeting preparation, note-taking, action tracking, and follow-up activities.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement initiatives under supervision.

Partnerships & Growth Projects

• Support engagement with partners, institutions, technology providers, and referral networks.
• Contribute to growth campaigns, programme recruitment, market-entry research, and user engagement initiatives.
• Support assigned projects, maintain trackers, and assist with reporting activities.

Reporting & Professional Development

• Submit regular activity and learning updates.
• Maintain accurate records and complete assigned work on time.
• Protect confidential company, client, partner, and commercial information.
• Participate actively in learning, mentorship, and development activities.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an OND, HND, or Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Communications, Management, Technology, or a related field.
• Candidates from other disciplines with demonstrated capability and relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• No prior full-time work experience is required.
• Experience gained through internships, volunteering, student leadership, entrepreneurship, freelance work, national service, events, campaigns, or independent projects is welcome.
• Evidence of initiative, project ownership, leadership, or problem-solving is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong research, writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Interest in business development, sales, partnerships, consulting, technology, or entrepreneurship.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work effectively with different stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with CRM, research, productivity, or design tools is an advantage.
• Strong judgment, integrity, professionalism, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.

What SmartChain Offe rs

• Hands-on exposure to business development, partnerships, marketing, and growth initiatives.
• Structured supervision, mentorship, and learning support.
• Experience contributing to real commercial and stakeholder-engagement activities.
• Opportunities to strengthen communication, commercial thinking, research, and project-management skills.
• A reference or completion letter upon satisfactory completion of the internship.
• Potential consideration for future opportunities based on performance and business needs.
• A structured and professional work environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• An updated CV/Resume
• A brief note (maximum 250 words) describing one growth opportunity you would explore for SmartChain and the first three steps you would take to validate it

Send applications to:

hr@smartchainlimited.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SmartChain Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

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