Internship - Secretary-General's Office

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA – is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.

International IDEA develops shares and enables the use of comparative knowledge in its key areas of expertise:

• electoral processes;
• constitution building;
• political parties, participation and representation.

It also addresses the important issues of gender, diversity, and conflict and security as they relate to democracy.

It utilizes comparative knowledge to:

• advance global, regional and national debates on democracy;
• facilitate and substantiate dialogue among global, regional, national and local actors to support democratic change;
• partner with stakeholders working for democratic reform at the country level.

Internship Activities

The intern, under the guidance of the Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, shall perform the following tasks:

• Conducts background research on specific topics;
• Supports and draft communication content for the Secretary-General’s Office, including for International IDEA’s website and social media channels;
• Works with the Secretary-General’s team to develop relations with partner organizations;
• Assists with organizational tasks ahead of meetings, conferences and seminars as requested;
• Assists in writing speaking notes for the Secretary-General;
• Assists with minute taking and follow-up on contacts established by the Secretary-General;
• Drafts, sends and archives some of the Secretary-General’s correspondence;
• Supports the Secretary-General’s appearances in media, responding to requests as advised;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender, diversity and conflict sensitivity in all activities.

Expected outcome/learning opportunities

The intern is expected to benefit from the position by gaining insights, experience and knowledge on:

• The opportunities and challenges to democracy and democratic processes in the world today;
• Managing relationships with key global stakeholders active in democracy support;
• Understanding of the strategy and programmes of International IDEA;
• Working processes of an intergovernmental organization;
• Political discretion of working in the Secretary-General’s office.

The intern will also have the opportunity to develop his/her analytical and researching skills. The objective of the internship is to provide a learning opportunity for an interested and talented student within a relevant study area. The intern is expected to act as part of the team, learning from all team members in their different capacities.

Management and Organization

The intern will be guided by the Secretary-General, the Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, and/or any other person designated by them. The intern will be provided with a work-station at International IDEA.

Timing and Work plan

The internship period will be between 3-6 months with a preferred start date in March or April. The intern will work office hours 9-17 if not otherwise agreed with the Mentor.

Qualifications and required skills

• University student or graduate in social science, political science, international relations, communication/marketing or a related field.
• Analytical, drafting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment.
• Ability to assess, manage and structure information.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including Excel).

Language skills: Fluent written and oral English required. French, Spanish, or Arabic language skills would be an asset.

Terms of internship

All internships at International IDEA are unpaid, and insurance cover in respect of travel, health, medical costs, disability, accident and death is not provided by International IDEA. It would be your responsibility to make your own insurance arrangements to ensure such cover.

Applying for this internship

• Please send your application in English through our webiste.https://idea.easycruit.com/vacancy/2242775/25038?iso=gb
• Please indicate in your Motivation Letter what months you would be available.

Application will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.