Context

 International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) with 35 Member States and an explicit mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide.

International IDEA develops evidence-based knowledge on democracy and supports the implementation of that knowledge in country- and region-specific projects. The Institute is the only IGO solely dedicated to supporting democracy worldwide with a permanent UN Observer status. The Institute leverages its unique role as a democracy IGO to convene multilateral and national actors, democracy defenders and civil society to engage in collective global action to champion, defend and advance democracy around the world.

Internship Activities

As part of the role, the intern supports the Secretary-General's Office (SGO) in developing relations with Member States and other key stakeholders, strengthening institutional fundraising, and increasing International IDEA’s visibility. The internship is a chance to gain valuable experience in working with democracy, external relations, and diplomacy in an intergovernmental setting. More specifically, the intern, under the guidance of the mentor and other staff members of the SGO, will be responsible for conducting desk research on topics related to democracy, democracy support, and development policy, including compiling and drafting materials to support the Secretary-General’s international travel. They will also draft communications materials for the SGO, the International IDEA website, the internal communications platform(s), and social media channels.

The intern will work with the SGO to develop and strengthen relations with Member States and partner organizations, assist with the preparation of (internal and external) meetings and events, and assist with minute-taking, logistical support, and follow-up on the contacts established by the SGO. They will proactively take part in external events about democracy and related topics and report the key findings to the SGO. The intern can liaise with peer organizations to seek entry points for engagement with International IDEA.

The intern will work closely with event management and help with the coordination of events such as registration, outreach, and other logistics. The intern will support the outreach and communication with the diplomatic community in Stockholm and work with the SGO’s External Relations Team to support the resource mobilization efforts with Member States and other donors.

Additionally, the intern will support the development of the outcome and output reports of the SGO and perform other tasks as assigned.

Management and Organization

The intern will have a dedicated mentor within the Secretary-General’s Office team. Given the internship tasks, the intern is expected to be in person in Stockholm, Sweden. The intern will work at least 3 days per week in the office and can work remotely 2 days/week (the intern can also choose to come into the office all 5 days/week).

Timing and Working Plan

The internship position will be full-time from 17 August 2026 to 15 January 2027 (or as agreed with the mentor and the university). The intern will work office hours from 09:00 – 17:00 hrs., if not otherwise agreed with the mentor. Please note that the internship at International IDEA is a full-time position that cannot be combined with other full-time duties such as an academic programme. Students will, however, receive academic credit if the internship is done as part of their programme.

Qualifications and Required Skills

For this internship, we are looking for a student enrolled in a programme focusing on social science; political science; international relations; human rights; law; development studies or a related field. The ideal candidate possesses:

• Recently graduated (within the last 1–2 years) or currently studying a degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Human Rights, Law, or another relevant social science field;

• Excellent knowledge of written and oral English;

• Passion and high motivation for working with democracy and international affairs;

• Communications and writing skills, and a willingness to learn how to formulate and summarize complex issues in an accessible way;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

• Ability to assess, manage and structure information;

• Ability to appreciate diversity and work in a high diversity work environment;

• Good interpersonal and cooperation skills;

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office package.

Meritorious skills/experience: *

• Experience working, studying and/or volunteering in an international context is considered an advantage;

• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.

Selection Process

• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.

• Evaluation of shortlisted candidates will include an interview and if needed, a short-written test/assessment.

• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

Terms of internship

• This is internship is 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. 

• This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sweden for the duration of the internship. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications or relocation costs.

• Learn more about International IDEA.