Internship: Global Affairs and Partnerships - Policy Intern
United States
Global Affairs & Partnerships – Washington DC - HQ /
Intern /
Remote
Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments address conflict, moving away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. With a total of approximately 600 staff members worldwide, Search implements projects from 54 offices across 34 countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
Position Summary
The Global Policy and Outreach team at Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking an intern to provide research and administrative support to several ongoing policy advocacy initiatives. The Global Policy and Outreach team focuses on building the policy case for the peacebuilding field. It achieves this by collaborating with Search's teams and partners worldwide, leveraging their analysis, data, and expertise to inform the policies of emerging and established actors relevant to Search’s work. It provides operational and locally rooted policy analysis and recommendations that encourage policymakers to support and utilize peacebuilding more effectively by advocating for more supportive institutional norms and structures, increased and healthier funding for implementers, and policies that foster peacebuilding.
Policy interns have the opportunity to contribute to outreach and advocacy on both specific countries/geographies as well as cross-cutting global issues through the responsibilities outlined below.
Please note: This internship is unpaid and is only open to applicants who are enrolled in an academic program and receive a financial stipend from their educational institution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the development of policy recommendations and products, such as white papers, sign-on letters, op-eds, and communications materials;
- Support engagement with the US Congress by tracking hearings and legislation, tracking funding accounts, and preparing materials;
- Conduct research related to US government and multilateral policies, legislation, and priorities;
- Identify and research opportunities around key Search advocacy themes and geographies;
- Attend briefings, roundtables, hearings, and other relevant events and share notes within the organization;
- Maintain and update knowledge management tools;
- Assist in monitoring the results of Search’s international policy efforts;
- Perform general administrative tasks, as needed.
Qualifications:
- Current student working on a degree in International Relations, Conflict Studies, Development, or a related area;
- Written and spoken fluency in English;
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Internet Search Engines, Google Suite)
- Available for 32-40 Hours a week
The ideal candidate will further exhibit:
- A self-starting, enthusiastic, and flexible approach to the organization and the position.
- Experience in foreign policy and peacebuilding;
- Demonstrated interest and experience in US government or UN policy and/or advocacy;
- Demonstrable interest in creating partnerships with other organizations, policymakers, and donors to advance conflict prevention;
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills;
- Excellent attention to detail; and
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines.
- Fluency in an additional language is not required, but will be viewed favorably.
This opportunity is open to applicants interested in starting in September 2025 and ending in December 2025.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to apply early.
