Do you have an interest in conflict, early warning, peace building, security, and human rights? The Fund for Peace offers full-time and part-time remote internships for graduates and undergraduates with significant, relevant experience during the spring, summer, and fall. Interns at FFP are given significant responsibility, exposure to cutting-edge research, opportunities to conduct and manage their own research, and access to experts in the international relations field. Successful interns emerge from the program well-prepared for roles in governments, multilateral organizations, non-profits, think tanks, foundations, international corporations, and non-governmental organizations.
What kind of responsibilities do Interns have?
Intern responsibilities can include:
- Conflict analysis
- Data coding and analysis
- Research, writing, editing, note taking, and proofreading
- Writing articles, reports, and blog posts
- Monitoring and updating essential country-specific data
- Monitoring and updating social media
- Providing support to The Fund for Peace’s public events
- Attending conferences and roundtables on behalf of The Fund for Peace
What qualities are we seeking in our interns?
- Master’s degree (preferred) in conflict, international affairs, public policy, economics, global development, or a related field. Or, undergraduate degree in a related field combined with significant, relevant experience
- Experience with or understanding of The Fund for Peace’s programmatic areas
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong research experience and data analysis skills
- Organizational excellence
- Foreign language skills are a plus
- Initiative, flexibility, and a sense of humor
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
What is the average duration of an internship?
The length of an internship varies. We prefer interns to work with us for at least 3-4 months.
Does The Fund for Peace accept international candidates?
Yes. In the event that FFP transitions from remote to in-person internships, international staff must have authorization to work (or at least intern) in the U.S. If a visa is required, The Fund for Peace is more than happy to assist you with the paperwork. Obtaining the proper visa may incur significant cost. However, many previous international interns who have had to pay for their visas believe it was money well-spent. Unfortunately, The Fund for Peace is not able to cover the costs of visas or the visa application process.
Does The Fund for Peace accept only full-time interns?
No. FFP is able to accommodate both full-time and part-time interns (depending on semester). Interns work 35 hours per week at minimum. Normal hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, although we can be flexible about scheduling where necessary.
Also, the FFP internship program is specifically flexible in regards to class schedules. Plenty of interns will combine a part-time internship with a normal class schedule.
Is the internship paid or unpaid?
FFP offers a stipend to cover expenses. Based on a full work week, pro rated for part-time interns, the stipend is as follows:
- Part-time – $350 per month
- Full-time – $700 per month
Does The Fund for Peace prefer graduate students to undergraduate?
Yes. However, we do sometimes accept exceptional undergraduate students on a case-by-case basis. We also hire recent post-graduates.
Can I earn college credit through an internship at The Fund for Peace?
Yes. Depending of course on your college’s requirements, interns frequently earn college credit at FFP through their college’s internship programs. Importantly, however, where students are seeking an internship as part of an institutional “Internship in D.C.” type program, we strongly encourage students to apply through our normal channels and to address our specific application guidelines. “Boiler-plate” applications that are sent to multiple organizations are rarely competitive applications.
How to apply
Please submit your CV/resume, cover letter, the names of three referees/three references, and your availability and intended hours (part-time or full-time) via Idealist. If you have any questions or issues, please email us at [email protected]. Please note that applications submitted anywhere other than through Idealist will not be considered. Be sure to include the following criteria in your application materials:
- Applicants MUST detail their intended period of interning with us (e.g., June through August)
- Applicants MUST detail whether they intend to work full-time or part-time (and if so, what the intended working hours would be).
- In your cover letter, be sure to explain your interest in and enthusiasm for The Fund for Peace, as often an applicant’s enthusiasm for the organization and our programs will give applicants an edge.
We may require writing samples, though only from applicants who are subsequently invited for an interview.
Be advised that The Fund for Peace receives many applications each semester for only a handful of positions. Because we do not have a dedicated personnel department, we ONLY contact those applicants who have been selected for an interview.
If you have been selected for an interview, we will contact you approximately 3-4 weeks after the deadline for applications. Due to the volume of applications, it is wise to apply early.
What is the timeline for the Fall Internship application process?
- Thursday, February 15th – Position posted, applications open
- Friday, March 15th – Application deadline (no applications will be accepted after 11:59pm ET)
- Monday, April 15th – Final day of interview notifications
- Early-June – Internship begins