Internship - Secretary-General's Office

International IDEA - The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Stockholm, Sweden

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’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Context

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

• electoral processes;
• constitution building;
• political participation and representation; and
• democracy and development.

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; and
• partner with stakeholders working for democratic reform at the country level. 

Internship Activities

The intern, under the guidance of the Secretary-General, shall perform the following duties:

• Conducts background research on specific topics;
• Assists in writing speaking notes for the Secretary-General;
• Assists with minute taking, and writing mission reports;
• Drafts, sends and archives some of the Secretary-General´s correspondence, especially in Dutch language;
• Acts as a focal point for media contacts in English and Dutch, including organizing, responding to requests via email and phone calls;
• Contributes to the follow-up on contacts established by the Secretary-General;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all activities.

Expected outcome/learning opportunities

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

• Working processes of an intergovernmental organization;
• Political sensitivities 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 supervised by the Secretary-General and/or any other person designated by him/her. The intern will be provided with a work-station at IDEA.

Timing and Work plan

The internship position will be full-time for six months. The intern will work office hours 9-17 if not otherwise agreed with the Supervisor.

Qualifications and required skills

• 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) and Internet;
• Knowledge of information management systems.

Language skills: Fluent written and oral English, Dutch and French required. 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.

Please send your application in English by 27 March 2016.