Job Description

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 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.

The Secretary-General's Office is looking for two interns for spring 2027. The Secretary-General’s Office is an agile and collaborative team that supports strategic leadership, governance, partnerships, and external engagement of International IDEA.

Internship Activities

The interns will be based at the Secretary-General Office (SGO) and support the 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. There is regular exposure to and the opportunity to learn from the most senior leaders in the organization, as well as regular interaction with diplomats and politicians in Sweden and around the world.

More specifically, the interns, under the guidance of the mentors and other staff members of the SGO, will be responsible for supporting the governance aspects of the Institute including organization of Council of Member State meetings and Board of Advisor meetings, 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 travels and missions. The interns will also draft communications materials for the SGO, International IDEA website, the internal communications platform, and social media channels.

The interns 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. The interns will proactively take part in external events about democracy and related topics and report the key findings to the SGO. The interns will also liaise with peer organizations to seek entry points for engagement with International IDEA.

The interns will work closely with event management and help with the coordination of events such as registration, outreach, and other logistics.

The interns will support outreach and communication with the Stockholm-based diplomatic community and work with the SGO’s External Relations team to support resource mobilization efforts with Member States and other donors. This includes exposure to and participation in planning and fundraising meetings with senior leaders and donors.

Additionally, the interns will support the SGO’s reporting to Member States, donors, and other stakeholders and perform other tasks as assigned.

Management and Organization

The interns 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 interns will work at least 3 days per week in the office and can work remotely 2 days/week (the interns can also choose to come into the office all 5 days/week).

Timing and Working Plan

The internship position will be full-time from 25 January 2027 to 4 June 2027 (or as agreed with the mentor). The interns 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. The interns will get reimbursed for their transportation card.

Qualifications and Required Skills

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

• Excellent knowledge of written and oral English;
• Passion and high motivation for working with democracy and international affairs;
• Strong communications and writing skills, and an ability (or willingness to learn) to formulate and summarize complex issues in an accessible way;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including good judgment and ability to proactively seek guidance and assistance where required;
• Good organizational, prioritization, and coordination skills. Ability to balance event management and logistical tasks from different team members;
• Ability to assess, manage and structure information;
• Ability to appreciate diversity and work in a high diversity work environment;
• Good interpersonal and cooperation skills, including willingness to accept diverse tasks and ability to prioritize according to importance and urgency;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office package.

Meritorious skills/experience:

• Experience working, studying and/or volunteering in an international context is considered an advantage;
• Knowledge of Swedish, Spanish and/or French would be an asset.

Selection Process

• Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CET) 01 November 2026.
• 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.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.