Global Affairs and Partnerships - Policy Intern

Job Description

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 does this by working collaboratively with Search’s teams and partners around the world and leveraging their analysis, data, and expertise to inform the policies of emerging and established actors relevant to Search’s work. The team provides operational and locally-rooted policy analysis and recommendations that encourage policymakers to support and use peacebuilding more by advocating for more supportive institutional norms and structures, more and healthier funding to implementers, and more policies that promote peacebuilding.

Policy interns have the opportunity to contribute to outreach and advocacy on both specific countries and geographies and on cross-cutting global issues through the responsibilities outlined below.

Please note: This internship is only open to applicants who are applying as a part of an academic program and who receive a financial stipend from their academic institution. In your cover letter, please include an explanation of the financial support you will receive during the internship.

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
• Located in the Washington, DC area and able to work from Search’s DC office at least 3 days 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.

Please note: This internship is open only to applicants who are part of an academic program and receive a financial stipend from their academic institution. In your cover letter, please include an explanation of the financial support you will receive during the internship.

This opportunity is open to applicants interested in starting in January 2026 and ending in May 2026.

The position will close on November 12, 2025.

This position is reviewed on a rolling basis.

About the Organization

Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. We work with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies' capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.