IPI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The International Peace Institute (IPI) is an independent, international not-for-profit think tank dedicated to promoting the prevention and settlement of conflicts between and within states by strengthening international peace and security institutions. Founded in 1970 as the International Peace Academy (IPA), with a focus on training military officers and diplomats for United Nations peacekeeping operations, the organization changed its name in 2008 to the International Peace Institute to better reflect its evolution from a training academy to a research institution. IPI provides practical policy insight and advice for international and national policymakers on a range of regional and global security challenges. To achieve this purpose, IPI employs a mix of policy research, convening, publishing, and outreach.

IPI offers semester-long full- and part-time internships during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms for undergraduate and graduate students in its regional and thematic research programs as well as in its organizational support departments. IPI’s internships offer students direct exposure to the work of the United Nations and other international organizations and an opportunity to interact with the diplomatic community, experts from the UN and around the world, civil society, and the media. Interns will also have an opportunity to attend lectures and special events on a broad spectrum of international issues. Interns will work under the close supervision of IPI’s dynamic international staff at its headquarters located across from the United Nations in New York and will perform a variety of administrative and research tasks.

IPI offers a modest stipend to interns based on hours worked. Students must be enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor’s or Master’s program. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until filled. Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Please see the individual internship descriptions below for specific requirements and contact information.

Middle East Program (May 1 – September 1, 2012)

IPI’s Middle East Program focuses on broad, cross-regional research and the facilitation of policy dialogue. Its constituency includes UN officials and diplomats as well as senior government officials and civil society from the Arab world, Europe, and beyond. Particular emphasis is placed on the Arab-Israeli peace process and on the recent and ongoing uprisings in the Arab World.

Job Description:

IPI offers students the opportunity to support its Middle East Program. Tasks will include conducting research and drafting papers, including data collection and analysis, related to the uprisings, transitions, and peace and conflict issues in the Middle East as well as local, regional, and international efforts to help manage the consequences and chart the future. The intern will also assist with the substantive and technical preparation of meetings and seminars.

Qualifications:

Graduate-level courses in international affairs, political science, Middle East or related topics;

Interest in and knowledge of the Middle East;

Experience in research, writing, and analysis;

English proficiency and fluency in Arabic; and

Positive attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Interested applicants should email their resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to both Nur Laiq at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and Jose Vericat This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . No phone calls, please.

Africa Program

IPI’s Africa Program focuses on assessing and strengthening the capacity of African regional and sub-regional institutions and actors for crisis prevention and response. By supporting continental, sub-regional, and national initiatives, the Africa Program contributes to regional and international efforts aimed at advancing peace, governance, and democracy in Africa.

Job Description:

The Africa Program offers selected students the opportunity to research and draft analytical papers on issues related to peace and security in Africa; to assist with the substantive and technical preparation of meetings and seminars; and to interact with a broad range of international and regional actors working on peace and security issues in Africa.

Qualifications:

• Graduate-level courses in international affairs, political science, or a related field anda strong interest in issues related to peace, security, democracy, and governance in Africa;
• Good knowledge of the African Union peace and security architecture and of African Regional Economic Communities’ peace and security structures;
• Good understanding of the United Nations system in relation to peace and security in Africa;
• Experience in research, writing, and analysis;
• English proficiency with foreign language skills a plus;
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Interested applicants should email their resume, cover letter, and a brief (2-3 page) writing sample to Mireille Affa'a-Mindzie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . No phone calls, please.

Development and Executive Office:

Job Description:

IPI is seeking a Development and Executive Office Intern for the summer of 2012. He/she will work in the development and fundraising section of IPI’s executive office, reporting to the Managing Director, Adviser for Development, and Program Administrator.

The intern will devote part of his/her time to supporting fundraising activities, including reviewing documents, drafting correspondence, and researching prospective funding sources for IPI’s research programs and projects.

The remainder of the intern’s time will be spent assisting with the launch of IPI’s new periodical, in print and online media, about multilateral organizations and international security issues. The intern will research current events and emerging security trends affecting multilateral institutions, help identify contributors and collaborators, and will work with colleagues to develop compelling content for the new publication.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and writing skills;
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel;
• Interest in non-profit fundraising work;
• Ability to work independently and take initiative; and
• Knowledge of the UN, international organizations, and peace and security issues is a plus.

Applicants should be a recent college graduate or enrolled in an undergraduate school. This internship requires a commitment of 30-35 hours per week. Interested applicants should email their resume, cover letter, and a brief (2-3 page) writing sample to Pamela Corn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . No phone calls, please.

Please note:
We do not award financial aid, grants, or scholarships to students or individuals.