Context
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (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 a 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 International IDEA Communications Team works to increase outreach and the visibility of the Institute’s work and impact at global, regional and country levels. The team’s work spans the areas of media relations, social media, digital content management, branding, internal communications and donor communications.
Internship Activities
The Communications intern, with support and guidance from the Communications Team, will have the opportunity to assist with the following tasks:
- Scan the social media landscape for information on International IDEA and our workstreams as it relates to trending topics and the current news cycle.
- Spearhead one digital project on an International IDEA’s advocacy issue.
- Write at least three articles or blogs related to a relevant thematic focus area or International IDEA’s Democracy for All advocacy campaign.
- Interview staff authors and write articles about the latest publications, as part of the Communications New Resources promotion plan.
- Contribute to the development and organization of a library of visuals, images, illustrations and graphics for the Institute’s use.
- Contribute to the creation of new templates with our existing logo or 30th anniversary logo. Assist in reviewing internal and external instances of logo use inconsistency.
- Participate in internal and external meetings and events, as requested.
- Assist with other communications tasks as needed, based on requests from the Communications Manager or other designated staff members
- Actively integrate a gender and inclusion perspective in all activities.
- Act in accordance with International IDEA’s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism.
Expected outcome/learning opportunities
The intern is expected to benefit from the position by gaining insights, experience and knowledge on:
- Copywriting and writing
- Social media content creation and media monitoring
- Communications tools and promotion processes
- Video recording and editing
- Visual design
- Digital/Multimedia content development
The objective of the unpaid internship is to provide a learning and portfolio-building opportunity for an interested and talented student within a relevant study area. The intern is expected to act as an active, contributing part of the team, while gaining insights on best practices from all team members in their different capacities.
Management and Organization
The intern will be supervised by the Communications Manager and/or any other staff member designated. The intern will be provided with a physical workstation at International IDEA’s headquarters office in Stockholm, Sweden.
The unpaid internship position will be full time for a duration of at least two months and/or until the end of year 2025. The intern is expected to be available to work office hours 9:30-17:00 CET, if not otherwise agreed with the supervisor. International IDEA offers opportunities for a flexible work schedule in terms of timing and location, however, the intern is expected to join bi-weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) in-person team meetings at the Stockholm headquarters office.
Qualifications and required skills
The intern should have the following skills and experience:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to appreciate diversity and inclusivity and works effectively as part of a team in such an environment
- Ability to assess, manage and structure information
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, with strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Canva and the full Adobe Suite. Advanced skills in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere are preferred
- Fluent English (written and oral) required. French, Spanish or Swedish language skills are desired.
Terms of internship
- Internship period: late August through December 2025, with flexible start and end dates.
- All internships at International IDEA are unpaid. Insurance coverage 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 coverage and obtain all necessarily permits and/or visas and any other necessary travel-related documentation.
