Offer summary

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in an academic program related to International Relations, Conflict Studies, or Development., Fluent in English, both written and spoken., Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and internet research., Interest in peacebuilding, fundraising, and organizational partnerships..

Key responsibilities:

Assist in developing global partnerships, project designs, and proposals.

Conduct research on fundraising opportunities from governments, multilateral organizations, and foundations.

Identify new program development and partnership opportunities.

Support knowledge management activities by developing and updating relevant tools and resources.

Job description

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments approach conflict, moving away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. With a total of approximately 600 staff members worldwide, Search implements projects from 54 offices across 34 countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

Position Summary

Please note: This internship is unpaid and is only open to applicants who are enrolled in an academic program and receive a financial stipend from their educational institution.

The Global Affairs and Partnerships (GAP) team at Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking an intern for Fall 2025 to provide research and support to the organization’s overall fundraising, program development, and knowledge management activities. The Global Program Development Intern will help advance Search's peacebuilding mission by contributing to fundraising, organizational partnerships, project design, and proposal development for global programs.

Program development interns play a critical role in Search’s peacebuilding programs, contributing to fundraising efforts from governments, multilateral organizations, and foundations, as well as designing new programs in coordination with our regional teams.

This internship provides students with hands-on experience in program design and offers a behind-the-scenes look at a non-governmental organization. Interns will be introduced to our network of donors and partners in the field of peacebuilding, as well as within the broader humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the development of global partnerships, project designs, and proposals;

Conduct research related to fundraising from bilateral governments, multilaterals, and foundations;

Identify and research opportunities for new program development and partnerships.

Represent Search at relevant meetings and events in Washington, D.C.

Develop and update knowledge management tools and resources, including capacity statements, fundraising analysis, and strategies, among others.

You meet the following qualifications:

Current student working towards 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).

The ideal candidate will further exhibit:

A self-starting, enthusiastic, and flexible approach to the organization and the position.

Experience in foreign policy, fundraising, and peacebuilding;

Demonstrable interest in creating partnerships with other organizations, policymakers, and donors to advance peacebuilding;

Experience in business development or with donor agencies

Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills;

Excellent attention to detail; and

Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines.

Available for 32-40 Hours a week

**Please indicate in your cover letter if you are applying for this position as part of a program where you will receive academic credit or other compensation for completing this internship.**

This opportunity is open to applicants interested in starting in late August or early September and ending in mid-December.

The position applications will close on August 1, 2025

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