International IDEA, the intergovernmental organization dedicated to supporting sustainable democracy worldwide, is looking for two interns for its Secretary-General's Office in Stockholm. The internship is full-time from 25 January 2027 to 4 June 2027, it is unpaid, and applications close at 23:59 CET on 01 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full listing, and every task, requirement and condition is set out below.
Two Spring 2027 Places in Stockholm
📌 Position: Secretary-General's Office Spring Internship
🏢 Organisation: International IDEA
🧭 Department: Secretary-General's Office
👥 Places: Two interns
📍 Location: Stockholm, Sweden
🗓️ Dates: 25 January 2027 to 4 June 2027 (or as agreed with the mentor)
⏱️ Working time: Full-time, 09:00-17:00 unless otherwise agreed with the mentor
🚇 Support: Transportation card reimbursed
💶 Pay: Unpaid
What International IDEA Is
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) with 35 Member States and an explicit mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide. It develops evidence-based knowledge on democracy and supports the implementation of that knowledge in country- and region-specific projects.
The Only IGO Solely Dedicated to Democracy
The listing describes the Institute as the only IGO solely dedicated to supporting democracy worldwide, with permanent UN Observer status. It uses that 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
The Secretary-General's Office (SGO) is looking for two interns for spring 2027. It is described as an agile and collaborative team that supports four areas of International IDEA's work:
🎯 Strategic leadership
⚖️ Governance
🤝 Partnerships
📣 External engagement
What the Interns Will Support
The interns will be based at the SGO and will support it in three ways:
🗺️ Developing relations with Member States and other key stakeholders
💼 Strengthening institutional fundraising
👁️ Increasing International IDEA's visibility
A Chance to Learn Democracy, External Relations and Diplomacy
The internship is a chance to gain valuable experience in working with democracy, external relations, and diplomacy in an intergovernmental setting. The listing also promises 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.
Council and Board of Advisor Meetings
Under the guidance of the mentors and other SGO staff members, the interns will be responsible for supporting the governance aspects of the Institute. This includes the organization of Council of Member State meetings and Board of Advisor meetings.
Desk Research on Democracy and Development Policy
The interns will conduct desk research on topics related to democracy, democracy support and development policy. Part of this work is compiling and drafting materials to support the Secretary-General's international travels and missions.
Drafting Communications Materials
The interns will also draft communications materials for four channels:
📝 The SGO
🖥️ The International IDEA website
💬 The internal communications platform
📱 Social media channels
Building Relations with Member States and Partners
🔗 The interns will work with the SGO to develop and strengthen relations with Member States and partner organizations.
🗒️ They will assist with minute-taking, logistical support, and follow-up on the contacts established by the SGO.
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Preparing Internal and External Meetings and Events
The interns will assist with the preparation of internal and external meetings and events. They will also work closely with event management and help with the coordination of events, covering registration, outreach, and other logistics.
Taking Part in External Events on Democracy
The interns will proactively take part in external events about democracy and related topics and report the key findings to the SGO. They will also liaise with peer organizations to seek entry points for engagement with International IDEA.
Outreach to the Stockholm Diplomatic Community
The interns will support outreach and communication with the Stockholm-based diplomatic community.
Resource Mobilization with Member States and Donors
The interns will work with the SGO's External Relations team to support resource mobilization efforts with Member States and other donors. The listing states that this includes exposure to and participation in planning and fundraising meetings with senior leaders and donors.
Reporting and Other Assigned Tasks
The interns will support the SGO's reporting to Member States, donors, and other stakeholders and perform other tasks as assigned.
A Dedicated Mentor in the Secretary-General's Office
The interns will have a dedicated mentor within the Secretary-General's Office team, and they work under the guidance of the mentors and other SGO staff members throughout the placement.
In Person in Stockholm, With Two Remote Days
Given the internship tasks, the intern is expected to be in person in Stockholm, Sweden. The working pattern is:
🏙️ At least 3 days per week in the office
🏠 Up to 2 days per week remotely
📅 All 5 days in the office if the intern prefers
Dates, Hours and Flexibility
The internship position is full-time from 25 January 2027 to 4 June 2027 (or as agreed with the mentor). Interns work office hours from 09:00 to 17:00, if not otherwise agreed with the mentor.
A Full-Time Commitment That Cannot Be Combined With Studies
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.
Transportation Card Reimbursed
The interns will be reimbursed for their transportation card. This is the only financial support the listing mentions.
Who Should Apply
International IDEA is looking for two students enrolled in a programme or recent graduates focusing on:
🏛️ Social science
🗳️ Political science
🌐 International relations
🛡️ Human rights
📚 Law
🌱 Development studies
🎓 A related field
Qualifications and Required Skills
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, with the 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 and Experience
Two things count in an applicant's favour but are not required:
🌏 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
The Selection Process
The listing sets out four steps:
⏰ Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CET) on 01 November 2026
📬 Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage 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
Browse more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub →
An Unpaid Internship Without Insurance Cover
This internship is unpaid, and insurance cover in respect of travel, health, medical costs, disability, accident, and death is not provided by International IDEA. It is the intern's responsibility to make their own insurance arrangements to ensure such cover. If you are comparing options, our guide to paid internships abroad explains how funded traineeships work.
Right to Live and Work in Sweden
The 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. The listing names no nationality requirement; the condition it sets is this legal right to live and work in Sweden.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer
International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
Where You Would Work
The internship sits in the Secretary-General's Office and is based in Stockholm, at Strömsborgsbron, 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden. For background on how listings are checked before they appear, see how we verify opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many interns is the Secretary-General's Office recruiting?
The Secretary-General's Office is looking for two interns for spring 2027. Both are based in Stockholm, Sweden.
When does the International IDEA internship start and end?
The internship is full-time from 25 January 2027 to 4 June 2027, or as agreed with the mentor. Office hours are 09:00 to 17:00 unless otherwise agreed with the mentor.
Is the International IDEA internship paid?
No, the internship is unpaid. Insurance for travel, health, medical costs, disability, accident and death is not provided, so interns must arrange their own cover. Interns are reimbursed for their transportation card.
Can I do this internship remotely?
The intern is expected to be in person in Stockholm. Interns work at least 3 days per week in the office and can work remotely 2 days per week, or choose to come into the office all 5 days.
Who can apply for the Secretary-General's Office internship?
The listing seeks 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. Applicants must also be legally authorized to live and work in Sweden for the duration of the internship.
Does International IDEA help with work permits or relocation?
No. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications or relocation costs, so applicants need an existing right to live and work in Sweden.
Can I combine the internship with my studies?
The internship is a full-time position that cannot be combined with other full-time duties such as an academic programme. Students will receive academic credit if the internship is done as part of their programme.
Which languages are required?
Excellent knowledge of written and oral English is required. Knowledge of Swedish, Spanish and/or French would be an asset.
What does the selection process involve?
Candidates selected to proceed will be contacted once all applications have been reviewed. Evaluation of shortlisted candidates includes an interview and, if needed, a short written test or assessment. All candidates are notified of their status by email once the process has finalized.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes. The interns will have a dedicated mentor within the Secretary-General's Office team.
Deadline
⏳ 01 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply Now: https://careers.idea.int/jobs/8498762-2027-secretary-general-s-office-spring-internship
🌐 International IDEA: https://www.idea.int/
