Research Internship Democratic Progress Institute

Voluntary position, based at our office in Bloomsbury, London

Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)

Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis

Suitable for: The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level, registered on a relevant post-graduate course.

Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in either Turkish or Arabic would be highly desirable.

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several interns with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of placements to outstanding candidates.   Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.  

We are looking for interns with strong research skills and academic excellence, as well as organisational and IT skills and proven interest and knowledge in our areas of focus; namely conflict resolution and democratic advancement. Additionally, selected interns may be asked to attend conferences and DPI activities, to write briefs and take detailed notes on behalf of the Institute, therefore touch-typing and transcribing experience is valued. Interns will often be asked to work on an in-depth research project and should be prepared to be self-motivated and work to high level research briefs independently. Applicants should also work well as part of a team and be willing to contribute to the day to day running of the organisation.

The chosen candidates will contribute to the capacity of the Institute’s work through focusing on relevant research projects and assisting in our activities, which include roundtable discussions, comparative studies and seminars in a variety of regions worldwide. Specific knowledge of, or interest in Syria and/or Turkey is desirable.We are looking for interns with strong research skills and academic excellence, as well as organisational and IT skills and proven interest and knowledge in our areas of focus; namely conflict resolution and democratic advancement. Additionally, selected interns may be asked to attend conferences and DPI activities, to write briefs and take detailed notes on behalf of the Institute, therefore touch-typing and transcribing experience is valued. Interns will often be asked to work on an in-depth research project and should be prepared to be self-motivated and work to high level research briefs independently. Applicants should also work well as part of a team and be willing to contribute to the day to day running of the organisation.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 17.00) but other arrangements can be made. We are, therefore, seeking either one volunteer/secondee working full time or two to share the full time hours. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of our Programs and Research department for a period of three to six months. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

Those interested should send a CV and Cover Letter stating your interests and experience. Submission of a 2 to 3 page writing sample on any area of interest to the applicant is expected. The candidates will be selected on the basis of their experience and suitability for the role. Please also state your availability and how many days you are available per week (minimum requirement of 3-5 days) to: Saraswathi Ramanan, Operations Officer, Democratic Progress Institute, 11 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DH, Email: sramanan@democraticprogress.org