What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fall 2026: Democratic Resilience Intern position at Center for European Policy Analysis?
Position: Democratic Resilience Intern
Schedule: Full or Part Time (20-40 hours per week, unpaid internship)
Location: Washington, DC
The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join its Democratic Resilience (DR) program as a Democratic Resilience Intern.
The intern will work closely with the DR program team to support policymakers—across government, civil society, business, and the media in North America and Europe—in achieving three vital aims: countering authoritarian threats to democracy, responding to democratic backsliding, and bolstering the ability of established democracies to restore and maintain peace, security and prosperity.
This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and program management within a transatlantic policy-focused environment. The ideal candidate will be proactive, highly organized, and deeply interested in CEPA’s mission and the broader field of democratic resilience.
Key Responsibilities
Education:
CEPA is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including, but not limited to, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, leave of absence, benefits, and internships. CEPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business necessity.
Schedule: Full or Part Time (20-40 hours per week, unpaid internship)
Location: Washington, DC
The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join its Democratic Resilience (DR) program as a Democratic Resilience Intern.
The intern will work closely with the DR program team to support policymakers—across government, civil society, business, and the media in North America and Europe—in achieving three vital aims: countering authoritarian threats to democracy, responding to democratic backsliding, and bolstering the ability of established democracies to restore and maintain peace, security and prosperity.
This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and program management within a transatlantic policy-focused environment. The ideal candidate will be proactive, highly organized, and deeply interested in CEPA’s mission and the broader field of democratic resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis on key topics related to democratic resilience, authoritarian influence, and transatlantic policy;
- Assist in organizing events, including roundtables, panel discussions, and workshops;
- Support outreach efforts to key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations;
- Help prepare reports, policy briefs, and other programrelated publications;
- Provide logistical and administrative support for program activities;
- Monitor developments in democracy and governance across Europe and North America;
- Collaborate with the DR program team on strategic initiatives to advance the program’s goals.
Education:
- Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy);
- Minimum junior or senior standing in undergraduate studies, or enrollment in a graduate program.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing abilities;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (Teams);
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
- Demonstrated interest in CEPA’s mission and focus areas, such as democracy promotion, governance, and transatlantic relations;
- Basic knowledge of global and regional politics, authoritarian regimes, and democratic governance.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Team player with a proactive approach;
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn in a fastpaced environment.
- Commitment to three months, with agreedupon hours per week, between 2040 hours;
- Ability to work in CEPA’s office or remotely, depending on role requirements.
CEPA is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including, but not limited to, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, leave of absence, benefits, and internships. CEPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business necessity.