Programs Intern, Peace, Justice and Security (PJS), Washington D.C.

Position Description 

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region. 

Position Overview 

The Pan American Development Foundation seeks a motivated, detail-oriented candidate for its Peace, Justice, and Security (PJS) Internship in its DC office. The PJS intern will assist with research tasks and writing assignments for the PJS portfolio. The selected candidate will work primarily with the thematic area while increasing their knowledge and awareness of a variety of issues related to citizen security, including crime and violence prevention, at-risk youth programming, law enforcement reform, rural security, and gender-based violence.

PADF is a vibrant organization that prioritizes providing practical, hands-on experience. We are committed to fostering a dynamic learning and professional development atmosphere and will offer mentoring and guidance throughout your internship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The PJS Intern will refine their research, analytical, organizational, and writing skills by supporting the team in the following ways:

• Assist with the review and analysis of documents and information received from partners and/or field teams.
• Draft and/or translate project documents, collaborating with other team members to finalize documentation.
• Support the development of communications content, e.g., social media posts, templates, reports, newsletters, etc.
• Research relevant developments related to program activities.
• Attend meetings, webinars, and workshops to take notes and report back.
• Participate in the drafting of program summaries, case studies, etc.

Final Objective: By the end of the internship, the selected individual will learn the business of the international development sector and the life cycle of program/project management for donor funded projects.

Qualifications 

Required

• Currently pursuing a university degree.
• Exceptional reading, editing, and writing skills in Spanish and English. 
• Strong research abilities, including experience in conducting desk research, literature reviews, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with research methodologies used in the social sciences and development field.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred

• Demonstrated competence in legal or other research papers strongly preferred.
• Interest and/or experience working in international development.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) is a plus.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies is beneficial.
• French is a plus.

More About PADF 

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org 

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety.

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer