Internship - Peace Operations

SIPRI's Armed Conflict and Conflict Management Programme is seeking an intern to assist with its Multilateral Peace Operations Database Project. The position will commence on 1 February and run through 31 May 2016, and is located at the SIPRI headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.

About the project:

The Multilateral Peace Operations Database Project collects data on all ongoing peace operations, surveys significant trends, and considers their impacts on current international policy. Themes examined in depth include the efforts to develop and enhance the institutional capacities of the United Nations and of regional organizations in crisis management operations; the financial cost of operations; legitimacy and transparency; and the political and normative drives for participation and support of operations.

About the position:

The prospective intern will be working under the supervision of the person in charge of the Multilateral Peace Operations Database Project, and will work closely with the peace operations and conflict management team. He/she will assist with the maintenance and expansion of the Multilateral Peace Operations Database. Tasks will include independent (web) research, compiling data and background information, and drafting news summaries and updates for SIPRI staff. Additional tasks may include assisting with data collection and background research for staff publications, as well as shorter writing assignments. Candidates that would like to combine the internship with thesis work on a relevant topic will also be considered, and are encouraged to explain in their application how an internship at SIPRI would fit in with their personal research interests and university schedule.

Desired qualifications:

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree

Detail-oriented and extremely organized

Excellent team player but capable of meeting goals independently

Prior knowledge of UN peace operations and/or regional organizations (e.g. AU, ECOWAS, EU, NATO, OSCE)

Experience with quantitative research

Comfortable with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Excellent English writing and speaking skills; proficiency in other relevant languages is not required but will be considered a plus

Interning at SIPRI

SIPRI is globally recognized for its excellence and authority on peace and security issues.  Its reliable data, publications, and conferences inform governments, international institutions, and academia. During your internship you will interact with our research staff and attend workshops and events within SIPRI as well as events and conferences conducted by partner organizations in Stockholm. You will gain insider experience about the workings of a leading think tank and contribute to the SIPRI cause of shaping responsible and transparent international policy while providing reliable and free information to the interested public.

Please note that this is an unpaid internship position and that SIPRI is unfortunately unable to assist with living arrangements in Stockholm.

To apply, please send the following documents (in pdf) to Timo Smit (smit@sipri.org):

Letter of motivation

Resume (including referent contact details)

Writing sample (optional; max. 2-4 pages)

The deadline for applications is 18 December 2015.

Please contact Timo Smit for questions about the position. Candidates that have already submitted an application for an internship at SIPRI for the period spring 2016 will be included in the selection process and do not need to resend their application.