Student Fellowship in Human Rights - International IDEA

Applications for 2025 will open in mid January 2025.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA – is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.


International IDEA develops comparative knowledge, assist in democratic reform, and influence policies and politics, focusing in three main impact areas: electoral processes, constitution-building, political participation and representation. It also addresses issues of gender, diversity, and conflict and security.

The Constitution Building Programme, based in the Hague, provides research and support to produce knowledge publications, convene relevant actors and assist national constitution making processes around the world.

Internship Activities

The intern, under the guidance of Head, Constitution Building, shall perform the following tasks:

  • Conduct Research into issues relating to constitution building processes
  • Assist in research to support responses to requests from constitution making bodies
  • Coding of post-conflict constitution building processes for the Post-Conflict Constitution Building Process Database
  • Attend conferences/workshops bringing together experts and practitioners
  • Attend and actively participate in team meetings
  • Performs any other tasks as requested by the supervisor and/or any other person designated by him/her;
  • Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Expected outcome/learning opportunities

The intern is expected to benefit from the position by gaining insights, experience and knowledge on:

  • Comparative Constitutional Design
  • Constitution Building Processes
  • The Constitutional History and Politics of at least one country

The intern will also have the opportunity to develop his/her analytical and researching skills. The objective of the internship is to provide a learning opportunity for an interested and talented student within a relevant study area. The intern is expected to act as part of the team, learning from all team members in their different capacities.

Management and Organization

The intern will be mentored by Sumit Bisarya - Head, Constitution Building Programme - and/or any other person designated by him/her. The intern will be provided with a work-station at International IDEA.

Timing and Work plan

The internship position will be full-time based in The Hague, Netherlands, between TBC up to and including TBC. The intern will work office hours 0900-1700 if not otherwise agreed with the Mentor.

Qualifications and required skills

  • Student enrolled at Oxford University in a programme focusing on; social science; political science; international relations; or a related field.
  • Analytical, drafting and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment.
  • Ability to assess, manage and structure information.
  • Good interpersonal skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including Excel) and Internet.
  • Knowledge of information management systems.
  • Fluent written and oral English required.
  • Spanish, French or Arabic language skills would be an asset.

Type of Appointment: Full-time internship

Duration: 3 months (with a possible extension for another 3 months)

The successful candidate will receive an award to assist with travel, accommodation, living, and other reasonable expenses associated with the internship. In determining the amount to be awarded, other sources of funding will be taken into account.

The candidate will also be expected to provide a full report on their work at the end of their internship.

Application Process

Please refer to the overview page referring specifically to the application process.

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