Graduate students and emerging professionals passionate about gender equality, peacebuilding, international security, and multilateral policy processes now have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading peace and security organizations. The International Peace Institute (IPI) has announced applications for its Women, Peace and Security Program Internship 2026, a paid full-time internship based in New York, United States.
This internship offers successful candidates the opportunity to contribute directly to global efforts aimed at advancing women’s meaningful participation in peace operations while supporting research, policy development, and advocacy initiatives that address barriers facing women peacekeepers around the world.
The internship is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will initially run for three months, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and performance.
About the International Peace Institute
The International Peace Institute is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening inclusive multilateralism and promoting a more peaceful and sustainable world. Through research, strategic advising, policy dialogue, and convening activities, IPI develops innovative recommendations for:
- The United Nations system
- Member states
- Regional organizations
- Civil society actors
- Private sector stakeholders
With a globally diverse team and offices overlooking United Nations Headquarters in New York, IPI remains a key contributor to international peace and security discussions.
About the Women, Peace and Security Program
The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Program at IPI works toward the holistic integration of gender considerations into policy and programming frameworks worldwide. Its mission is to contribute to a more equitable and peaceful global society by ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and participation are meaningfully incorporated into peace and security processes.
One of the program’s major priorities is identifying and addressing barriers that prevent women from fully participating in peacekeeping operations. The program conducts extensive research and policy analysis focused on:
- Women’s participation in peace operations
- Gender-responsive peacekeeping reforms
- Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
- Prevention of harassment within peace operations
- Reducing stigma and discrimination affecting women peacekeepers
- Promoting inclusive and equitable security institutions
This work is supported by Canada’s Elsie Initiative, a global effort dedicated to increasing the meaningful participation of uniformed women in peace operations.
Internship Overview
The selected intern will join the Women, Peace and Security Program and support a major workstream focused on advancing women’s participation in peace operations.
The intern will report directly to the Head of the Women, Peace and Security Program and work closely with all members of the WPS team. In addition, the intern will collaborate with professionals across various IPI programs and engage with international stakeholders working on peace and security issues.
The internship follows a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work.
Internship Details
- Organization: International Peace Institute (IPI)
- Program: Women, Peace and Security Program
- Position Type: Full-Time Internship
- Location: New York Area, United States
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (In-Office and Remote)
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
- Duration: Three Months Initially
- Extension Possibility: Yes
- Start Date: August 2026
- Compensation: $17.00 per hour
- Weekly Hours: 40 Hours
Internship Responsibilities
Selected interns will contribute to a wide range of research, policy, communication, and programmatic activities.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Supporting Women’s Participation in Peace Operations
Interns will assist with deliverables related to advancing women’s meaningful participation in peacekeeping and peace operations.
2. Monitoring Global Developments
Responsibilities include:
- Tracking political developments related to women, peace, and security
- Monitoring international policy discussions
- Identifying emerging trends affecting women peacekeepers
3. Conducting Research and Analysis
Interns will:
- Compile academic and policy resources
- Develop annotated bibliographies
- Conduct literature reviews
- Support evidence-based policy analysis
4. Event and Meeting Support
The successful candidate will help prepare:
- Workshops
- Policy forums
- Retreats
- Virtual meetings
- In-person consultations
Support may include administrative, substantive, and technical preparations.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
The role involves interacting with:
- International organizations
- Regional organizations
- Multilateral institutions
- Policy experts
- Peace and security practitioners
6. Social Media and Communications Support
Interns will contribute to:
- Program communications
- Social media processes
- Outreach activities
- Knowledge dissemination efforts
7. Publication Review and Editing
Responsibilities include:
- Editing reports
- Reviewing publications
- Ensuring high editorial standards
- Supporting publication production processes
8. Collaboration with Research Partners
The intern will assist in maintaining collaboration with other partners involved in Elsie Initiative-supported research projects.
9. Policy Writing
Selected candidates may contribute analysis and insights to IPI’s policy blog, The Global Observatory, helping inform discussions on international peace and security issues.
10. Administrative Support
Additional administrative duties may be assigned to support the overall functioning of the Women, Peace and Security Program.
Benefits of the Internship
The internship offers numerous professional and academic benefits, including:
- Paid employment at $17.00 per hour
- Direct mentorship from experienced peace and security professionals
- Exposure to international policymaking processes
- Practical experience in gender and security programming
- Opportunity to contribute to globally relevant research initiatives
- Experience working with United Nations-related policy issues
- Professional networking opportunities with international stakeholders
- Exposure to multilateral diplomacy and peace operations
- Development of advanced research and analytical skills
- Publication and policy-writing experience
- Opportunity to work in a multicultural professional environment
- Potential contract extension beyond the initial internship period
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess graduate-level academic training in relevant disciplines and demonstrate a strong commitment to issues related to gender equality and international peace and security.
Required qualifications include:
- Graduate-level coursework in international affairs, political science, gender studies, or related disciplines
- Academic focus on gender, women’s rights, peacebuilding, or international security
- Knowledge of United Nations institutions and multilateral policy processes
- Excellent English writing and editing skills
- Strong research and analytical capabilities
- Fluency in English
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and contribute proactively
Additional qualifications that strengthen an application include:
- Proficiency in another official United Nations language
- Familiarity with the Elsie Initiative
- Knowledge of IPI’s work on women in peace operations
Employment Eligibility Requirement
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Important notes:
- The International Peace Institute does not sponsor internship visas.
- Applicants who do not clearly indicate U.S. work authorization in their application will not be considered.
- Interns must reside in or be able to remain in the New York area throughout the internship period.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical challenges and to ensure all required information is included.
Why This Internship Stands Out
Few internship opportunities provide such a direct connection to global peace and security policy discussions. Through this internship, participants will contribute to meaningful international efforts aimed at increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping while gaining practical experience within a respected global policy institution.
For graduate students seeking careers in international affairs, gender policy, peacebuilding, multilateral diplomacy, human rights, or global governance, this internship provides an exceptional platform to build expertise, expand professional networks, and gain valuable exposure to real-world policy processes at the international level.
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the July 5, 2026 deadline and ensure they clearly indicate their authorization to work in the United States.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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