Intern, Digital Policy

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC is looking for two Digital Policy Interns one in Spring 2026and one inFall 2026. Spring applicants will start onMarch 2 2026 and Fall applicants will start onSeptember 14 2026.

The Intern will work closely with the program director for
Digital Policy. Note that the intern may also be paired with one of the following programs: Foreign & Security Policy Global Development and Communications.

The Digital Policy program focuses on transatlantic dialogues and the Global South. Areas of work may include the ecology of AI social media and democracy and digital rights. The Intern will work from our office in downtown Washington DC.

This internship is well suited for students or recent graduates interested in global development and digital policy with a background in public policy international relations law economics or a related field. Applicants should be self-motivated and independent workers.

Applications will be accepted until November 2 2025.

Applicants must submit a US-style resume cover letter and challenge statement. Please include the challenge statement in the same document as your cover letter.

Challenge Statement:

Please write a short (max 250 words) personal reflection on how digital technology has impacted your life. How was that shaped the way you believe digital technology should be governed

Basic Requirements

• experience in the relevant program area
• a genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
• competent command of English (German is not a requirement)
• a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part-time only on a case-by-case basis)
• at least 2 years of university-level experience
• currently enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree program OR recent (< 1 year) Bachelors degree recipients

Applications from mid-career professionals or applicants who have already completed a Masters or Ph.D.will not be accepted.

Benefits

• a monthly stipend of $700 for full-time positions and proportionally less for part-time
• 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full-time internships
• If required the foundation can cover most costs associated with a J-1 visa for both the spring and fall interns

NOTE: Washington DC is an expensive city. We encourage all applicants to apply for external funding and scholarships. We also recommend applicants immediately begin looking for housing when they apply.

Administrative Responsibilities

• provide logistical support for preparation and implementation of visitor programs and events
• manage front desk duties (i.e. answer telephones respond to information inquiries)
• manage contact and program-specific databases

Communications

• develop social media content and communications strategies
• update content on our website and blogs

Research

• conduct background research on topical issues and current events
• prepare research for upcoming events tours and speakers series

Capstone Project

In addition to routine tasks interns are required to complete a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Capstones can be one extensive piece or a combination of smaller pieces. Some examples include:

• 5-10 pagepolicy paper
• interview with policy experts (eitherarticleor video)
• script for a 2-3 min explanatoryvideo
• series of shortblog piecesor op-eds

Required Experience:

Intern