Intern, Digital Policy

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is looking for two Digital Policy Interns, one in Spring 2026 and one in Fall 2026. Spring applicants will start on March 2, 2026, and Fall applicants will start on September 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 October 30, 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 Bachelor's or Master's degree program OR recent (< 1 year) Bachelor's degree recipients

Applications from mid-career professionals or applicants who have already completed a Master's 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 speaker's 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 page policy paper
• interview with policy experts (either article or video)
• script for a 2-3 min explanatory video
• series of short blog pieces or op-eds