Spring 2027 Climate & Democracy Internship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is looking for a Climate and Democracy intern. The intern will work closely with the program directors for Transatlantic Democracy and Climate & Environment. The start date for the internship will be March 1, 2027.  

The Transatlantic Democracy program brings together US and German policymakers, activists, experts, civil society organizations and community leaders to explore challenges, changes, and also opportunities that face our democracies. The program’s current activities focus on rights at risk, democratic resilience, as well as democracy at the local and community lev. 

The Climate & Environmental Policy program focuses on progressive policy approaches to the ecological crises facing communities in the United States and Canada, and seeks to make equitable, viable climate and environmental policy a foundation of the transatlantic relationship.  

Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2026.

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: 

Where is democracy working? Governments are struggling to respond to crises that shape people’s daily lives, from climate change and affordability to migration and policing, contributing to declining trust in democratic institutions. In no more than 250 words, identify a recent local example that offers a different way forward. How did a local government or democratic institution work with the people affected to respond differently or more effectively? What can we learn from it? 

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 J1 visa* 

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. 

*We cannot guarantee approval for a US visa. Please monitor the State Department website for any updates related to your eligibility.  

Administrative Responsibilities  

• provide logistical support for preparation and implementation of visitor programs and events  

• manage front desk duties 
• manage contact and program-specific databases 

Communications 

• develop social media content and communications strategies 

• update content on our website and blogs 
• write copy and analysis for a number of different formats 

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. 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