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RESEARCH ASSISTANT INTERN

Openings: 8

Type: Internship

Duration: Semester-based or 3–4 months

Location: Remote

Assignments: Africa (1), Asia (1), Middle East & North Africa (1), South America (1), Europe (1), North America (1), Global Developments (2)

Role Overview

Research Assistant Interns support Posterity International’s research, advocacy, programming, and public education through rigorous research and accessible analysis of humanitarian, human rights, and international development issues.


Each intern will be assigned either a geographic portfolio or a Global Developments portfolio. Regional Research Assistants will monitor and research developments affecting their assigned region, while Global Developments Research Assistants will focus on major cross-regional issues, emerging crises, international institutions, global policy developments, and stories with broader international significance.


Research may inform publications, advocacy campaigns, program development, social media content, reports, briefs, and internal decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor humanitarian, human rights, development, conflict, displacement, and policy developments relevant to an assigned portfolio
Conduct background and issue-specific research using credible primary and secondary sources
Identify emerging developments that may warrant organizational coverage or response
Prepare research summaries, briefing materials, and internal documents
Provide background research for advocacy campaigns, programs, and public-facing content
Synthesize complex information into clear, accurate, and accessible insights
Maintain organized sourcing and documentation for research produced

Qualifications

Current student, recent graduate, or demonstrated academic background in international relations, political science, public policy, international development, human rights, law, journalism, or a related field
Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
Ability to assess the credibility of sources and distinguish reporting from substantiated evidence
Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely
Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in the assigned region or global affairs
Relevant language skills are welcomed but not required unless specified for a particular assignment

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in people who are intellectually curious, careful with evidence, and genuinely engaged with global affairs. Strong candidates take ownership of assignments, communicate proactively, meet deadlines consistently, and approach research involving conflict and affected communities with sensitivity and care.

What You'll Gain

Experience conducting research for real-world humanitarian, advocacy, and development initiatives
Published or portfolio-eligible writing opportunities through Posterity International 
Experience translating research into policy, programmatic, and public-facing outputs
Deeper subject-matter expertise in an assigned region or global portfolio
Exposure to the research and communications processes of an international nonprofit

Compensation

This is an unpaid, volunteer-based internship. However, students may be eligible to receive academic or course credit through their university, subject to their institution’s approval and requirements.

Posterity International is happy to support any necessary documentation or verification processes to facilitate academic credit where applicable.

APPLICATION

Full Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Location

LinkedIn

Availability (hours/week)

Semester

Which research portfolio(s) are you interested in being considered for?

Select all that apply/ Portfolio preferences will be considered alongside your experience, interests, and organizational needs.

If you selected more than one portfolio, which is your first choice?

Earliest Start Date

Resume/CV

Cover Letter

Please submit a cover letter (1 page maximum) describing your interest in Posterity International and the role you are applying for.

Writing Sample

Please include a writing sample (academic, policy, or analytical preferred).

I understand that this is an unpaid, volunteer-based role with Posterity International and confirm my interest in being considered under these terms.