The Heinrich Böll Foundation is seeking motivated individuals interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in fields related to sustainability, environmental policy, and global development through exciting paid internship opportunities in the United States in 2024. Read on to learn more about the foundation, available internship positions, eligibility requirements, how to apply, benefits, and more.
About the Heinrich Boll Foundation
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is an independent political foundation aligned with the Green political movement and located in Germany. Since its founding in 1997, the foundation has worked to promote democratic participation, sustainability, feminist perspectives, and nonviolence both within Germany and abroad through a variety of programs, projects, and collaborations.
The foundation has offices located across Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America, and Asia with over 400 employees worldwide. In the United States, the foundation has offices located in Washington D.C. and Oakland, California that focus on issues including climate and energy policy, democracy and human rights, feminist foreign policy, and more.
Internship Locations in the US
For 2024, the Heinrich Böll Foundation is offering paid internships in their Washington D.C. and Oakland offices. Interns will be fully integrated members of the project teams in these offices and gain experience working on initiatives and campaigns directly related to the foundation’s core mission and priorities.
- Washington D.C. Office – Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, interns will assist with advocacy efforts, coalition building, and outreach focused on advancing environmental policy at the federal level.
- Oakland Office – Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, interns will support initiatives focused on just transitions to renewable energy, climate justice, indigenous rights, and grassroots organizing and mobilization in California and beyond.
Available Internship Positions
The foundation is accepting applications for the following full-time internship positions starting in early 2024:
Climate and Energy Policy Intern
Assist with research, reporting, outreach, and coalition coordination to advance ambitious federal and state climate policies and a just transition to renewable energy.
Democracy and Global Policy Intern
Support advocacy and partnership efforts focused on issues including nonviolence, human rights, internet freedom, and global development from a Green political perspective.
Communications and Outreach Intern
Help strengthen the foundation’s online presence and engage new audiences through social media management, website updates, graphic design, and event/campaign support.
Program Coordination Intern
Provide logistical, administrative, and research assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of foundation workshops, convenings, panels, and cooperatives across issue areas.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a Heinrich Böll Foundation internship, candidates must:
- Be enrolled in or have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree program related to political science, environmental studies, sustainability, international development or a similar field.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record and relevant experience through internships, research projects, activism, or work experience.
- Be authorized to work full-time in the United States for the duration of the 6-12 month internship. EU and other international citizens are eligible to apply but must have valid US work authorization.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills in English and be detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and design tools is preferred for some positions.
- Be committed to the values of environmental sustainability, democracy, nonviolence, and social justice that guide the foundation’s work.
Benefits and Compensation
Heinrich Böll Foundation interns can expect:
- A competitive monthly stipend commensurate with experience. Stipends typically range from $3,000-4,000 per month before taxes.
- Health, dental and vision insurance coverage during the term of the internship.
- Up to $1,000 available for relocation expenses for interns relocating to the internship city.
- Professional development and networking opportunities including exposure to high-level events and chances to collaborate directly with the foundation’s international partners.
- Letter of reference and recommendation for future career opportunities upon successful completion.
How to Apply
The application process for Heinrich Böll Foundation internships in the United States is competitive. To stand the best chance, applicants should:
- Review the internship descriptions and position requirements carefully to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
- Compile the following application materials in English:
- CV/Resume highlighting relevant academic, work and volunteer experience
- Motivation letter (1 page max) outlining interest in the organization and preferred position(s)
- 2 letters of recommendation from professors or former supervisors
- Transcript/grades for undergraduate and/or graduate studies
- Complete the online application form available on the internships page of the foundation’s US website including information from your CV/resume.
- Submit all application materials as one combined PDF file via email to internships@us.boell.org with the subject line “2024 Internship Application – Your Name”.
- Applications for 2024 positions will be accepted between September 1-November 15, 2023. Interviews will take place in December/January and placement decisions will follow by mid-February 2024.
Being selected for an interview does not guarantee placement in the program which is very competitive with over 500 applications received annually. However, the internships provide invaluable experience for those passionate about environmental policy, sustainability and social justice.
Conclusion
The paid internship program offered through the Heinrich Böll Foundation presents an excellent opportunity for motivated students and recent graduates interested in gaining hands-on experience working to advance progressive policies and initiatives in the United States.
Interns benefit from being immersed in the foundation’s innovative approaches and collaborations while supporting vital efforts around climate action, democracy, human rights and more. Employers also value graduates who have participated in substantive international internships.
If making a meaningful impact on sustainability and global challenges aligns with your professional goals, consider applying for one of these prestigious positions starting early next year. With strong qualifications and application materials, you could be the foundation’s next top intern in Washington D.C. or Oakland.
