Jobs and Internships

Unless otherwise noted, all positions listed below are with the National Endowment for Democracy. Please read the descriptions and follow the instructions when applying.

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a congressionally funded, private, nonprofit grant making organization that works to support freedom around the world. Read more about the NED.

Full-time positions

Internships

Senior Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies
Posted: January 18, 2012

The Senior Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies (the Forum), directs and supervises all aspects of the work of this critical organizational element. The Senior Director is primarily responsible for strategic direction of the program and for setting administrative and programmatic procedures, policies, and goals. The Senior Director guides the development of cooperative relations with other NED programs, departments and initiatives as well as promotes the program and develops effective interaction with counterpart organizations and the scholarly and policy communities.  

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Director will: 

  • Provide leadership and strategic direction for Forum priorities by establishing the scope and purpose of major conferences, meetings and other fora, ensuring the most effective outcomes through the highest degree of excellence in selection of participants and promulgation of next steps to include the preparation and publication of reports;
  • Assist the Vice President, Research and Studies, and the President by providing advice on overall strategic issues relating to the NED;
  • Devise recommendations to present to the President and the Board for sound strategies and policies which will enhance the Endowment’s mission and operations;
  • Fully leverage the cooperation between the Forum and the other parts of NED by co-organizing special events and other strategic initiatives;
  • Provide leadership and motivation for the Forum to achieve a high standard of excellence, including professional development of opportunities, goals, and objectives;
  • Supervise, mentor, and coordinate the work of Forum staff;
  • Supervise the Research and Conferences components of the Forum;
  • Direct all publications and information service activities for Research and Conferences Programs;
  • Support the Regan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program by participating in the process of selection of candidates and engaging actively in the meetings and seminars;
  • Oversee the administrative component of the Forum;
  • Oversee preparation and management of the Forum budget and financial strategies, in cooperation with Finance department.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge/Experience (formal degree requirements and years of relevant job experience required):
  • Masters in international relations, political science or a related field required, Ph.D. strongly preferred. 
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in democracy studies and/or promotion or a closely related field.
  • Excellent writing and editorial skills, to include formal publications.
  • Scholarly credentials highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Self-motivated with respect to prioritizing and meeting critical project milestones and deadlines.
  • Highly innovative in establishing the scope and purpose of conferences, meetings, and other fora.
  • Able to work effectively with all levels of staff to build good working relationships.  
  • Proven ability to act as a leader in communicating strategies and ideas.

 To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Senior Director, FORUM – Job #1201 in the subject line. Please no phone calls.

 Program Assistant, Central and West Africa
Posted: January 10, 2012

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a congressionally funded, private, nonprofit grant making organization that works to support freedom around the world, and is seeking a Program Assistant, Central and West Africa. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

Provide day-to-day administrative and programmatic support to the assigned region/country program staff.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist Senior Director and staff with general administrative duties.
  • Provide support for considering and awarding grants to nongovernmental organizations working on democracy building programs in the assigned region/country.
  • Maintain contact with applicants and respond to inquiries.
  • Maintain the program team calendar.
  • Update program contacts and maintain files.
  • Organize events for visiting grantees.
  • Attend and report on relevant conferences, meetings, and other events.
  • Research information about potential grantees and current political developments in the assigned region/country.
  • Assist with writing of project summaries and drafting budgets.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development or a relevant field.
  • Minimum of 1 year of work experience in an office environment.
  • Knowledge of major political and social issues in Central and West Africa preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills in English and French required.
  • High degree of organization, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to multi-task.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, experience navigating databases preferred.
  • Knowledge of language of assigned region/country sufficient for business-level reading and writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Program Assistant, CEWA – Job #1202 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please no phone calls.

Senior Manager, World Movement for Democracy
Posted: December 22, 2011 

NED is seeking a Senior Manager for the World Movement for Democracy. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

Work with the Senior Director to manage overall operations of the World Movement for Democracy (WMD) Secretariat. Take lead in major projects, assist in developing regional democracy networks, and lead in organizing WMD global assemblies. Master’s in government/related field experience. Include cover letter, resume, salary history, salary requirements, and contact information for three references and send to Sheri Melvin, National Endowment for Democracy, Attn: Senior Manager, WMD, 1025 F Street NW, Ste 800, Washington, DC 20004. No phone calls please. ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY.

Assistant Program Officer, Central Africa
Posted: November 7, 2011

The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:
Assist with management, administration, development and expansion of grant programs in the Central African region. Support existing grantees and develop prospective grantees.

Responsibilities:

  • Draft summaries of proposals to present at quarterly board meetings;
  • Assist in the evaluation of project proposals;
  • Communicate regularly with existing grantees;
  • Assist in monitoring the work of existing grantees;
  • Tracking political developments in the assigned region;
  • Provide administrative support to the Central Africa Program Officer;
  • Help organize events to highlight specific democracy-related issues;
  • Travel to the assigned region on a regular basis and under occasionally difficult conditions to identify and work with potential new grantees and existing grantees.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge/Experience (formal degree requirements and years of relevant job experience required):
  • ­Master’s level education or equivalent knowledge in International Affairs, Politics, or a related discipline is required;
  • ­At least 2 years of experience in democracy related work is required.

Other Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of political issues and trends in Central Africa;
  • Advanced oral and written proficiency in French is required; proficiency in other relevant languages of the region is a benefit;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;

Competencies:

  • MS Office skills required;
  • High degree of organization and initiative;
  • Experience in grant-making and democratic development is desirable;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team.

To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, salary history, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Assistant Program Officer, Central Africa – Job #1145 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Assistant Project Officer, Eastern Europe
Posted: October 17, 2011

The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:
The Assistant Program Officer (APO) will provide significant programmatic support to the Endowment’s grants activities by assisting with management, administration, expansion and the development of prospective grantees in Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. The APO will travel to the region approximately two times per year.

Responsibilities:

  • Draft summaries of proposals to present at quarterly Board meetings;
  • Assist in the evaluation of project proposals;
  • Communicate regularly with grantees;
  • Assist in monitoring the work of grantees;
  • Tracking political developments in Eastern Europe, particularly Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova;
  • Provide administrative support for the regional team;
  • Organize events to highlight specific democracy-related issues;
  • Travel to the region on a regular basis to identify and work with current and potential grantees.

Qualifications:

  • A Master’s level education or equivalent knowledge in international affairs, politics, history, regional studies, or a related discipline;
  • At least 2 years of experience in democracy related work;
  • At least a year of experience living in Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union is preferred;
  • In-depth knowledge of political issues and civil society trends in the region;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
  • Advanced oral and written proficiency in Russian, understanding of Ukrainian an asset;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Experience in financial management and reporting;
  • High degree of organization, initiative, and commitment;
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.

To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, salary history and requirements, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Assistant Program Officer, Eastern Europe – Job # 1136 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org. Please no phone calls. 

Grants Administrator, Middle East & Africa
Posted: September 23, 2011

NED seeks a Grants Administrator based in Washington, DC. This position reports to the Manager, Grants Administration.

Position Summary:
The Grants Administrator for this region/country will administer the assigned portfolio of grants from pre-award stage of proposal to the close-out of the Grant. Beginning with corresponding with grantees, drafting grants, receiving reports and payments and ending with the close-out procedures. Monitor the progress and delivery of Financial & Narrative reports and requesting payments. Assist the Audit Department in solving Questions Cost issues after invoice review process.

Responsibilities:

  • Under the general supervision of the Manager, Grants Administration, provide cradle-to-grave management of assigned grants portfolio, including review of proposals, grant negotiation, award, compliance monitoring, administration and closeout.
  • Participate in review of proposals to identify potential technical issues in new awards; ensure that any compliance issues arising under prior awards to renewal grantees are adequately addressed before a new grant is issued.
  • Negotiate, draft and issue new grant awards and amendments as required over the life of assigned grants; prepare other correspondence as required.
  • Ensure that grants awarded are in compliance with US Government or other donor regulations and/or other special requirements, if any.
  • Review grantee financial and narrative reports to identify and resolve budget, compliance and/or other problems; in cooperation with NED’s Internal Audit and/or appropriate program staff, investigate and resolve invoice reviews, audit and/or other issues as required.
  • Promptly review and process grantee requests for payment.
  • Obtain required closeout information from grantees and otherwise facilitate grant closeout process.
  • Ensure that assigned fields of grants database are timely updated.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (business, international studies, or area studies relevant to assigned portfolio, etc.);
  • At least three years of experience in non-profit grants/contracts operations;
  • Familiarity with Federal grant regulations, international activities/issues relevant to NED’s operation environment;
  • Professional competency in language relevant to assigned grants portfolio is useful; Arabic language preferred, and/or French desired
  • Familiarity with or interest in the Middle East and/or Africa;
  • Attention to detail and ability to multi-task;
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision;
  • Flexibility to be a team player and self starter, comfortable in a supporting role and in working independent, preferably in a multicultural environment;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; knowledge of MicroEdge Gifts or other relational database helpful; and
  • Qualified to work in the US.

To Apply: Applications must include a cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Grants Administrator, MENA - Job #1139 in the subject line.

Program Officer, MENA
Posted: July 28, 2011

NED is seeking a Program Officer for the Middle East and North Africa regional program team. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The Program Officer will work with MENA staff to provide programmatic and administrative support to NED’s Middle East and North Africa grants program, develop the Endowment’s strategy for the region, set programmatic priorities, monitor and evaluate projects, and track program budgets.

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate project proposals and progress reports in specific countries;
  • Draft summaries of proposals to present at quarterly Board of Directors’ meetings;
  • Maintain regular communication with potential and existing grantees;
  • Monitor the work of grantees, including regular field visits;
  • Track political developments in the region and inform NED’s strategy for Middle Eastern and North African regions;
  • Attend relevant internal and external meetings;
  • Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners and regional organizations.
  • Organize and participate in events to highlight specific democracy-related issues.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development or related discipline;
  • At least 5 years of extensive experience in democracy-related work; 
  • In-depth understanding of political issues and trends in MENA region;
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic languages, French is preferred;
  • Minimum of 2 years living, working or traveling in Middle East and North Africa;
  • High degree of organization and initiative;
  • Experience with financial management and reporting;

To Apply: 

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Program Officer, MENA – Job #1129 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no phone calls.

Intern, Democracy Resource Center
Posted: November 28, 2011

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) a congressionally funded, private, nonprofit grant making organization that works to support freedom around the world, and is seeking an Intern for its Democracy Resource Center (DRC). The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The DRC seeks an unpaid intern to work on a digital library project for a network of global think tanks, the Network of Democracy Research Institutes (NDRI). This project was funded through the United Nations Democracy Fund and seeks to connect scholars and activists in emerging democracies.

Responsibilities:

  • Process materials for digital storage and distribution using an online database
  • Enter, validate and participate in updating subject terms
  • Communicate with members of the network of international think tanks
  • Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws
  • Publicize and expand participation in the database

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate or Graduate student
  • Experience with MS Office applications (Word and Excel), knowledge of databases
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Preferred background in library studies, political science or international relations

Time Commitment:

Negotiable, though a commitment of at least 12-15 hours per week is preferred.

Travel Reimbursement:

This position is unpaid; however, a travel reimbursement of $10 per day is available to offset expenses. Academic credit can be offered with prior arrangement of your school.

Anticipated Start/End Date:

The start and end dates are flexible though internships generally last 4-5 months.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Intern, DRC – Job #1147 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no phone calls. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org.

Intern, Finance Department
Posted: August 31, 2011

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a congressionally funded, private, nonprofit grant making organization that works to support freedom around the world is seeking an Intern for its Finance Department. The position is based in Washington, D.C. 

Position Summary:

The Finance Department at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Intern for the Fall, 2011. The unpaid internship provides excellent opportunities to gain entry to intermediate level in grants and transactional accounting including financial data analysis. The intern will also interact with the program and grants staff in gathering information on special projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with compiling and analyzing data for the preparation of account analysis and reconciliation, month-end and year-end closing, 990 tax return, and federal quarterly financial reporting.
  • Help maintain financial records.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at an accredited 4-year college or university, with concentration and strong interest in accounting.
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Maintain a strong work ethic and a sharp attention to detail.
  • Basic knowledge of Excel helpful.
  • Foreign language skills are a plus, though not required.

Travel Reimbursement:
This position is unpaid; however, a travel reimbursement of $10 per day is available to offset expenses.

Time Commitment:
A minimum of 2 days per week.

Anticipated Start/End Date:
Start and end dates are flexible, however dates should coincide with a typical semester.

To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Job # 1137 - Intern Finance in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no phone calls. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org.

Intern, Government Relations and Public Affairs
Posted: August 31, 2011

NED is seeking an Intern for the Office of Government Relations & Public Affairs. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The Office of Government Relations & Public Affairs at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Intern for fall 2011. The unpaid internship provides excellent opportunities for research, writing and administration in the areas of communications (press, publications and public events), Congressional relations and the Freedom of Information Act. The Intern will also interact with a stream of international visitors, speakers and activists who are working in support of democratic development and human rights.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with meeting and event preparations
  • Attend lectures and events related to democracy assistance
  • Conduct research and compile files pertaining to Freedom of Information Act requests
  • Help maintain contact database
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited 4-year college or university, with a strong interest in democracy development and/or international affairs
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Maintain a strong work ethic and a sharp attention to detail 
  • Foreign language skills are a plus, though not required.

Benefits:
This position is unpaid. However, a travel reimbursement of $10 per day is available to offset expenses.

Time Commitment:
A minimum of 15 hours per week.

Anticipated Start/End Date:
Start and end dates are flexible, however dates should coincide with a typical semester.

To Apply: 
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Please send to jobs@ned.org, with your name and Intern, GRPA – Job #1131 in the subject line. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no phone calls.