If you want to build a career in global peacebuilding, the Sustaining Peace Internship 2026 offers a powerful opportunity. The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation invites applications from master’s students and recent graduates who want to contribute to international peace efforts.
This internship places you at the center of global conversations on conflict prevention, youth engagement, and sustainable peace financing.
About the Internship
The Sustaining Peace Internship runs for approximately 18 weeks, starting from late August or early September to mid-January. Interns work full-time and collaborate closely with experts shaping global peace initiatives.
You will join the Foundation’s Sustaining Peace team, where you will:
- Support peacebuilding financing strategies
- Engage with international institutions and development banks
- Contribute to youth-focused peace initiatives
- Participate in global policy discussions
Key Focus Areas
The internship provides hands-on experience across critical areas of peacebuilding:
1. Peacebuilding Financing
You will explore innovative funding mechanisms, including blended finance, and engage with global financial institutions.
2. Youth for Peace (IPYP)
You will support the Investing and Partnering with Youth for Peace (IPYP) initiative, which strengthens youth-led peacebuilding through partnerships and resource mobilization.
3. Strategic Communications
You will create:
- Blog posts
- Policy briefs
- Reports
- LinkedIn content
These activities will sharpen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
4. Innovation and Peace Narratives
You will help organize creative initiatives, including collaborations with the Swedish video game sector to integrate peace narratives into digital storytelling.
Duties and Responsibilities
As an intern, you will:
- Support research on peacebuilding and financing
- Develop toolkits for young peacebuilders
- Assist with events, documentation, and logistics
- Contribute to policy analysis and communications
- Collaborate across teams and programs
You will also engage in high-level dialogues, including forums connected to the United Nations and regional organizations.
What You Will Gain
This internship delivers real, practical value:
Professional Growth
- Strong understanding of global peacebuilding systems
- Hands-on experience in policy research and analysis
- Exposure to international organizations and networks
Skill Development
- Strategic communication skills
- Research and analytical expertise
- Stakeholder engagement experience
Global Exposure
You will interact with experts from:
- The United Nations
- Civil society organizations
- Governments
- Research institutions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Be completing or have completed a master’s degree in:
- Peace and conflict studies
- International relations
- Development studies
- Sustainability or related fields
- Demonstrate knowledge of:
- Global peacebuilding systems
- Conflict prevention strategies
- The role of the private sector in peacebuilding
- Have strong English writing and communication skills
Relevant experience in peacebuilding or corporate social responsibility will strengthen your application.
Important Notes
- The internship is unpaid, but the Foundation supports applications for external funding or academic credit
- Interns must maintain confidentiality
- All work produced remains the property of the Foundation
Application Process
To apply:
- Submit your application via email
- Include:
- A short letter of interest
- Your CV
- A writing sample (maximum 3 pages)
Deadline: 17 April 2026
Ensure your subject line follows this format:
“Last Name, First Name: Internship Application Sustaining Peace”
