INTERNSHIP TITLE: Peace, Conflict, and Governance Research Intern
- INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Washington, DC or Remote
- DATES OF INTERNSHIP: May/June – August/September 2023 (possibility of extension up to February/March 2024).
- HOURS PER WEEK: Full-time – 25-35 hours/week
- FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP:$2600 per month
Mercy Corps responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment, the intern will receive:
- Training and supervisory support
- Access to Mercy Corps online tools
- All other tools, materials, and communication requirements for the supported project(s)
Intern responsibilities
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
- Laptop for working remotely
- Accommodation, travel, and living expenses
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Mercy Corps’ Research and Learning team is dedicated to producing compelling, relevant, and rigorous research that supports Mercy Corps’ mission and programming.
In the coming months, the Research and Learning team is working to collect and analyze quantitative data from a number of projects in order to write up research studies on issues connected to the intersection between peace, conflict, and governance.
The Peace, Conflict, and Governance Research Intern’s primary role will be to assist the Research and Learning team in advancing priorities under the research agendas on peace, governance, and conflict, specifically by providing supplemental support on quantitative data collection and analysis for a variety of projects. These primarily include research projects done in collaboration with Mercy Corps teams implementing programs aimed at building sustainable peace and good governance via critical outcomes, such as: social cohesion, resilience, trauma-healing, and civic engagement in conflict-affected communities across Uganda, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Experience in quantitative research methods on topics related to peace, conflict, and governance.
- Experience collaborating on projects and deliverables with a diverse set of actors, including members of the Research and Learning team and in-country program teams.
- Experience with development of research products (briefs, reports, analysis plans).
DELIVERABLES:
- Assisting with quantitative research (i.e., survey design, data cleaning, & analysis).
- Conducting desk and literature reviews on topics related to peace, conflict, governance, including examining intersections with mental health and psychosocial support outcomes.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
- Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree recently completed (within 1 year) or in progress in relevant field (i.e., statistics, data science, political science, psychology, sociology, peace studies, conflict resolution, or other relevant field).
- Interest, experience, and/or coursework in quantitative research methods (i.e., survey design, data collection, cleaning, and analysis).
- Knowledge of SPSS, STATA, R, or other statistical software preferred.
- Interest, experience, and/or coursework in mixed-methods research preferred.
- Interest, experience, and/or coursework in statistics, data science, peace studies, conflict resolution/studies, international studies, development studies, policy analysis, political science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, global health, gender studies, or related fields.
- Interest and/or experience related to humanitarian and development fieldwork.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
- Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills.
- Demonstrated solid writing, editing, and researching skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- French language skills preferred.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested students and recent grads, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter. In your letter, please describe your motivation for applying to this internship, highlighting any relevant experiences, interests, and/or career goals.
