Internship with the Peace and Development research theme - SIPRI

What You Will Gain (The Value Proposition)

• Front-Row Intellectual Exposure: Direct involvement in the research and drafting process of a major upcoming book, projects, and high-level policy frameworks.
• Mastery of Strategic Operations: You will learn "Executive Architecture"—how to manage time, design strategic workflows, and protect the focus of a research team. These are highly transferable operational skills for any future leadership role.
• Influence & Media Mechanics: Hands-on experience observing how complex climate and security data is packaged and pitched to top-tier media (op-eds, newsjacking) and how to position research for C-suite, UN, and other stakeholders.
• Direct Mentorship: Close-quarters mentorship from a SIPRI Programme Director operating at the nexus of academic rigor and global policy impact.

What You Will Do (Learning Outcomes & Responsibilities) This hybrid role is roughly split into three core areas, designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of think-tank operations:

• 60% — Deep Research & Narrative Synthesis: 
  • Master "Narrative Mining" by developing concise, high-impact "Case Study One-Pagers" that translate complex conflict data into accessible formats.
  • Learn how to structure and write a major publication by providing targeted background intelligence to fill identified gaps in an active book manuscript.
  • Develop strict academic discipline by assuming ownership of formatting references and citations for high-level outputs.
• 30% — Executive Architecture & Strategic Operations:
  • Learn how to design and protect organizational focus by acting as the "Traffic Controller" for cluster meetings of the Peace and Development cluster.
  • Gain applied project management experience by supporting development and implementation of strategic executive briefings.
  • Learn "Travel Architecture" by mapping key stakeholders, scheduling high-level appointments, and building the "Run of Show" for international deployments.
  • Develop internal communication skills by compiling and drafting the "Weekly Update" for the team.
• 10% — Policy Influence & Strategic Outreach:
  • Develop an eye by conducting daily media monitoring to identify opportunities where our research can add value to breaking news.
  • Practice persuasive writing by assisting with the ideation, background research, and drafting of op-ed concepts for international outlets.

Internship details

This full-time, on-site internship from August 2026 to January 2027.

• Applicants must be part of a university internship scheme (or connected to an organisation), have insurance through that university/organisation, and have a contact person (e.g., an educational facilitator).
• The internship is not remunerated and housing, travel or any other expenses cannot be reimbursed.
• The intern will be based at the SIPRI office, in Solna (Stockholm), with the possibility to occasionally work remotely.
• The intern will be mentored by an assigned supervisor. Learning goals will be reflected in the assignment of tasks wherever possible.

About SIPRI

SIPRI is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict, and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis, and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media, and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development.