Application Guide

How to Apply for Internship at FES

at Friedrich Ebert Foundation

🏢 About Friedrich Ebert Foundation

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) is a German political foundation associated with the Social Democratic Party, dedicated to promoting social democracy, political education, and international cooperation. This internship offers a unique opportunity to engage with European policy research, particularly through platforms like Ifri (French Institute of International Relations), focusing on contemporary geopolitical and energy issues.

About This Role

This remote internship involves researching and analyzing international relations topics, particularly EU-US energy relations and Asian political developments, as evidenced by Ifri's content. You'll contribute to understanding global power shifts, making this role impactful for those interested in shaping informed policy discussions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing recent Ifri.org reports on Asian politics, drafting summaries on EU-US energy relations, and participating in remote team discussions to support FES's research initiatives. You'll likely spend time conducting independent research and contributing to policy briefs or event preparations.

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🎯 Who Friedrich Ebert Foundation Is Looking For

  • Strong research skills with experience in political science, international relations, or energy policy, able to analyze sources like Ifri.org
  • Familiarity with European and Asian geopolitical landscapes, especially recent events in Japan and Thailand
  • Proficiency in French or German is a plus, given the foundation's European focus and Ifri's French-language content
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented, capable of remote work with minimal supervision

📝 Tips for Applying to Friedrich Ebert Foundation

1

Reference specific Ifri.org analyses (e.g., the Japan or Thailand election reports) to show you've engaged with their research

2

Highlight any experience with EU or energy policy, as this aligns with Ifri's conference on EU-US energy relations

3

Mention remote work tools or methodologies you've used, since this is a contract-based remote position

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize research projects or coursework related to international foundations or political institutes

5

If applicable, note language skills (French/German) to stand out in a European-focused organization

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your interest in FES's mission of social democracy and how it connects to Ifri's research on global politics", 'Describe a specific research skill or project relevant to analyzing events like the Japan or Thailand elections', 'Mention how you stay updated on international relations (e.g., following institutes like Ifri) to show proactive engagement', "Connect your goals to the role's focus on energy policy or geopolitical shifts, citing Ifri's 2026 conference as an example"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Ifri.org's recent analyses (e.g., on Japan, Thailand, or energy) to understand their research focus
  • → Review FES's history and projects in international cooperation and social democracy
  • → Study the EU-US energy relationship and current geopolitical shifts mentioned in Ifri's conference topic
  • → Look into FES's remote or contract-based internship structures, if available online

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your analysis of a recent Ifri.org publication, such as the Japan election report
2 How would you research EU-US energy relations in the context of global realignment?
3 What experience do you have with remote research or collaboration tools?
4 How do you see FES's values aligning with international policy work?
5 Describe a time you analyzed political developments in Asia or Europe
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Ifri, FES, or specific geopolitical topics
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role by not addressing self-management skills
  • Failing to tailor examples to international relations or policy research, making your experience seem irrelevant

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Friedrich Ebert Foundation!

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