Volunteer Foreign National Student Internship – Public Diplomacy (PD)
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
U.S. MISSION GERMANY
Location: U.S. Embassy – Public Diplomacy Office
Open To: German & EU Nationals, and Nationals of EFTA Member States, who are currently enrolled in a German university
Salary: Unpaid – Gratuitous Service
Work Hours Schedule: to be determined on individual basis, preferably 40 hours per week
Minimum duration: 70 calendar days
Maximum duration: 90 calendar days
Security Requirement: Candidate must be able to obtain and hold a non-sensitive security certification
The U.S. Embassy in Berlin is seeking a Volunteer Foreign National Student Intern for the Public Diplomacy Office (PD). This internship is offered year-round; the starting date will be discussed during the interview, while it is also dependent on passing the background check, which can take 3 months or more.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The incumbent supports outreach activities in the Public Diplomacy Section. Duties may include providing support to the Cultural and Press Units, including preparing outreach materials (social media posts, presentations, pamphlets, etc.), supporting meetings with interlocutors, or conducting research. The incumbent assists in the organization of Embassy and public events and accompanies Embassy employees to events and meetings where appropriate and possible. The incumbent researches and assists with preparing reports and overall administration (documentation, filing, and communications). This position offers substantial flexibility and opportunities for development, but requires initiative and a high degree of self-sufficiency and strong organizational skills from the intern.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in determination that the applicant is not qualified.
EDUCATION: Present enrollment in a German university in the area of Social Sciences, International Relations, Economics, Law, (International) Business Management, Marketing, Public Affairs, Communication, American- or area Studies or a related field is required.
EXPERIENCE: No experience required; however, public sector experience in a professional environment (previous internship or clerical work) and customer service experience are a plus.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (fluent) English language skills and Level IV German (fluent) are required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Ability to self-start and take initiative
· Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and complete a large volume of diverse tasks within limited timeframes
· Ability to represent the U.S. Mission at public events in an informed and professional manner.
· Previous knowledge of and interest in German-U.S. relations and contemporary political events.
· Advanced research skills (internet search engines, research databases, social media platforms) to prepare interviews and background materials.
· Excellent computer skills – proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (EXCEL, WORD, and POWER POINT essential, experience in ACCESS and PUBLISHER a plus), knowledge of design software like Adobe Photoshop or design platforms like Canva and video editing also a plus, but not required.
· Experience with writing speeches, correspondence, short articles, talking points, and messaging in English and German.
· Previous experience in clerical work and carrying out administrative tasks (scheduling, filing, drafting meeting agendas, and minutes).
· Affinity for media-related work, including photos, videos, infographics, and social networking
APPLICATION INFORMATION
· Application language is English. Certificates, awards or degrees in English or German do not need to be translated.
· Applicants must submit a complete application (cover letter, resume (in English), proof of enrolment in a German University or College, and proof of citizenship).
· Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
· The U.S. Mission in Germany does not refund travel expenses incurred by the interviewee.
· The internship is a voluntary service. There are no benefits attached to this internship and no compensation, nor any future employment rights.
· Students selected must pass a background check and receive a security certification from the Embassy before commencement of the internship. The security check can take up to three months or more and will require a personal interview with the security department of the Embassy.· The student must be enrolled with a German health carrier.
· Students with dual citizenship (US-German, US-EU/EFTA) are eligible for the Foreign National Internship Program.
· Eligibility Requirements: The U.S. Mission in Germany will only accept applications from non-U.S. citizen students for this internship program. The purpose of the Volunteer National Student Intern Program is to offer students enrolled in a German university/higher institute of learning the challenge of working in a foreign affairs field. U.S. citizen students apply directly to the U.S. Department of State: www.careers.state.gov
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants for this position must submit their application, including a cover letter, resume, proof of citizenship, and proof of enrollment (the DS-0174 is not needed) and send the documents to: Employment-Germany@State.gov
The U.S. Mission in Germany provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliations. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.