DCA is looking for an Intern to assist with Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Are you eager to gain insights into the humanitarian and development fields with a focus on Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding? Do you thrive in an environment with a multitude of challenging tasks? Do you want to try out your experiences and put your knowledge into practice? Then you should apply as an Intern for the Humanitarian Response and Mine Action Unit in the fall semester 2025.

About the internship

As an Intern to the two Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Advisors you will get the opportunity to put your analytical skills into practice in one of Denmark’s largest NGOs.

Globally, violent conflict is the driver of 80% of all humanitarian needs. The reasons why violent conflicts erupt are multiple and complex, often with far-reaching consequences. Understanding why a conflict occurs and how to respond is therefore critical for any intervention. In DCA we work with Conflict Prevention & Peacebuilding, understood as a broad range of approaches implemented in conflict-affected contexts motivated by a commitment to address the drivers of violence to transform conflict and, where possible, promote lasting, just, and sustainable peace.

In the position you will work with tasks, including:

• Assist with and conduct research for internal initiatives, including those feeding into strategies, guidelines, and policies – concerned thematic areas may include gender and conflict sensitivity (Do No Harm), Triple (HDP) Nexus, social cohesion, dialogue facilitation, localisation, etc.
• Support engagement with DCA’s country offices and programmes.
• Support development of learning resources and preparation of trainings.
• Support internal and external communication, including advocacy efforts.
• General ad hoc support to technical backstopping and Help Desk activities in the area of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding.
• Participate in reporting processes for HRMA’s ongoing global programmes and projects.

You will be collaborating closely with both Conflict Prevention & Peacebuilding Advisors, who respectively work within the Policy, Advocacy and Learning (PAL) Unit and the Humanitarian Response and Mine Action (HRMA) Unit, at our Copenhagen office, with links to DCA’s 19 country offices in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Your profile

• Enrolled in a relevant Master’s university programme (e.g. human security, political science, international development, social science, human rights, peace and conflict studies, or equivalent).
• Documented interest in and/or knowledge of working with humanitarian interventions, development, and/or peacebuilding work. Relevant past professional experience, especially in a conflict-affected region, is considered an advantage.
• Fluency in English, both orally and written. Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Ukrainian is considered an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Possess strong analytical skills, with the ability to process large amounts of information, identify relevant data and use it to inform initiatives.
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office package.
• Outgoing personality and proactive nature with a strong willingness to learn.
• Able to function in a diverse workplace. Can demonstrate the willingness, ability, and sensitivity required to understand people with different backgrounds. Can reflect on the impact of one’s own cultural background and how that may be perceived by other people.

We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity in our hiring practices and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

What we offer

• A 5 to 6-month internship with one of Denmark’s largest NGOs, based centrally in Copenhagen and with offices in 19 areas worldwide.
• The opportunity to work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding with committed and professional DCA experts and get at the front of latest trends and developments in our fields of work.
• The opportunity to help define your tasks according to interests and competencies.
• The internship can be accommodated requirements and expectations from your university.
• Guidance for academic papers in connection to the internship.

Internship period and application

We offer a 5 to 6-month internship in the autumn semester 2025 in Copenhagen. The exact start date and internship period is flexible. The internship is aimed as a full-time position, 37 hours a week, but we are flexible in relation to academic courses, student work etc. The internship is unpaid; therefore, applications from candidates with existing funding are preferred (SU/grants).

Along with your motivational letter please add a page where you answer these two questions:

1. What is your experience with Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding? Please highlight evidence of your experience and explain your interest in this area. (300 words max)
2. How do you understand Conflict Sensitivity or Do No Harm? Please give an example of where this concept was relevant in your work, studies, or other activities. (200 words max)

Application deadline is Tuesday 20th of May 2025. Please apply by uploading your motivational letter (1 page max), answers to the questions above, CV, and academic transcript at https://dca.career.emply.com/da/ledige-stillinger. Interviews are expected to take place Tuesday 27th May – in person or online.

If you have any questions related to the position, please contact Claire Mohamed-Petit, cmpe@dca.dk.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.