Sind Sie daran interessiert, bei Democracy International mitzuarbeiten? Ganz gleich, ob Sie berufstätig sind, als Student praktische Erfahrungen sammeln möchten oder sich ehrenamtlich engagieren möchten – auf dieser Seite finden Sie alle Informationen, die Sie benötigen.
Democracy International bietet regelmäßig Praktika und Freiwilligenstellen an, insbesondere für junge Berufstätige, die sich gerne für sinnvolle Aufgaben im Bereich Demokratie und Bürgerbeteiligung engagieren möchten.
Democracy International offers young professionals and engaged individuals the opportunity to contribute to democratic participation through both structured international volunteering programmes and on-site volunteer engagement.
Our volunteering programmes are designed to provide hands-on experience in democracy work, international exchange, and civic engagement. These programmes are ideal for young professionals who are passionate about global cooperation and sustainable development.
Before applying, please read the application guidelines carefully and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each programme.
Are you interested in contributing to global sustainable development? Would you like to take part in an international exchange and develop your professional skills in a collaborative setting?
The ASA Programme offers exactly that. Over the course of six months, you will work with a team of three other young professionals on issues related to sustainable development. Participants are awarded one of 280 scholarships provided annually by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
This programme is ideal for individuals committed to learning, intercultural cooperation, and global responsibility. Read more here
weltwärts
Through the German development volunteer service weltwärts ("towards the world"), two young South Africans are invited each year to volunteer full-time with Democracy International in Germany for a period of 12 to 18 months. During their stay, volunteers receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses.
This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into international democracy work while living and working in a new cultural context. Read more here
European Solidarity Corps
Democracy International offers young people the opportunity to take part in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme, supporting democratic participation through international volunteering. The ESC allows participants to gain hands-on experience, engage with democracy work in a European context, and contribute to meaningful civic projects. Read more here
In addition to these structured programmes, we also welcome volunteers to join us on-site in Cologne and support our team across various areas of activity. If you are interested in contributing your time and skills, please reach out to hardt@democracy-international.org to explore available opportunities.
We are currently looking for on-site interns in Cologne.
Democracy International warmly welcomes interns from all over the world. Our internships are designed to be meaningful, practical, and engaging, offering real insight into our work. If you are a student with a genuine interest in direct democracy and citizen participation, we would be pleased to hear from you.
We currently offer internship positions in four interconnected areas:
Social Media & Projects Intern
Currently no positions are open in the PR department until the second half of 2027.
Duration: 2-3 months
Working mode: On-site internship
Description: As a Social Media & Projects Intern, you will support Democracy International’s digital communication and contribute to the implementation of our projects. This position is ideal for someone creative, detail-oriented, and interested in democracy, citizen participation, and international advocacy.
You will gain practical experience in strategic communication, digital outreach, project support, and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic international team.
Your tasks include:
- Supporting the management of Democracy International’s social media channels, with a focus on LinkedIn
- Creating engaging content to promote our issues, campaigns, and project activities
- Assisting with press releases, newsletters, website updates, and blog posts
- Supporting communication and stakeholder engagement activities for research and advocacy projects
- Monitoring developments related to direct democracy and citizen participation worldwide
- Reporting on events, activities, and relevant project developments
English language skills are required. Knowledge of German is considered an asset.
Contact:
proskurina@democracy-international.org
Global Programme Intern
There are no open internship positions at the moment.
Description:
As the international programme intern, you will work on projects that connect democracy activists across borders, highlight their work, and foster global cooperation. Ideally, you are interested in direct and participatory democracy mechanisms worldwide, have strong intercultural communication skills, and are comfortable with event logistics. You will be introduced to inspiring global initiatives and support their promotion efforts.
German and English language skills are required.
Tasks:
- Support for international events (EU 4 Global, Life as an Activist, Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy): logistical support, preparing partner briefings, preparing reporting materials, and assisting in the development of educational toolkits (infographics, videos, animations, interactive games)
- Support during events in Germany on activism for democracy and sustainability
- Assistance with global advocacy campaigns (We the Peoples): research, compiling briefings, and drafting campaign materials
- Development of PR and campaigning materials
- Assistance with the International Democracy Community: platform management, research on civil society organisations, and article writing
European Programme Intern
Starting: Internship applications open for 1 March 2027 - end of August 2027
Duration: 5-6 months
Working mode: Hybrid internships may be possible upon further discussion. Applicants who qualify for Erasmus+ Traineeships are encouraged to apply.
Description:
As a European Programme Intern, you will support Democracy International’s work to strengthen democracy at the European level. This position offers valuable insights into EU institutions and processes, with a particular focus on the European Citizens’ Initiative and related participatory tools.
You will be involved in policy monitoring, project coordination, and content creation. The role is well suited for individuals interested in EU affairs, participatory democracy, and stakeholder engagement. You will work closely with our European Programme team and help foster collaboration with partners and civil society actors across Europe.
Tasks:
- Monitoring EU democracy developments, with a focus on the European Citizens’ Initiative and the ECI Forum
- Supporting EU-funded projects, including reporting
- Drafting position papers, statements, blog posts, and newsletter articles
- Providing various forms of support for the European Programme, including outreach and management of partnerships and stakeholder relationships
Contact: vancic@democracy-international.org
The working language is English. Prior knowledge in European affairs and democratic participatory instruments is considered an advantage.
Fundraising Intern
Currently, there are no open positions for 2026
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Working mode: On-site internship (hybrid may be discussed)
Description:
As a Fundraising Intern, you will support Democracy International in strengthening its financial sustainability through donor engagement, funding research, and the preparation of grant applications. This role offers valuable insight into the strategic and operational side of civil society work, particularly in relation to international democracy promotion.
You will gain hands-on experience with institutional fundraising, supporter communications, and proposal writing. The position is well suited for individuals with a keen interest in nonprofit development, strategic planning, and writing with impact.
Tasks:
- Researching funding opportunities from foundations, public institutions, and international donors
- Supporting the preparation of grant applications and reports
- Assisting with the development of donor communication materials
- Helping maintain fundraising databases and documentation
- Supporting internal planning processes and fundraising strategy
Contact: hardt@democracy-international.org
English language skills are required. Knowledge of German is considered an asset.
*We also welcome students through the Erasmus+ internship programme.
If you are interested in completing an internship with us, please send an email to the relevant department manager. Include your curriculum vitae (CV) and a short message explaining your areas of interest and how you would like to contribute. We value initiative and look forward to hearing your ideas.
We are looking for a Freelance Graphic Designer!
Democracy International is looking for a Freelance Graphic Designer to support our team on a flexible, project-based basis.
We are looking for someone we can collaborate with on demand, depending on our upcoming projects and design needs. The scope, timeline and fee will be agreed upon together in advance.
You would support us with:
- preparing print-ready files for flyers, roll-ups, merchandise and other materials;
- designing digital products, such as reports and social media templates;
- developing Democracy International’s visual identity – understanding and applying our existing graphic guidelines while helping us adapt and update our visual style;
- condensing complex topics into easy-to-understand visuals.
Our perfect candidate
- speaks English and German;
- is comfortable in an intercultural work environment;
- has experience working with both Canva and Adobe InDesign;
- is comfortable preparing files for professional printing and understands the requirements;
- has an eye for consistent, accessible and engaging visual communication.
An interest in democracy, activism and civil society is a big plus!
Interested?
Please send us the following at proskurina@democracy-international.org :
- your CV;
- a short motivation letter – we are especially curious to hear how you imagine working with us and what your creative process looks like;
- your portfolio or examples of previous work.
Please apply by 4 December.
