We promote equality in the workplace and welcome applications from people from all sections of society. We guarantee equal opportunities when assessing skills, qualifications and suitability. We are committed to ensuring non-discriminatory and inclusive working conditions. We place great value on diversity and enjoy working in a diverse team. We consider work-life balance to be very important.
Intern (m/f/d) in the ‘Global Markets and Social Justice’ programme area
The Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Foundation is part of the ‘Vielfalt stiften’ programme run by the Deutschlandstiftung Integration. Students and graduates with a migration background are given the opportunity to undertake three-month work placements at partner foundations. The work placements provide practical insights into the world of foundations and offer the chance to play an active role in shaping a more diverse foundation landscape.
The work placements are complemented by an educational support programme. In workshops and seminars – both in person and online – participants are given the opportunity for professional exchange, networking and personal development. At the same time, they explore key issues relating to the foundation sector and diversity work, and contribute their own perspectives.
About the Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Foundation:
The Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Foundation (BKHS) is a non-partisan foundation. It honours the memory of Helmut Schmidt and addresses issues relating to Europe and international politics, global markets and social justice, as well as democracy and society.
Whether through research at its own think tank, the exhibition ‘Schmidt! Living Democracy’ in Hamburg city centre, or access to the former private home and archive of Loki and Helmut Schmidt in Hamburg-Langenhorn, the foundation builds bridges between history and current social debates.
In 2027, the BKHS will celebrate its tenth anniversary. As part of a special annual programme, events, publications and communication and networking initiatives are planned. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to the preparation and implementation of these activities.
The work placement will take place within the ‘Global Markets and Social Justice’ programme area. The focus is on questions concerning the relationship between economics and politics, as well as the conditions for a just, sustainable and internationally responsible economic order. The work combines academic research with political education, public debate and the development of engaging formats on inclusive geo-economics, economic security, and international trade and supply chains.
A particular focus of the work placement is the ‘Weltökonominnen’ project, which supports young women at the intersection of economics and security and connects them with stakeholders from politics, think tanks and academia.
Your responsibilities:
During the work placement, you will gain insights into the Foundation’s work at the intersection of economics, security and social justice. Depending on your interests, experience and the stage of the project, you may contribute to the following tasks:
Researching and summarising specialist literature, policy documents and media reports on economic security, geo-economics and social justice
Assisting with publications, such as policy briefs, studies, and specialist and opinion pieces
Helping to prepare, run and follow up on events, workshops and background discussions
Supporting activities to mark the Foundation’s tenth anniversary
Contributing to the ‘Weltökonominnen’ project, in particular with regard to topic and guest research, podcast production, editorial work and network building
Support with website and social media content
Maintaining and expanding contacts with stakeholders from politics, think tanks and academia
Attending team meetings, workshops and events organised by the Foundation
In addition, you will gain an insight into how the Foundation’s various departments work together and, where possible, have the opportunity to learn about other areas such as exhibitions and the archive.
Requirements:
Ideally, you will have:
An interest in international economic and socio-political issues
A curiosity about the interrelationships between the economy, security and social justice
A bachelor’s degree or professional experience in political science, international relations, economics, sociology, history, communication studies or a related field
A willingness to familiarise yourself with new topics and to explore different perspectives
Good command of German, as well as sufficient English language skills to work with international sources and contacts
Basic knowledge of common Office applications
A structured, reliable and independent approach to work
A passion for collaboration, communication and networking
The following would be an advantage:
Experience in research, literature review, conducting interviews or processing information
An interest in policy-oriented writing, public relations, podcast production or event organisation
Basic experience with Canva, audio or podcast production, social media or Microsoft Teams
Some experience working at a foundation, a think tank, a research institute, a political organisation or another charitable organisation
Don’t meet all the criteria listed? Apply anyway. It is important to us that you have an interest in the topics and wish to contribute your perspectives to the foundation’s work. Comparable qualifications, professional experience, community involvement and other educational or life experiences are also welcome.
Further information:
The work placement lasts three months and takes place as part of the ‘Vielfalt stiften’ funding programme.
80 per cent of the time is spent on the work placement at the BKHS, with 20 per cent devoted to workshops and block seminars organised by the Deutschlandstiftung Integration.
Regular working hours and opportunities for remote working will be agreed upon at the start of the work placement.
Interns will gain insights into research, political education, event management, public relations and networking.
Any questions regarding accessibility, individual needs or the structure of the work placement can be discussed in confidence. The Foundation endeavours to make the work placement as accessible as possible.
Duration of the work placement:
Expected to run from mid-January 2027 to mid-April 2027.
Location & address:
Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Foundation (BKHS)
Kattrepel 10
20095 Hamburg
Application documents and deadline:
Applications may only be submittedvia the Deutschlandstiftung Integration’sonline form. There, interested candidates can upload their comprehensive application documents – comprising a letter of motivation (max. 3,000 characters including spaces), a tabular CV and certificates (highest school-leaving qualification, Bachelor’s, Master’s or state examination certificates, or a current transcript of records) and, where applicable, any other relevant supporting documents – in a single PDF document (max. 10 MB).
The application deadline is 18 October 2026.
We welcome applications from people of all genders, backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities and life circumstances. The Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Foundation is committed to complying with the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), Book IX of the Social Code (SGB IX) and the Participation Act (PartMigG).
