Temporary Project Assistant: Central and Eastern Europe

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.  Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team! 

About the Role

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is seeking a diligent, organized, and enthusiastic recent graduate or current graduate students with strong communication skills and demonstrated interest in democratic governance, transitions, and values to assist NDI’s Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Team. Temporary Project Assistants will be responsible for supporting the implementation of democratic development programs in countries across the region, and will work primarily with the Program Associates of the CEE team in our Washington, DC office. This is a temporary paid (no benefits) 3 months with the option to extend to 6 months position based on performance and funding availability.

Your Purpose and Impact:

• Assisting with the execution of programs by performing administrative tasks (e.g. invoice processing, contract processing, data entry, photocopying, event organization) and programmatic assignments in accordance with established expectations and timelines;
• Gathering reports from various news sources on the countries of the CEE region and drafting daily and weekly new summaries;
• Drafting cover memos and editing regular field reports, proposals, and other documents as needed;
• Assisting with program logistics, including travel arrangements, meeting schedules, and briefing materials for NDI staff, consultants, and delegations;
• Contributing to research and analysis on subjects such as civic education/organizing, NGO development and political party building, and providing summarized findings in a clear, concise, and understandable manner; and
• Attending and taking notes at workshops, lectures and other events within and outside of NDI.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in political science, international relations, regional studies or additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis; can be a current graduate student or recent graduate student;
• Interest in/knowledge of political issues and/or of Central and Eastern Europe;
• Experience with event planning and managing logistics strongly desirable;
• Strong cultural competency, sensitivity, and ability to work in diverse team environments;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Fluency in oral and written English;
• Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired;
• Efficiency, organization skills and a high level of attention to detail;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; 
• Ability to work independently and with others in a fast-paced environment; and 
• Weekday availability of 40 hours per week for at least three months.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

To be considered for a Temporary Project Assistant at NDI, you must have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The hourly rate for candidates with a completed Bachelor's degree is $17.50.  The hourly rate for candidates with a completed Master's degree is $18.50. 

*Please note – temporary hires at NDI are paid hourly, are classified as non-exempt, and are therefore eligible to receive overtime pay. Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, including insurance and retirement plan benefits, and paid time off. Temporary employees of NDI-DC are not represented by the NDI Union. 

Additional Information: 

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity emp