Navigating the World of Conflict Resolution: An In-Depth Look at the International Crisis Group Internship

The International Crisis Group (ICG) Internship offers emerging professionals and students passionate about international relations, diplomacy, and conflict resolution a meaningful opportunity to gain experience in one of the world’s leading peacebuilding organizations, widely known for its rigorous analysis, deep field research, and actionable policy recommendations aimed at preventing and resolving deadly conflicts around the world. At its core, the International Crisis Group focuses on understanding the root causes of conflict and developing solutions grounded in field research and expert analysis.

Understanding the International Crisis Group

Founded in the mid-1990s following the recognition that the international community often failed to act early enough to prevent deadly conflict, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has grown into one of the world’s most respected sources of unbiased, field-driven analysis and policy advice. The organisation’s purpose is to prevent wars and shape policies that promote peace. It does so by providing independent, authoritative analysis that helps policymakers make informed decisions. Its advocacy is directed toward governments, the EU institutions, the UN, and regional bodies such as the AU or ASEAN.

ICG’s headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium, near the EU Quarter, but it operates globally through regional hubs and field offices in strategic areas such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The Role of Interns at ICG

Interns play a supportive role in this mission by participating in research tasks, monitoring political developments, and assisting with the production of reports and briefings. Whether assigned to thematic teams or regional programs-such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, or the Middle East-interns gain in-depth exposure to the organization’s diverse project areas.

The responsibilities of an International Crisis Group intern vary depending on the department, but the common thread across all roles is a strong emphasis on research and analysis. Interns are often tasked with reviewing news sources, gathering data, analyzing political trends, and preparing background materials for senior analysts. This exposure not only sharpens an intern’s ability to synthesize information but also provides valuable insight into how research influences policy recommendations.

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Benefits of the Internship Program

Collaborative and Intellectually Stimulating Environment

The internship provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where interns can learn from experienced researchers and policy experts. Mentorship is also an important aspect of the experience. Interns receive guidance from supervisors who help them manage responsibilities, improve research techniques, and understand the organization’s standards.

Professional Development Opportunities

Beyond daily responsibilities, interns benefit from a variety of professional development opportunities. These may include attending internal briefings, participating in research discussions, or learning from guest speakers who are experts in foreign policy, security studies, and diplomacy. The internship also helps interns strengthen transferable skills such as policy writing, analytical reasoning, and strategic communication.

Career Advancement

Many participants find that the International Crisis Group Internship is not only academically enriching but also a gateway to broader career opportunities. The experience demonstrates a commitment to understanding global conflict and contributes to a strong professional portfolio.

What ICG Looks for in Candidates

Skills and Qualifications

Crisis Group hires experts in conflict analysis, research, advocacy, communications, and administration. Ideal candidates often hold advanced degrees in international relations, political science, development studies, or law, and bring experience in diplomacy, peacebuilding, or journalism. While not all roles require direct conflict experience, core analytical positions do. Candidates are expected to understand regional dynamics, armed actors, mediation efforts, and EU or international policy frameworks.

Language Proficiency

English is the primary working language, but proficiency in French is highly valued given the Brussels base and francophone field regions. For regional roles, fluency in Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, or local African languages can be decisive.

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Key Attributes

Align your experience with ICG’s core themes-conflict prevention, mediation, and policy advocacy. Demonstrate evidence-based analytical skills, regional expertise, and cross-cultural communication ability. Building a career at the International Crisis Group demands intellectual discipline, political awareness, and communication excellence.

How to Apply for an Internship

The Recruitment Process

The ICG recruitment process is rigorous and multi-staged. Applications typically go through the official career portal.

Explore Vacancies: Check ICG’s career page and affiliated job boards (Devex, ReliefWeb, EuroBrussels).
Prepare Tailored CV: Highlight policy analysis, fieldwork, and written outputs.
Initial Screening: HR reviews qualifications and ensures match with role requirements.
Analytical Task / Case Study: Candidates may be asked to write a short policy memo or analysis on a current conflict issue.
Second Interview (Panel): Includes Regional Director, HR, and Senior Analyst.

Interviews

Interviews at Crisis Group are structured and intellectually demanding. Expect scenario-based questions and critical analytical exercises. Candidates may be asked to produce a concise policy memo (usually 2-3 pages) analyzing a recent conflict situation, offering recommendations coherent with ICG’s tone and focus. The final interview usually involves 3-5 panelists: your potential supervisor, HR representative, and one or two senior managers.

Networking plays a key role in landing an ICG role, as many positions attract high-caliber applicants through professional circles.

Tips for a Successful Application

Share your cover letter, resume and answer a few short questions.
Demonstrate practical insight and the ability to perform tasks related to the position.
Be prepared for questions on your knowledge in your area of expertise.
Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your experience and the way you work.

Life at the International Crisis Group

Culture

The Brussels headquarters maintains an international environment with staff from over 40 nationalities. Work is collaborative, evidence-driven, and mission-focused.

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The Brussels team values collegiality-weekly briefings, informal gatherings, and cross-department collaborations encourage knowledge sharing.

Work Environment

Crisis Group has some 150 staff members based in all parts of the world. Working at Crisis Group not only offers an intellectual challenge, but also collegiality in and between our teams, autonomy to fulfil one's responsibilities, and a flexible working approach overall. Alongside colleagues from varied backgrounds, the organisation provides a unique work environment. Staff members are supported and encouraged to enhance research and analytical skills, contribute to the development of policy recommendations and through strategic advocacy initiatives, be part of the debate on how to resolve some of the most intractable conflicts of our time.

Crisis Group’s internal culture promotes:

Teamwork and collegiality
Accountability at all levels
Diversity of personnel

Many of our field based positions are home based. We are flexible and consider remote/hybrid working arrangements for roles based in our offices.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Crisis Group affords equal employment opportunity for all staff members and applicants, without discrimination with respect to age, sex, religion, political association, national origin, ancestry, race, colour, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.

Professional Growth

The Crisis Group invests in professional growth. Staff can enroll in external short courses through institutions like the European Security and Defence College or the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Staff benefit from mentorship, external training, and internal mobility between thematic and regional teams. ICG encourages professional development through continuing education and secondments to partner organisations or multilateral institutions. Internal mentoring pairs junior researchers with senior analysts.

Compensation and Benefits

ICG offers competitive pay for NGO standards. Salaries depend on seniority and location. Competitive salaries are attractive base salaries that are internally equitable and externally competitive.

Retirement savings: Contribution towards a pension savings plan that includes an employer contribution.
Health insurance: Comprehensive insurance plans for medical, vision and dental coverage.
Paid time off: Generous paid leave that includes 25+ vacation days, 12+ weeks of parental leave and 3 months sabbatical leave.
Training budget: Annual contribution towards professional development.
Hybrid or remote work: A flexible work environment.
Wellness resources: 24-hour access to independent and confidential support from qualified and experienced counsellors through our Employee Assistance Program.

Living in Brussels

Brussels HQ offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle in line with the city’s European policy environment. Cost of Living: Brussels’ cost of living is moderate compared to London or Paris. Rent for a one-bedroom near EU Quarter is ~€1,200-€1,500/month. Family-Friendly Policies: ICG supports parental leave (up to EU-standard durations), flexible working arrangements, and multicultural family networks.

Alumni Network

ICG alumni populate think tanks, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions worldwide. The informal network supports ongoing collaboration and career mobility.

Current Trends and Future Opportunities

ICG’s current career trends show a steady increase in positions related to thematic policy advocacy, EU external relations, and digital communications. Future hiring will likely target professionals who can connect conflict trends with broader European foreign policy agendas-linking human rights, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation.

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