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 for International Affairs (NDI) is currently seeking candidates for a 3-month position with a possible 3-month extension based on performance, with NDI’s Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) team. This position can be full or part time based on candidate preferences. The project assistant will be responsible for assisting with implementation of democratic development programs in this region. The position will be based in Washington, DC. NDI does not cover relocation costs for this position.

Your Purpose and Impact: 

• Assist the LAC team in organizing and implementing democracy development programs;
• Collect and distribute to the LAC team foreign and domestic newspaper, magazine, or journal clippings pertaining to Latin American and Caribbean affairs; 
• Translate documents and messages from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish;
•  Attend internal and external meetings and seminars on Latin American and Caribbean affairs and prepare short summaries to LAC team members; 
• Assist with the execution of programs by performing administrative (e.g. invoice processing, contract processing, data entry, travel and meeting coordination, etc.) and programmatic assignments in accordance with established expectations and timelines;
• Complete basic research and analysis assignments and provide summarized findings in a clear, concise and understandable manner, with objectives, relevant facts, data, and conclusions presented as required;
• Prepare and/or support the preparation of selected materials (proposals, work plans, presentations, etc.) and communications. Complete initial drafts of assigned reports and updates for dissemination to internal and external audiences, including donors and other key program partners, ensuring proper and accurate formatting, spelling, and grammar usage as well as inclusion of required content;
• Conduct special projects as needed and; 
• Adhere to NDI’s organizational values, standards of conduct, policies and processes, and any other established expectations for NDI employees, including those related to performance, i.e. goals and position description accountabilities/responsibilities such as those presented herein.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree, with coursework in political science, international development, or a related field;
• Fluency in Spanish (speaking, reading, writing) required; Proficiency in French preferred
• Demonstrated interest in Latin America and the Caribbean;
• Strong interest in one or more of NDI’s international development disciplines, e.g. political campaigns, elections, community organizing, technology/innovation, etc;
• Basic research and analysis skills to allow for gathering, summarizing and presenting findings;
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally both domestically and internationally with NDI partners, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communication media.
• An attention-to-detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality;
• Initiative and a basic level of proficiency in the ability to multitask and prioritize; manage time, perform project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills; and flexibility to adapt and respond to shifting priorities;
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidential information;
• Available a minimum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of three months with the option of up to 40 hours per week and;
• Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired.

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 $17.00.  The hourly rate for candidates with a completed Master's degree is $18.00. 

*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 employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.