Defence Policy Intern (M/F)

Who are we?

Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence

The Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) is a national public administrative body under the supervision of the Prime Minister and, more specifically, of the Secrétariat général à la défense et à la sécurité nationale (SGDSN).

The Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) prepares leaders from all spheres of activity to assume the highest responsibilities by developing their understanding of national defence and security issues, their knowledge of related public policies, their perception of the interplay of players involved in their implementation, and their aptitude for strategic thinking. The training provided as part of the national session is designed to enable all students to grasp from the outset the cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, interministerial, European and international dimensions of defence and security issues through a common foundation and in-depth study of 5 major areas (Armament and the Defence Economy, Economic Defence and Security, Maritime Issues and Strategies, Defence Policy, Digital Sovereignty and Cybersecurity).

The IHEDN, working to build and disseminate a common defence culture, helps to forge lasting links between senior public and private, civilian and military officials.

Job description

The Department of European and International Affairs (DEAI) is responsible for preparing and managing the Institute’s international and European activities. It also provides its international expertise to other departments in the preparation and delivery of national and regional sessions. It contributes to the Institute’s European and international profile. It works in close consultation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

Main activities

The trainee: 

  • is involved in the design, organisation and running of the «Armaments and Defence Economy» sessions (Ministry of the Armed Forces/Directorate-General for Armaments – DGA) and «Defence Policy » (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs/Directorate for Security and Defence Cooperation – DCSD), briefings for foreign ambassadors in Paris, bilateral seminars, and courses run under the auspices of the CESD (European Security and Defence College – Brussels); ;
  • helps to develop the programmes: identifying topics and speakers; ; 
  • assistance with drawing up requests for logistical support from the IHEDN’s logistical support office; ;
  • provides publishable background information to the IHEDN’s Institutional Relations and Communications Department; ;
  • helps to draft briefing notes and talking points for the Director of IHEDN; ;  
  • supports the team responsible for running a session; ;
  • drafts summaries, thank-you letters and internal reports; ;
  • helps to update and maintain the databases of auditors and speakers; ;
  • helps to keep in touch with recent international trainees by sending out specialist newsletters (sharing IHEDN news, French publications relating to the relevant geographical area, updates on French policy developments in the region, etc.), and to coordinate the alumni network: updating the database of former trainees; ;
  • monitors international news and relevant research publications.

Expected skills

Knowing how to be 

  • Teamwork and respect for hierarchy;
  • Commitment to efficiency and excellence;
  • Dynamic, autonomous and rigorous;
  • A professional demeanour and good interpersonal skills, both within the team and when dealing with other departments within the institute, as well as with external contacts and international guests;
  • Ability to adapt to international and multicultural contexts;
  • Ability to engage in dialogue with experts and auditors and to take their ideas and suggestions into account.

Know-how 

  • Versatility, responsiveness, and the ability to adapt to different types of tasks (in-depth research, logistical coordination, event logistics management, speech writing, data collection and layout, etc.);
  • Ability to synthesise information (the ability to quickly extract the most relevant information from a literature review, or to write a report on an interview or a conference);
  • Ability to analyse and summarise.

Knowledge 

  • Good written and oral communication skills. Writing skills;
  • Proficiency in English – written, reading and speaking (minimum C1 level);
  • Knowledge of national, European and international news;
  • Knowledge of the administration and the diplomatic world (MEAE, MinArm in particular) ;
  • Knowledge of the world of strategic research (French and international think tanks).

Profile required

Student preparing for a Master’s 2 degree at institutions such as Sciences Po or INALCO, specialising in international relations, European affairs, or European and international law.

See the advert on the civil service portal

or apply to recrutement@ihedn.fr