Latin America and Caribbean Program

Overview

The Latin America and Caribbean Program (LACP) contributes to the creation of a more stable region where democracy and human rights are protected through the rule of law.  LACP carries out activities and projects both at the regional level and in targeted countries in three complementary areas: 1) promoting regional cooperation and integration; 2) advancing democratic governance; and 3) strengthening democratic human rights policies.  

LACP builds capacity of government institutions and civil society organizations so that governments are better equipped to meet citizen demands and civil society organizations are better equipped to hold governments accountable. The Latin America and Caribbean Program works to ensure the participation and rights of vulnerable populations, including women and ethnic, religious, and indigenous minorities. 

Examples of recent and future Latin America and Caribbean Program work include: 

• Providing advice and technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS), governments, and civil society organizations on democratic governance – participation in OAS General Assemblies and the Summits of the Americas 
• Strengthening human rights in the hemisphere and coordinating with governments and the international human rights community to endorse a stronger Inter-American Human Rights System – projects in Colombia and Mexico and focus on the Northern Triangle countries (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador) 
• Supporting the Colombian Peace Process during the negotiations and in the implementation of the Peace Accords that were signed in November 2016   
• Leading quiet diplomacy and fact-finding missions to hear out disputing parties in country conflicts; encouraging peaceful and constitutional means to resolve democratic conflict; focusing international attention at critical political moments; and contributing to more informed and better designed diplomatic actions – projects in Honduras and Nicaragua, and monitoring of Venezuela 

Number of Interns per Semester: 2-3

Preferred Qualifications 

• A background in Latin American and Caribbean studies is preferred 
• Academic experience that concentrates on international relations, development, and/or political science 
• The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish 

Typical Projects

• Monitor regional developments
• Provide research and logistical support for a relevant program activity
• Conference preparation and follow-up
• Periodic briefing of program staff
• Conduct research projects that feed into project planning and implementation

Interested in applying for an internship in the Center's Latin America and Caribbean Program? View application deadlines »