Job Detail

We are ISO, the largest developer of International Standards. We bring together experts, to share knowledge and develop standards that provide solutions to global challenges. This is because we believe that great things happen when the world agrees. We have an exciting opportunity at our Central Secretariat in Geneva.

Research Intern (Duration: 12 months)

Role

In the Research and Innovation team we facilitate research on the benefits of international standards, conduct strategic foresight activities to understand future opportunities for standardization, and promote education about standardization. We collaborate with our members in 165 countries to share information and support each other’s efforts in these areas.

As our Intern you will work on a distinct project in support of the team’s objectives: the development of a new education strategy for ISO. One of ISO’s goals in its new Strategy 2030 is to have ‘all voices heard’ in the international standardization system and one of the main challenges to be addressed in this area is how to attract the ‘next generation’ to standardization. Promoting education about standardization will have a key role to play in increasing the awareness of young people about the benefits of standards and how the international standardization system works. This project will investigate how and where standardization is taught in universities or other teaching/training institutions around the world (or the reasons why it is not taught) and consider how ISO could work with its members to best promote education about standardization.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the world of international standardization, to interact directly with ISO members, ISO’s partners (such as IEC and ITU), other international organizations and academic institutions. You will be able to develop your skills in project management, research design and communication. 

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research into where and how standards and standardization are incorporated into teaching curricula and exploring potential barriers/challenges (including primary research – for example, contacting and interviewing ISO members, partners, academics etc.)


• Collecting information on what ISO members are doing to promote education about standardization


• Compiling and reviewing curriculum materials related to education about standardization


• Analyzing results and drafting a summary report


• In collaboration with R&I colleagues, drafting recommendations for ISO to follow as part of its new education strategy

Qualification and Experience

• University or post-graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, humanities, engineering, etc.)


• Experience conducting primary and secondary research


• Experience producing written reports or other publications


• English: a must, French and/or others: a plus


• Knowledge of standardization is a plus


• Preference will be given to current students or recent graduates of standardization-related courses or subjects

Skills

• Able to work with relative autonomy and take initiative


• Strong communication skills


• Curious and self-motivated


• Proactive, enthusiastic and creative


• A good team player with a “can-do” attitude


• Eager to work within a multicultural and international environment

Start date: asap

Working time: minimum 50%, to be agreed. Please indicate your preferred working time in your cover letter