About Us

The Asia-Pacific Leadership Network (APLN) is an NGO and network of political, military, and diplomatic leaders and experts from across the Asia Pacific, working to address global security challenges, with a particular focus on reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons risks.

APLN works to ensure that the diversity of voices from our region are more effectively heard in global security debates to achieve practical policy change. Our activities are focused on addressing strategic rivalry in the region, facilitating dialogue and nuclear risk reduction measures, managing the China-US competition, and promoting nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. We produce research, host events, and undertake advocacy work.

The APLN office is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. With a team based in Seoul and in countries across the region, we are looking to recruit a talented new individual to join our organisation.

About You

The Asia-Pacific Leadership Network (APLN) is inviting applications for the position of Research Intern. 

As a Research Intern, you will work closely with APLN staff, contributing to APLN’s research, policy impact and events agenda. You are required to effectively manage competing priorities and work collaboratively on APLN projects. Fluency in written and verbal English is essential. This position offers hands-on experience in policy research, communications, event planning, and network engagement within an international, mission-driven organization. 

Job Description and Applicant Requirements

Location: Remote, but based within a timezone +/- 3 hours from Korean Standard Time. 
Duration: Until September 30, 2025, although extension may be possible depending upon mutual interest and availability of funds   
Time Commitment: Full-time (40 hours a week) 
Salary: $1,500 USD- $1,800 USD per month 
Start Date: As soon as possible 

Duties

• Conducting background research for briefing papers, policy reports, and grant applications 
• Monitoring international news and track developments relevant to APLN’s mission
• Providing logistical and administrative support for APLN projects
• Assisting with organizing and coordinating conferences, workshops, and webinars
• Maintaining the APLN publications timeline
• Updating content on the APLN website and on the organisation’s social media platforms (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and BlueSky) 
• Updating APLN’s research and resource databases
• Attending APLN events and contributing to report writing, and engagement tracking.

Requirements

• Current student or recent undergraduate degree in international relations, political science, security studies, or a related field
• Strong writing and editing skills in English 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Google Docs) 
• Highly organized, responsive, and able to meet deadlines independently 
• Comfortable working remotely and across time zones 
• Based within a timezone +/- 3 hours from Korean Standard Time. 

Highly Desirable

• Fluency in an Asian language  
• Experience with WordPress, Canva, and social media management 

How to Apply

• To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with this role (with Research Intern 2025 in the subject line) to the APLN Operations Manager at hr@apln.network. 
  • In your cover letter, please specify the city where you will be located while taking part in this internship, including time zone; your current school and/or place of employment; and any notice period (if applicable) if you are currently employed. 
  • Please restrict your CV to no more than two pages of A4. This should clearly outline any relevant experience to date. 
• If you are a resident in the Republic of Korea:
  • Please specify your nationality in your CV, even if you are a Korean national.
  • If you are a foreign resident in the ROK, or will be during the internship period, please specify your visa status in your CV. 
• Please include at least one reference letter. This should be separately submitted by your reference provider to the hr@apln.network address with email subject line format “Applicant Forename Surname – Research Intern Reference Letter.”   
• Writing sample: Please include one relevant writing sample with your application. This could be a paper submitted for class, a school paper, or a relevant written piece for an external outlet. 

Note

Due to the high volume of applications, APLN will not respond to incomplete applications, and may not be able to follow up on individual applications even if they are complete. This is a paid position. The applicant is solely responsible for ensuring proper work permits and tax-reporting. 

For this position, APLN is not able to support working visas for foreign residents in the Republic of Korea. 

For any inquiries regarding the application process, please contact hr@apln.network.