Overview
Each semester, Peace Corps Office of Inspector General selects few students to participate in its Legal, Audit, Evaluation, and Management and Administrative units' Intern Program in Washington, D.C.
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. Interns may work for school credit, provided they comply with their school’s requirements.
How to Apply
Contact:
Internship Program Coordinator
1275 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20526
Phone: 202-692-2939
Email: PeaceCorpsOIG-Admin@peacecorpsoig.gov
Documents to Submit
Audit, Evaluation, Management & Administration: Cover letter and Resume
Legal: Cover letter, Resume, Writing Sample
Soft Deadlines to Apply
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: March 15
- Fall: June 15
Description:
Students selected for the summer session will also take part in the Summer Law Clerk Program organized by the Council of Counsels to the Inspectors General. Through this experience, interns gain exposure to the inspectors general community, visit other federal agencies and Congress, and explore a wide range of legal issues impacting federal government attorneys.
Eligibility Criteria:
Full-time and part-time law students who have completed at least two semesters of legal study are eligible to apply. Candidates selected for the fall or spring semester must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for at least 12 weeks. Summer interns are required to work a minimum of 32 hours per week for at least 10 weeks.
Duties:
- Conduct legal and policy research related to Peace Corps operations and government oversight issues.
- Track and analyze legislation affecting the Inspector General community, supporting the Chair of the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency Legislation Committee.
- Solicit and propose ways of addressing the views and concerns of the Inspector General community in response to legislative initiatives and Congressional requests.
- Research legislative proposals or amendments to pending legislation.
- Assist in reviewing and revising, as appropriate, current Peace Corps and Office of Inspector manuals/policy to accurately reflect agency business practices as well as overall best practices.
- Provide support in editing OIG reports and memorandums.
- Assist in researching and writing specific law enforcement matters within the purview of the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General.
- Support Office of Inspector General response to Freedom of Information Act Requests.
Description:
Program offers an exceptional opportunity for students seeking to develop expertise in program evaluation methods and techniques, gain familiarity with government evaluation standards and guidelines, and deepen their understanding of OIG programs and operations, as well as Peace Corps activities abroad. Through this experience, interns gain exposure to the inspectors general community and visit other federal agencies and Congress.
Eligibility Criteria:
Full-time and part-time students who are currently enrolled in a master’s program are eligible to apply. Selected interns for the fall, spring, or summer semester must commit to working at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Duties:
OIG evaluation interns will assist evaluators in conducting a range of duties and tasks, which may include:
- Conducting research and collecting data and evidence.
- Planning evaluations and developing objectives, scope, and methodology.
- Analyzing reports, budgets, studies, operating procedures, and other documents.
- Analyzing and synthesizing collected data and evidence to formulate findings and conclusions.
- Developing and producing reports to Peace Corps and Congress.
Description:
The Auditor Intern will assist the Peace Corps audit team in assessing financial, operational, and compliance processes across the organization. Participants will learn about the Inspector General Community, engage with other federal agencies and Congress, and explore a range of legal issues impacting the federal government.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students must be currently enrolled in a college program, ideally with a concentration in accounting, finance, or related discipline, and demonstrate a strong interest in auditing, compliance, and risk management. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Selected interns for the fall, spring, or summer semester must commit to working at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Duties:
- Assist in performing audits of financial statements, performance audits, internal controls, and operational processes.
- Collect, organize, and analyze data to identify trends, discrepancies, and potential risks.
- Support the preparation of audit workpapers and documentation in accordance with professional standards.
- Participate in walkthroughs and interviews to understand processes and controls.
- Help draft audit findings and recommendations for process improvements.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure timely completion of audit projects.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all audit activities.
Description:
Internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organizational operations, compliance processes, and administrative support within a federal oversight environment. Interns will contribute to projects that enhance efficiency and transparency while learning about the inspector general community, interagency collaboration, and key issues impacting government accountability.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or graduate program, preferably in Public Administration, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong writing and editing skills, along with familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite. Interns will be able to work independently and collaboratively in a professional setting. Selected interns for the fall, spring, or summer semester must commit to working at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Duties:
- Assist with day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining records.
- Draft, edit, and format internal communications, reports, and briefing materials.
- Contribute to content creation for newsletters, social media, and other outreach platforms.
- Help design and update visual materials using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. Collect, organize, and analyze data for reports and presentations.
- Conduct research on policies, procedures, and best practices to support management initiatives.
- Collaborate with team members and other units to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Office of Inspector General? Through passage of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (IG Act), Congress established an Office of Inspector General (OIG) in large federal agencies with the mission to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement and to promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency in government. In 1988, Congress extended the law to most other federal agencies, including the Peace Corps. The IG Act, as amended, establishes OIG as an independent entity within the Peace Corps. The Inspector General (IG) reports directly to and is under the general supervision of the Peace Corps Director. In addition, the IG reports directly to Congress, keeping it fully and currently informed concerning the programs and operations of the Peace Corps.
What are the Major Functions of OIG? OIG is authorized by law to review all programs and operations of the Peace Corps, a truly global mandate. OIG staff have a range of skills:
Auditors review functional activities of the Peace Corps, such as contract compliance and financial and program operations, to ensure accountability and to recommend improved levels of economy and efficiency.
Evaluators analyze the management and program operations of the Peace Corps at both overseas posts and domestic offices. They identify best practices and recommend program improvements and ways to accomplish Peace Corps mission and strategic goals.
Investigators respond to allegations of criminal or administrative wrongdoing by Peace Corps personnel, including experts and consultants, and by those who do business with the Peace Corps, including contractors.
OIG oversight plays a major role in improving government operations and services, and in the important dialogue on the future of government programs by providing the objective analysis and information needed to make the informed decisions necessary to accomplish the mission of the Peace Corps.
What Type of Allegations Does OIG Investigate? The OIG conducts investigations of criminal, civil, and administrative misconduct related to Peace Corps programs and operations (both domestic and overseas). Investigations are based on specific allegations, reports, or other information indicating possible violations of law or regulation. OIG serves as the law enforcement arm of the Peace Corps and works closely with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies.