Intern - Project on Prosperity and Development and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative (Spring 2026)

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS is seeking two full-time interns to join the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative (SDRI) starting in early January 2026 in-person at CSIS. Internships are seasonal and typically last 4 months with the possibility of extension up to 6 months at the discretion of the program. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter their available start and end dates. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the position.

Interns are primarily responsible for conducting research on international development, development finance, U.S. foreign policy, international organizations, private sector engagement on development, trade issues, climate adaptation investment, and more. Interns also assist with social media efforts, assist in event planning and management, and have the option to write a blog post to be published on CSIS Development Dispatches. Because of the fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters with a strong writing background and excellent attention to detail. Candidates should be expected to be at their professional best through the course of this internship and be prepared to work on a diverse set of research topics. The interns will report to the Program Manager and Research Associate. The intern will be paid at an hourly rate.

The PPD/SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 1159pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

RESEARCH AND WRITING (50%)

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects.
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents.
• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary.
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics ranging from the future of work, forced migration, conflict and stabilization, development finance, quality infrastructure, and other sustainability and capacity building topics in the developing world.
• Draft outreach and promotional content.
  
  

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (50%)

• Manage content on Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Promote PPD/SDRI’s public events on Twitter and LinkedIn in the weeks or days before and live tweet on the day of the event.
• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences.
• Assist in preparation of written publications for the publishing process.
• Virtually or in-person attend meetings and events to take notes on various topics related to international development in addition to other forms of event support, some of which may be before or after work hours.
• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members.
  
  

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or current student) in international studies, economics, international development, political science, or a related field.
• Full-time availability for 35 hours/week (required) between early January 2026 through mid-May 2026.
• Demonstrated ability to take detailed notes during meetings in an effective manner.
• Demonstrated professional communication skills in conversation with colleagues and high-level stakeholders and be able to communicate ideas clearly in various written formats.
• Outstanding attention to detail; proven ability to advance research projects with hands-off supervision while being accountable for the accuracy of outputs.
• Familiarity with creating footnotes in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition.
• Demonstrated understanding of CSIS purpose and function, as well as a familiarity with PPD and SDRI research focuses.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Prior internship experience, conferencing/event management experience, digital outreach experience.
• Background in Russian Studies OR Digital Development OR Sustainable Development is preferred, although not required.
  
  

Physical requirements and work conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a resumé, cover letter, and a writing sample in separate and clearly labeled PDFs at https://csis.org/careers. ;

The PPD/SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 1159pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

About Us

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.