Spring 2026 Trainee Position, Indo-Pacific Program

Job Summary:

GMF’s Indo-Pacific Program fosters coordinated US-European approaches to common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region while building closer US-European-Asian partnerships. Through its research and its signature trilateral Track 1.5 dialogues with stakeholders from China, India, Japan, and Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific Program promotes cross-fertilization of ideas and potential policy solutions in key foreign, economic, and security policy areas, including connectivity, emerging technologies, supply chain resiliency, maritime security, and regional institutions. As the United States continues coalition-building in the region and Europe is developing its own Indo-Pacific strategies, GMF Indo-Pacific’s insights and networks have never been more vital and relevant. The Indo-Pacific Program’s fellows and staff manage an active set of policy programs, conduct in-depth research, publish regular newsletters and podcasts, and frequently contribute articles and commentary to a wide range of international publications and news outlets.

Trainees are key members of the Indo-Pacific Program team. They conduct research on a wide variety of topics, build administrative and operational skills, and benefit from exposure to GMF’s network and high-level events. The Indo-Pacific Program internship offers an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.
Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide administrative and research support for the Indo-Pacific Program on issues pertaining to US and European policy toward the Indo-Pacific region, as well as related policies of Indo-Pacific countries
• Provide research support for the China Global podcast
• Assist with Indo-Pacific Program communications and with the coordination of our convening activities and events
• Help maintain the Indo-Pacific Program's database of contacts

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills and experience
• Fluency and/or professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English; additional European or Asian languages a plus
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Superior judgment and discretion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to multi-task and work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong academic record, including completed or in-process studies or degree(s) in International Relations, International Development, Regional Studies, Political Science, Economics, or Security Studies; graduate degree preferred
• Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred
• A demonstrable interest or background in contemporary Northeast, South, or Southeast Asian politics and policy – particularly related to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or India – or familiarity with US-European policy issues and global strategic debates about American foreign policy and rising international powers

Position Dates, Compensation, and Eligibility:

• Preferred start date: January 5, 2026
• Preferred end date: May 27, 2026
• Preferred time commitment: Part time: 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM ET
• Compensation: Trainees are paid the DC minimum wage of $17.95 per hour
• Work permit: Trainees must have the applicable work permit for the internship location
• Residency: Trainees must maintain a local address in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter and current resume. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates of interest will be contacted.

We highly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Don’t meet every single requirement? At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.?

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiry to hr@gmfus.org

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.