Intern - Africa Program (Summer 2026)

C

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Washington, District of Columbia

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will manage the Africa Program's social media presence, assist with the 'Into Africa' podcast, and maintain stakeholder databases. Additionally, they will provide research support, draft briefing materials, and assist with event planning and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

We are looking for a detail-oriented intern to support the Africa Program's social media, podcast production, and research activities. The ideal candidate will have experience with social media platforms, strong communication skills, and an interest in African affairs. A bachelor's degree (completed or in progress) in a relevant field such as African Studies, Political Science, or International Relations is preferred.

Job Description

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.   The CSIS Africa Program is looking for an analytical and detail-oriented individual to serve as an Intern. The Africa Program works with diverse stakeholders to identify, elevate, and address strategic challenges and opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. The key focus areas include Africa’s evolving security and governance landscape; financing Africa’s future; and the rise of new foreign partners in the region.   This internship position prioritizes the program’s social media activities, the publication of the Into Africa bi-weekly podcast series, and maintaining the Africa program contact lists. Preference will be given to candidates who possess extensive work experience using social media platforms. The intern will also assist with ongoing research, assisting in creating materials for events and publications, preparing briefing materials for the Director and Research Assistant ahead of meetings, and providing other administrative support as needed.   The hired candidate 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 include but are not limited to the following:   · Publicizing the program’s publications and events regularly using various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. · Aiding in the drafting of questions, editing, and publicizing of the Africa Program’s ‘Into Africa’ podcast. · Creating and distributing mailings in Pardot. · Developing and managing the program’s social media presence. · Providing research support to Africa Program staff. · Compiling research and data into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications to support the program’s research portfolio. · Maintaining and improving databases of stakeholders and contacts. · Assisting with event planning, including drafting invitation letters, conducting background research, drafting questions, and staffing events. · Monitoring and reporting on news and developments in sub-Saharan Africa. · Performing a variety of administrative tasks as needed.   KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:   · B.A. (completed or in progress) Degree in African Studies, Political Science, International Relations, History, Public Policy, International Development, or other relevant fields preferred. · Must be eligible to work in the United States · Must be able to commit to 35 hours a week · Experience in professional settings using social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter required · Experience using Canva required · High proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required · Demonstrated ability to contribute to, edit, and produce high-quality written materials, ideally analytical reports with policy recommendations · Superior attention to detail as well as organizational and coordination skills. · Must have strong communication skills · A firm understanding and/or interest in African security, economic, and political issues and Africa-U.S. policy is preferred · Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and dispositions.     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 cover letter, resume, a list of 2 references (including reference’s name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number), and a writing sample of no more than 3 pages at https://csiscareers.silkroad.com. Applications close April 16, 2026.

C

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Established in Washington, D.C., over 60 years ago, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help decisionmakers chart a course toward a better world. Founded in 1962 by David M. Abshire and Admiral Arleigh Burke, CSIS is one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security; geoeconomics and technology; Asia and other regional studies; and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global health policy and food & water security. For nine consecutive years, CSIS was named the world's number one think tank for international security by the University of Pennsylvania's “Go To Think Tank Index.” The Center’s over 275 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. CSIS is regularly called upon by Congress, the executive branch, the media, and others to explain the day’s events and offer recommendations to improve U.S. strategy. In late 2015, Thomas J. Pritzker was named chairman of the CSIS Board of Trustees. Mr. Pritzker succeeded former U.S. senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), who chaired the CSIS Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2015. CSIS is led by John J. Hamre, who has served as president and chief executive officer since 2000. Twitter: cs.is/U4RJEq LinkedIn: cs.is/33W0gX8 Instagram: cs.is/2ZbBTkF Threads: cs.is/3vamuH2 YouTube: cs.is/2TKVQ0k Podcasts: cs.is/2NuWcaD
Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria