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 Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business seeks Spring/Summer interns to support its work. This position will begin on or after March 30, 2026. The Economics Program focuses on international economic issues and how they impact U.S. competitiveness, prosperity, and economic security. Key areas of focus include trade policy, supply chain resilience, investment policy, international finance, innovation and drivers of economic growth. In a time of accelerating global integration and financial instability, America’s role on the world stage is influenced by its ability to effectively integrate trade and international economic objectives into its broader foreign policy.
We are seeking an undergraduate (junior standing or above), graduate, or recent graduate candidate who has completed coursework in international trade, has a background in trade and economics, and possesses good research and writing skills. The position is full-or part- time and in-person until August 2026.
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 may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Work directly with the Economics Program team on ongoing and future projects, including analysis of supply chains, climate change and trade, sustainable development, digital trade, trade and economic arrangements, global economic governance, multilateral institutions, trade facilitation, and foreign investment.
• Conduct research and assist with writing reports, quantitative data analysis, and other research products on international economic topics.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships within CSIS and with other organizations under the guidance of the program.
• Identify, attend, and take notes on virtual internal and external events relevant to
the work of the Economics Program.
• Assist as needed on ad hoc projects or requests, as directed by program staff.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:
• Candidates will possess advanced econometric and data science skills, with demonstrated experience analyzing economic data and creating insightful data visualizations.
• Candidates must have strong English-language writing and research skills and be detail-oriented under pressure.
• Candidates should be critical and creative thinkers who thrive in an independent working environment with tight deadlines.
• Candidates must be able to function well as part of a friendly, small, and close-knit team.
• Practical and/or academic background in the following areas is desirable but not
required:
o International trade and investment policy
o International economics
o International finance
o International relations
o Climate change and sustainability policy
This candidate will be working alongside colleagues internal to CSIS but also with external parties, including domestic and foreign government officials. Candidates must have strong communication skills, be self-disciplined, and be detail oriented. Prior professional experience is 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 single combined PDF of their résumé, cover letter, writing sample (3-5 pages), and college transcript at https://careers.csis.org/opportunities. The deadline for submission is February 27, 2026. Submissions after that deadline or which are not submitted as a single combined PDF will not be considered.
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.
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