Intern - Africa Program (Spring 2025)

JOB SUMMARY: At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.   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 approximately 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 shifts in Africa’s governance and security landscape; the future of Africa’s economies and social capital; and the rise of new foreign partners and nonstate actors in the region.   This internship position prioritizes the program’s social media activities and the publication of the Into Africa bi-weekly podcast series. Preference will be given to candidates who possess extensive work experience using social media platforms and graphic design software. The intern will also assist with ongoing research, assisting in creating materials for high-profile events and publications, preparing briefing materials to the Director and Research Associate ahead of meetings, and providing other administrative support as needed.    The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($17.50/hour for current undergraduate hires, $18.50/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $19.50/hour for hires with a master’s degree)   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:   • Publicizing the program’s publications and events on a regular basis using various social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook • Aiding in the editing and publicizing of the Africa Program’s ‘Into Africa’ podcast • Create and distribute mailings in Pardot  • Innovating new ways to ameliorate the Africa Program’s use of social media  • 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. • Assist with event planning, including drafting invitation letters, conducting background research, drafting questions, and staffing events.  • 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 Facebook, 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.   Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.   HOW TO APPLY:    Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, a list of 3 references (including reference’s name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number), and a writing sample of no more than 3 pages at https://csis.org/careers. Applications close November 15, 2024.