Energy & Climate Intern, Spring 2027

Observer Research Foundation America; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) invites interns to join the Energy & Climate program in Washington, DC for spring 2027. The role focuses on research, writing, and policy analysis, with exposure to geopolitical dimensions of global energy systems.

You will monitor developments, assist with events, and help maintain the program's online presence. The paid internship requires in-person work at ORF America’s Washington, DC office, with a 15-hour weekly commitment and opportunities

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a relevant graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the Washington DC area.
• Eligibility to work in the United States; ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns.
• Background in international relations, economics, public policy, history, political science, or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in energy, climate, and sustainability policy, particularly in an international or geopolitical context.
• Experience conducting academic or policy research, including collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources on energy markets, emerging energy technologies, and related policy developments.
• Strong analytical, writing, and editing skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex policy developments clearly to a general or policy-oriented audience.
• Fluency in English
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite)
• Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Flourish is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assisting with research and writing on current policy developments related to energy policy.
• Monitoring news reports and synthesizing developments for policy audiences.
• Conducting primary and secondary source data collection.
• Contributing to social media and external outreach.
• Assisting with programming, including updating and refining of website and contacts database.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for events and assisting with other tasks as requested

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Editing

Communication

English fluency

Education

Graduate degree enrollment

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Suite

Flourish

Job description

Location: Washington, DC Deadline for Application: November 5, 2026

About ORF America

The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) is an independent, non-partisan, and nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing policy challenges facing the United States, India, and their partners in a rapidly changing world. It produces research, curates diverse and inclusive platforms, and develops networks for cooperation between the developed and developing worlds based on common values and shared interests.

ORF America was established in 2020 and is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s premier non-government think tank. Its areas of focus include strategic and security affairs; technology policy; climate, energy, and sustainability; and economic policy. ORF America is an equal opportunity employer and hires staff without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.

Paid Spring Internship Program

Fall and spring internships at ORF America allow undergraduate and graduate students in the Washington DC area an opportunity for academic, professional, and personal development. Interns work closely with fellows and program managers to assist with research, writing, communications and other programming tasks.

We are looking for an intern to provide research and administrative support to our Energy & Climate program at ORF America during the spring of 2027. The intern will contribute to research and writing on emerging energy and climate policy issues,with a focus on the geopolitical dimensions of global energy systems.The role will involvetracking developments relevant to policymakers, and support the program’s external engagement and events.This paid internship will require in-person work at ORF America’s office in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with research and writing on current policy developments related to energy policy
• Monitoring news reports and synthesizing developments for policy audiences
• Conducting primary and secondary source data collection
• Contributing to social media and external outreach
• Assisting with programming, including the regular updating and refining of website and contacts database
• Providing administrative and logistical support for events and assisting with other tasks as requested

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a relevant graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the Washington DC area
• Eligibility to work in the United States; ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns
• Background in international relations, economics, public policy, history, political science, or another relevant field
• Demonstrated interest in energy, climate, and sustainability policy, particularly in an international or geopolitical context
• Experience conducting academic or policy research, including collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information from multiple sourceson energy markets, emergingenergy technologies, and related policy developments
• Strong analytical, writing, and editing skills, with attention to detail
• Ability to communicate complex policy developments clearly to a general or policy-oriented audience
• Fluency in English
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite)
• Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Flourish is a plus

Compensation

This position is paid on an hourly basis ($20/hour). Interns will be expected to work 15 hours/week.