GIS Software Engineer Basic

WR Systems; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIS Americas Program is seeking a motivated undergraduate or graduate student for a fall internship. The role involves supporting ongoing research and events, compiling literature reviews, and drafting brief publications in a fast-paced policy environment.

Applicants should have a strong Western Hemisphere focus, excellent writing ability, and the capacity to work independently in the United States. This paid internship offers exposure to policy analysis and outreach activities within CSIS.

Qualifications

• Strong academic record with interest in Western Hemisphere affairs.
• Fluency in Spanish required; Portuguese is a plus.
• Must be able to work in the United States.
• Experience working in an office environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Americas Program research and projects as directed by staff.
• Compile research into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications.
• Assist in planning and executing Americas Program events.
• Copyedit program publications and draft correspondence.
• Monitor events in the Western Hemisphere.
• Disseminate news to our web audience.
• Support communication activities.
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Analytical writing

Independent work

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

BA in related field

Graduate degree 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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Americas Program seeks highly motivated candidates for up a full-time, paid internships in a dynamic and fast-paced environment for Fall 2025, starting on September 2, 2025, and ending on/about December 12, 2025.

The program informs and produces insightful analysis and recommendations for partners in the United States and the region. The Americas Program focuses on six thematic priorities:

1. 1. The authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well as democratic backsliding in other countries as a driver of regional instability.
2. 2. Economic development, strengthening supply chains, forging closer trade linkages between the United States and the region, and nearshoring critical industries.
3. 3. The long-term impact of China’s rise, the continued relevance of Russia and other extra-hemispheric powers, in a region shaped by strategic rivalry.
4. 4. Security, especially transnational criminal organizations and illicit economies, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia.
5. 5. Governance challenges and their effects, including weak rule of law, endemic corruption, migration, inequality, and human rights violations.
6. 6. Civil-military relations and defense cooperation.

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 AN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting with ongoing Americas Program research and projects as specified by the staff.
• Compiling research and data into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications to support the program’s research portfolio.
• Assisting in the preparation and execution of Americas Program events.
• Copyediting Americas Program publications and drafting correspondence.
• Monitoring events in the Western Hemisphere.
• Disseminating news to our web following.
• Supporting communication activities.
• Other administrative tasks as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong academic record with a demonstrated interest in Western Hemisphere affairs.
• B.A. in global development, international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, or similar. A graduate degree is preferred.
• Excellent analytical and writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working in an office environment.
• Fluency in Spanish required; proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.
• Must be able to work in the United States

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.