IISS–Americas Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Job summary

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)–Americas invites applications for an internship in Washington, DC, focusing on technology, trade and geopolitics. The internship runs up to 20 hours per week with flexible start and end dates.

You will contribute to research, publications and program management, including event support, outreach, data collection and editing. Candidates with strong international relations or national-security study backgrounds and an interest in emerging

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current trends in international security and emerging tech.
• Ability to write quickly and clearly.
• Proactive, able to work in a small team.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and write on technology, trade and diplomacy.
• Support in convening virtual and in-person events.
• Assist outreach to government and non-government entities.
• Help with data collection, editing and background materials.
• Prepare talking points for advisory briefings.

Skills

Excel

Writing

Self-starter

Policy research

Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

IISS–Americas Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics

Location: Washington DC

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo‑economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best‑in‑class, independent and impartial analysis and offer insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking one student intern to work up to 20 hours per week to support a research program on technology, trade and geopolitics. The start and end dates are flexible with a preference for those available from late August to mid‑December.

The successful applicant will gain direct exposure to the research, publications and management of a leading international think tank. We are looking for an intern with a strong academic background focused on international relations or national‑security studies, ideally with an interest in emerging technologies and international trade.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research and writing on technical issues, policy developments and diplomacy regarding technology and trade;
• Performing operational tasks to assist in convening virtual and in‑person events;
• Performing outreach to both government and non‑government entities;
• Supporting IISS–Americas researchers with ad‑hoc research, data‑collection, writing, editing and fundraising projects;
• Conducting stakeholder mapping, preparing background materials and drafting talking points for IISS advisory briefings.

Requirements

• Have good substantive knowledge of current trends in international security, particularly emerging technologies relevant to national security and/or international trade;
• Be able to write quickly and clearly;
• Be a proactive self‑starter and able to work in a small team environment;
• Be proficient in Microsoft Excel;
• Be eligible to work in the United States. The IISS–Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits. Please indicate your work eligibility in your application.

Candidates pursuing a master’s degree are preferred, but we will consider exceptional undergraduates.

Eligibility and Compensation

This is an in‑person internship paid at $18/hr for up to 20 hours per week. Applicants must reside in the DC metro area at the time of the internship.

The IISS is an equal‑opportunities employer.