Intern - Americas Program - Fall 2026

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.; Washington; On-site; USD 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a fall 2026 intern for the Americas Program. The role supports research, events, outreach, and communications, requiring strong writing and Spanish proficiency.

This paid internship is full-time (35 hours per week) and runs roughly Sept 1 to Dec 15, 2026. The successful candidate will have research and writing experience, a strong interest in Latin America and the Caribbean, and must be eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish required; proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.
• Strong academic record with a demonstrated interest in Western Hemisphere affairs.
• Excellent analytical and writing abilities.
• Must be able to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Assist ongoing Americas Program research and projects as directed by staff.
• Compile research into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications.
• Assist in preparation and execution of Americas Program events.
• Copyedit program publications and draft correspondence.
• Monitor events in the Western Hemisphere and disseminate news to our web following.
• Support communications activities and other administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Strong writing abilities

Research skills

Organization skills

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in global development, international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, or similar

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 Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) addresses the most urgent challenges and opportunities shaping the Western Hemisphere. Our work examines issues such as democratic resilience, citizen security, economic competitiveness, regional integration, energy transitions, and the evolving role of Latin America and the Caribbean in global affairs. Through in-depth research, innovative convenings, and policy engagement, the program generates insights and recommendations that inform decisionmakers and strengthen cooperation across the region.

CSIS seeks an intern to support the Americas Program. This role is ideal for a dynamic, self-starter with excellent organizational, communications, and problem-solving skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The intern will provide day-to-day support for program operations, including research, event support, outreach, and communications. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), strong bilingual (English/Spanish) skills, and experience in research and writing.

The CSIS Americas Program is seeking highly motivated candidates for a full-time (35 hours per week), paid internship for Fall 2026. This internship offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is expected to begin on or about September 1, 2026, and conclude on or about December 15, 2026.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in global development, international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, or similar. A graduate degree is a plus.
• 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

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You must apply before August 7, 2026.

Salary Range

$19.40—$20.40 USD

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._