Intern - Americas Program - Fall 2026

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 46,133,068 - 51,147,532; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks an intern to support the Americas Program. The role emphasizes research, event support, outreach, and communications in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

Ideal candidates have strong writing and research skills, a keen interest in Western Hemisphere affairs, and bilingual English/Spanish abilities. The internship is full-time, paid, and begins in Fall 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in global development, international affairs, political science, or Latin American studies; a graduate degree is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Fluency in Spanish is required; proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ongoing Americas Program research and projects.
• Compile research into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of Americas Program events.
• Copyedit publications and drafting correspondence.
• Monitor events in the Western Hemisphere.
• Disseminate news to our web following.
• Support communication activities.
• Other administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Research

Writing

Bilingual EN/ES

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in global development

Bachelor's degree in international affairs

Bachelor's degree in political science

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Overview

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. The Americas Program at CSIS addresses urgent challenges and opportunities shaping the Western Hemisphere, including democratic resilience, citizen security, economic competitiveness, regional integration, energy transitions, and the evolving role of Latin America and the Caribbean in global affairs. The program uses in-depth research, innovative convenings, and policy engagement to generate insights and recommendations that inform decision-makers and strengthen cooperation in 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. Compensation is hourly and 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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 is required; proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.
• Must be able to work in the United States.

Application Requirements

Apply early. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

You must apply before August 7, 2026.

Salary and Benefits

Salary ranges from $19.40 to $20.40 USD per hour, based on experience.

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 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.