Intern - Energy Security and Climate Change Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is offering a six-month internship in Washington, DC within the Energy Security and Climate Change Program. The role focuses on rigorous, policy-relevant research across domestic and international energy issues and supports events, social media, and program operations.

The candidate should be curious, detail-oriented, and able to translate complex material into concise analysis.

Qualifications

• Excellent research skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience with data collection and management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program projects.
• Monitor economic, energy, and climate related policies relevant to the program.
• Provide logistical support to program staff for events and communications.
• Attend events and write de-brief summaries for CSIS projects.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Organization

Data collection

Education

College junior status or advanced student

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.

About CSIS and the Energy Security and Climate Change Program

The CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program provides the analysis leaders need to strengthen energy security, support economic prosperity, address climate change, and navigate an evolving global energy system. We provide innovative, strategic insights and policy solutions by examining energy issues at the intersection of geopolitics, policy, markets, technology, and infrastructure. Collaborating with leaders in government, industry, academia, and civil society, our team helps decisionmakers design smart energy policies that balance affordability, reliability, environmental goals, and national security.

We are seeking a curious, detail-oriented intern who can contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant research across a wide range of domestic and international energy issues. Current areas of focus include the U.S. power sector and transmission system, energy affordability and reliability, global oil and natural gas markets, geopolitical disruptions, emerging energy technologies, and more! The ideal candidate will be comfortable locating and evaluating credible sources, collecting and organizing data, monitoring fast-moving policy and market developments, and translating complex or technical material into clear, concise written analysis. Interns will also support public and private events, contribute to the program's social media and digital communications, and assist with administrative and logistical tasks as needed. We value candidates who ask thoughtful questions, are self starters, work collaboratively, and are eager to strengthen their research and professional skills.

As a diverse team, we value different perspectives in our work. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in energy security and climate change are preferred. Please tell us why you are interested inour work and what research interests youin your cover letter This position is a six-month internship set to begin in early November and end in early May.

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).

Salary Range

$18.40 — $20.40 USD

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide research support for individual scholars and projects related to energy security, markets, transition, and geopolitics
• Monitor economic, energy, and climate related policies
• Provide logistical support to the Program staff for administrative tasks as needed, including social media, event staffing, and routine office work
• Attend events and lectures, by CSIS and external organizations, to write de-brief summaries

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least a college junior in good standing, an advanced student, or a recent graduate
• Ability to work 35 hours a week.
• Ability to work in-person at CSIS headquarters four days a week.
• Excellent research skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good judgment and ability to complete projects independently and with a team.
• Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience with data collection and management preferred.

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.

All applications are due no later than Friday, October23, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.