Research Associate - Geopolitics Research

Basilinna; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Basilinna is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support geopolitical research, client advisory, and program management. This internship is ideal for current students or recent graduates who enjoy balancing research and operational responsibilities.

Based in Washington, D.C., the role is hybrid with a monthly onsite requirement. You will assist with research, draft memos, coordinate events, and help manage multiple workstreams across regions.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed Bachelor's or Master's in IR, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Economics, Business, Area Studies, Journalism or related field.
• Availability to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Prior internship, campus leadership, or professional experience in programs, events, operations, client services, government affairs, policy initiatives, research teams, consulting or nonprofits.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and coordinate projects or events.
• Strong writing and editing skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, policy, and business developments related to U.S.-China relations, the Middle East, and other regions.
• Conduct research, verify information, and synthesize findings into concise internal/client products.
• Draft, edit, and proofread memos, briefings, reports, newsletters, and other deliverables.
• Support client engagement by preparing materials, taking notes, tracking actions, and assisting with follow-ups.
• Coordinate timelines, maintain trackers, and help ensure on-time deliverables.
• Assist with planning events, roundtables, delegations, and stakeholder engagements including logistics and research.

Skills

Writing & editing

Project management

Research

Communication

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Chinese/Arabic (optional)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Relations/Political Science/Public Policy/Communications/Economics/Business

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Research Associate – Geopolitical Research (Internship)

Location: Washington, D.C. | Hybrid with Monthly Onsite Requirement

Basilinna is seeking a highly organized and motivated Research Associate to support our geopolitical research, client advisory, and program management activities. This role is ideal for current students or recent graduates interested in global affairs who enjoy balancing research and analysis with project coordination and operational responsibilities.

The Research Associate will work closely with the team to support client engagements, research projects, events, travel and meeting arrangements, and thought leadership initiatives. Successful candidates will be comfortable managing details, coordinating across multiple workstreams and markets, and contributing to both the analytical and administrative aspects of the firm's work. This position offers exposure to real-world geopolitical consulting and opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, policy, and business developments related to U.S.-China relations, the Middle East, and other strategic regions.
• Conduct research, collect and verify information, and synthesize findings into concise internal and client-facing products.
• Draft, edit, and proofread memos, briefings, reports, newsletters, and other written deliverables.
• Support client engagement activities by preparing meeting materials, taking notes, tracking action items, and assisting with follow-up communications.
• Coordinate project timelines, maintain internal trackers, and help ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Assist with planning and execution of events, roundtables, delegations, and stakeholder engagements, including logistics, background research, participant outreach, and materials preparation.
• Support business development efforts through prospect research, proposal preparation, contact management, and sector mapping.
• Organize and maintain internal knowledge resources, research databases, and client files.
• Assist with data collection, basic data analysis, and reporting activities.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the team as needed.

Core Expectations

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and professionalism.
• Strong research and critical thinking skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear insights.
• Interest in geopolitics, international affairs, public policy, and global business.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support both strategic and operational priorities.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Economics, Business, Area Studies, Journalism, or a related field.
• Availability to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Prior internship, campus leadership, or professional experience supporting programs, events, operations, client services, government affairs, policy initiatives, research teams, consulting projects, or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities and coordinating projects or events.
• Strong writing and editing skills in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Familiarity with research databases, AI tools, data analysis software, or project management platforms is a plus.
• Additional language proficiency, including Chinese or Arabic, is welcome but not required.

Growth & Development

This internship is designed as a professional development opportunity. Research Associates will gain experience working with senior advisors, business leaders, and international team members while developing skills in research, client service, project management, and strategic communications.

High-performing interns may be considered for expanded responsibilities, extended internships, or future full-time opportunities as the firm grows.