Spring Intern, Africa Program

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

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Africa Program is seeking a motivated intern to support social media activities, publish the Into Africa bi-weekly podcast, and maintain Africa program contact lists. The role includes assisting with research, preparing briefing materials for leadership, and providing administrative support.

Ideal candidates demonstrate extensive experience with social platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, and can contribute to written

Qualifications

• Degree in African Studies, Political Science, International Relations, History, Public Policy, International Development, or related field preferred.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Able to commit to 35 hours per week.
• Experience using social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Experience using Canva.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to contribute to, edit, and produce high-quality written materials, ideally analytical policy reports.
• Superior attention to detail and strong organizational/coordination skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Interest in African security, economic, and political issues and Africa–U.S. policy preferred.
• Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Publicizing the program's publications and events on social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Aiding in drafting questions, editing, and publicizing the Africa Program's Into Africa podcast.
• Creating and distributing mailings in Pardot.
• Developing and managing the program's social media presence.
• Providing research support to Africa Program staff.
• Compiling research into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications.
• Maintaining databases of stakeholders and contacts.
• Assisting with event planning and staffing.

Skills

Social media platforms experience

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Canva experience

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in African Studies / Political Science / International Relations (or related field)

Tools

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

Canva

Microsoft Office

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 CSIS Africa Program is looking for an analytical and detail-oriented individual to serve as an Intern. The Africa Program works with diverse stakeholders to identify, elevate, and address strategic challenges and opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. The key focus areas include Africa's evolving security and governance landscape; financing Africa's future; and the rise of new foreign partners in the region.

This internship position prioritizes the program's social media activities, the publication of the Into Africa bi-weekly podcast series, and maintaining the Africa program contact lists. Preference will be given to candidates who possess extensive work experience using social media platforms. The intern will also assist with ongoing research, assisting in creating materials for events and publications, preparing briefing materials for the Director and Research Assistant ahead of meetings, and providing other administrative support as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Publicizing the program's publications and events regularly using various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Aiding in the drafting of questions, editing, and publicizing of the Africa Program's 'Into Africa' podcast.
• Creating and distributing mailings in Pardot.
• Developing and managing the program's social media presence.
• Providing research support to Africa Program staff.
• Compiling research and data into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications to support the program's research portfolio.
• Maintaining and improving databases of stakeholders and contacts.
• Assisting with event planning, including drafting invitation letters, conducting background research, drafting questions, and staffing events.
• Monitoring and reporting on news and developments in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Performing a variety of administrative tasks as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong candidates will be able to commit to a full-time internship (35 hours/week) from January 2027 to early June 2027, and possess the following attributes:

• A. (completed or in progress) Degree in African Studies, Political Science, International Relations, History, Public Policy, International Development, or other relevant fields preferred.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must be able to commit to 35 hours a week
• Experience in professional settings using social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter required
• Experience using Canva required
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to, edit, and produce high-quality written materials, ideally analytical reports with policy recommendations
• Superior attention to detail as well as organizational and coordination skills.
• Must have strong communication skills
• A firm understanding and/or interest in African security, economic, and political issues and Africa-U.S. policy is preferred
• Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and dispositions.

Applications close November 16, 2026

Salary Range: $18.40 — $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.