Intern - Project on Prosperity and Development and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative (Spring 2026)

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 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS is seeking two full-time interns to join the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative (SDRI) starting in early January 2026 in-person at CSIS. Internships are seasonal and typically last 4 months with the possibility of extension up to 6 months at the discretion of the program. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter their available start and end dates. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the position.

Interns are primarily responsible for conducting research on international development, development finance, U.S. foreign policy, international organizations, private sector engagement on development, trade issues, climate adaptation investment, and more. Interns also assist with social media efforts, assist in event planning and management, and have the option to write a blog post to be published on CSIS Development Dispatches. Because of the fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters with a strong writing background and excellent attention to detail. Candidates should be expected to be at their professional best through the course of this internship and be prepared to work on a diverse set of research topics. The interns will report to the Program Manager and Research Associate. The intern will be paid at an hourly rate.

The PPD / SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 11 : 59pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00 / hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00 / hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00 / hour for hires with a master's degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following :

RESEARCH AND WRITING (50%) :

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects.
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents.
• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary.
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics ranging from the future of work, forced migration, conflict and stabilization, development finance, quality infrastructure, and other sustainability and capacity building topics in the developing world.
• Draft outreach and promotional content.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (50%) :

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND 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 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.

HOW TO APPLY :

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample in separate and clearly labeled PDFs at https : / / csis.org / careers.

The PPD / SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 11 : 59pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.