Intern - Africa Program (Summer 2026)

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.

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.

The hired candidate 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 functions 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.

* B.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.

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.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, a list of 2 references (including reference's name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number), and a writing sample of no more than 3 pages at https://csiscareers.silkroad.com. Applications close April 16, 2026.