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

The CSIS Middle East program is currently seeking candidates for a full-time, spring 2025 internship running from January through mid-May. CSIS interns mostly work downtown at our office in DC, but some flexibility is offered to work remotely part of the time. All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($17.50/hour for current undergraduate hires, $18.50/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $19.50/hour for hires with a master’s degree)

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

• Compiling research briefs and literature reviews for fellows and research staff;

• Observing or listening to virtual events and writing event summaries;

• Pitching and researching articles for the Middle East Program’s monthly newsletter;

• Assisting with editing and production of the Middle East Program’s biweekly podcast, Babel: Translating the Middle East;

• Supporting maintenance of the program’s website and contact database;

• Drafting external communications via the program’s Facebook and Twitter pages and Pardot mailings;

• Completing other minor administrative tasks.

• Completion or near completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in Middle East studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field;

• Minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a U.S. scale or equivalent;

• Strong demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Middle East;

• Demonstrated research skills;

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills;

• Zest for challenging assignments that demand creativity;

• Working knowledge of Arabic, Persian, and/or French strongly preferred with an emphasis on reading and listening skills.

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in-office.

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, resumé, a writing sample of up to five double-spaced pages, and all college transcripts at https://careers.csis.org/. Writing samples should demonstrate the ability to research and write policy-relevant work on the region. Two letters of recommendation should also be sent to [email protected].