Research Intern, Energy Security and Climate Change Program

July 23, 2025
$20 / hour

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Job Description

About Company

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962. Its core mission is to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers concerning global security and prosperity.

CSIS has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, employing approximately 275 staff members, including over 120 analysts dedicated to addressing the evolving dynamics of international security worldwide. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diverse perspectives and non-discriminatory employment practices.

Job Description

This position is for an opening within the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program, with a Fall 2025 start date of September 2nd.

The Energy Security and Climate Change Program focuses on providing information and analysis to enhance energy security, combat global climate change, and alleviate energy poverty and environmental injustice. It aims to deliver high-quality public education, strategic insights, and policy solutions by examining issues at the intersection of geopolitics, policy, markets, and technology. The program collaborates with leaders in government, industry, academia, and civil society to develop events and projects that assist decision-makers in crafting smart energy policies balancing economic, environmental, and security priorities. The team values diverse perspectives and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Responsibilities):

• Provide research support for individual scholars and projects related to energy security, markets, transition, and geopolitics.
Monitor economic, energy, and climate-related policies.
• Provide logistical support to the Program staff for administrative tasks as needed, including scheduling, event staffing, and routine office work.
Attend events and lectures (both CSIS and external organizations) to write de-brief summaries.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Education, and Experience):

Eligibility to work in the United States is required.
• Must be at least a college junior in good standing, an advanced student, or a recent graduate.
• Ability to work 35 hours a week.
• Ability to work in-person at CSIS headquarters four days a week.
Excellent research skills are required.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good judgment and the ability to complete projects independently and with a team.
Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple projects & priorities simultaneously.
Strong computer skills.
• Experience with data collection and management is preferred.
• While not required, candidates with a demonstrated interest in the energy sector and climate policy are preferred.

Compensation:

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with their education level:
$18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires.
$19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree.
$20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands are typical of an office environment. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate.

Application Process:

Application Deadline: Monday, August 7, 2025.
Required Documents:
Résumé
Cover letter: Must include an explanation of your interest in the energy and climate change sector.
Short writing sample
Submission Format: All documents must be submitted as a single combined PDF. Submissions not in this format will not be considered.
Submission Portal: Interested applicants should apply online through the CSIS secure recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button provided in the job listing, which redirects to https://careers.csis.org/internships.