Energy Security and Climate Change Program Intern

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.

About CSIS and the Energy Security and Climate Change Program 
 

The CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program provides the analysis leaders need to strengthen energy security, support economic prosperity, address climate change, and navigate an evolving global energy system. We provide innovative, strategic insights and policy solutions by examining energy issues at the intersection of geopolitics, policy, markets, technology, and infrastructure. Collaborating with leaders in government, industry, academia, and civil society, our team helps decisionmakers design smart energy policies that balance affordability, reliability, environmental goals, and national security. 

We are seeking a curious, detail-oriented intern who can contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant research across a wide range of domestic and international energy issues. Current areas of focus include the U.S. power sector and transmission system, energy affordability and reliability, global oil and natural gas markets, geopolitical disruptions, emerging energy technologies, and more! The ideal candidate will be comfortable locating and evaluating credible sources, collecting and organizing data, monitoring fast-moving policy and market developments, and translating complex or technical material into clear, concise written analysis. Interns will also support public and private events, contribute to the program’s social media and digital communications, and assist with administrative and logistical tasks as needed. We value candidates who ask thoughtful questions, are self starters, work collaboratively, and are eager to strengthen their research and professional skills. 

As a diverse team, we value different perspectives in our work. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in energy security and climate change are preferred. Please tell us why you are interested in our work and what research interests you in your cover letter. This position is a six-month internship set to begin in early November and end in early May.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree). 

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 social media, event staffing, and routine office work
• Attend events and lectures, by CSIS and external organizations, to write de-brief summaries 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 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 required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good judgment and ability to complete projects independently and with a team.
• Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills.  
• Experience with data collection and management preferred. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter at https://www.csis.org/about/careers-culture/careers#grnhse_app.  

All applications are due no later than Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. 

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.