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

JOB SUMMARY:

CSIS is seeking a full-time research intern from March 2021 to September 2021 to support the CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project–an initiative that analyses the evolving digital, transport, and energy connectivity of Eurasia, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The team’s research has been featured in outlets such as the Financial Times, the Economist, and National Geographic. The position is research and data entry intensive and therefore requires excellent time management skills and careful attention to detail. Candidates should function well in a fast-paced team environment, adapt quickly to a wide variety of research and analytical tasks, and have strong written and oral communications skills. Team members will have regular opportunities to contribute research, input, and ideas for analytical pieces. Applicants must be able to commit to full-time availability for the full internship period to be considered.

Candidates with the following skills and experience are highly desired and encouraged to apply:

• Previous research or data collection experience related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. • Familiarity with digital infrastructure and digital connectivity (5G, smart cities, fiberoptic cables, data centers, etc.) including its physical components, economic and policy implications, and strategic risks. • The ability to research proficiently in Chinese and perform some translation. • Data Analysis skills including advanced Excel functions (e.g. pivot tables and formulas), regressions, or other trend analysis using R or Python.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Conduct research and data entry tasks related to infrastructure and connectivity development. • Compile daily newsletters and manage Reconnecting Asia social media outlets. • Contribute to analytical products through research, ideas, and general awareness of relevant news, publications and international events. • Assist with the online publication process for news and analysis updates. • Various other research and logistical tasks as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Candidates must have strong English-language writing and research skills, be effective critical thinkers, and have strong attention to detail. • Practical and/or academic background in at least one of the following areas is desirable:

      o International Relations       o Regional Studies (specific to Asia)       o Economics       o Information Technology       o Data or Computer Science 

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.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, short writing sample, and a GIS sample (required for GIS applicants only) at https://csiscareers.silkroad.com. For more information on the Reconnecting Asia Project, please visit: https://reconnectingasia.csis.org.

Letters of recommendation can be sent to Ms. Maesea McCalpin at mmccalpin@csis.org.

Required Skills Required Experience