Summer Internship Program
Observer Research Foundation America
Posted
Feb 26, 2026
Location
Remote
Type
Contract
Mission
What you will drive
Paid 2026 Summer Internship Program
Period: May 18-August 14, 2026 (full time)
Location: Washington, DC
Application Deadline: March 18, 2026
About ORF America
The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) is an independent, non-partisan, and nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing policy challenges facing the United States, India, and their partners in a rapidly changing world. It produces research, curates diverse and inclusive platforms, and develops networks for cooperation between the developed and developing worlds based on common values and shared interests. ORF America was established in 2020 and is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s premier non-government think tank. Its areas of focus include strategic and security affairs; technology policy; climate, energy, and sustainability; and economic policy. ORF America is an equal opportunity employer and hires staff without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Paid Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship Program at ORF America offers students the opportunity for academic, professional, and personal development. Interns will get hands-on experience of working at a public policy think tank and will be provided ample opportunities to network and develop new skills and competencies. Working closely with their supervisors, summer interns will work on research assistance, the planning and implementation of policy programs, and independent research with guidance from subject matter experts. As integral parts of the team, interns will be immersed in the core activities of the organization.
ORF America has paid internship positions available in three areas of focus: (1) security / technology policy, (2) global economics/energy & climate, and (3) communications. Applicants should provide their area of focus preference.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
-
Providing research support such as literature reviews and data collection and analysis.
-
Monitoring current policy developments in the area of focus.
-
Assisting in the preparation and execution of events, including preparing background materials, assisting with registration and organizational tasks, assisting with social media and promotion, taking notes, and writing analytical summaries.
-
Providing administrative and logistical support and assisting with other tasks as requested.
-
Pursuing independent research under the guidance of a supervisor.
Qualifications
-
Enrollment in a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
-
Background in a policy-relevant discipline, such as political science, economics, history, environmental studies, etc.
-
Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
-
The ability to work well within a team and efficiently handle multiple tasks
-
Fluency in English.
-
Proficiency in basic computer programs (e.g., MS Office and Google Suite). A familiarity with statistical software such as Stata is preferred but not required.
-
Eligibility to work in the United States. ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns.
Compensation
Interns are paid on an hourly basis ($20/hour) and are expected to work 40 hours/week (maximum). ORF America operates in a hybrid model and interns will be expected to come into the office at least three days a week. ORF America will offer modest travel support for selected candidates who reside elsewhere within the United States and need to relocate to Washington DC for the duration of the internship.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send in a single PDF with a resume, one-page cover letter that clearly states their preferred area of focus, and a writing sample of no more than three pages to [email protected] by March 18, 2026. Please write: “Job Application: 2026 Summer Internship” in the subject line. ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview.
Profile
What makes you a great fit
Paid 2026 Summer Internship Program
Period: May 18-August 14, 2026 (full time)
Location: Washington, DC
Application Deadline: March 18, 2026
About ORF America
The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) is an independent, non-partisan, and nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing policy challenges facing the United States, India, and their partners in a rapidly changing world. It produces research, curates diverse and inclusive platforms, and develops networks for cooperation between the developed and developing worlds based on common values and shared interests. ORF America was established in 2020 and is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s premier non-government think tank. Its areas of focus include strategic and security affairs; technology policy; climate, energy, and sustainability; and economic policy. ORF America is an equal opportunity employer and hires staff without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Paid Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship Program at ORF America offers students the opportunity for academic, professional, and personal development. Interns will get hands-on experience of working at a public policy think tank and will be provided ample opportunities to network and develop new skills and competencies. Working closely with their supervisors, summer interns will work on research assistance, the planning and implementation of policy programs, and independent research with guidance from subject matter experts. As integral parts of the team, interns will be immersed in the core activities of the organization.
ORF America has paid internship positions available in three areas of focus: (1) security / technology policy, (2) global economics/energy & climate, and (3) communications. Applicants should provide their area of focus preference.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
-
Providing research support such as literature reviews and data collection and analysis.
-
Monitoring current policy developments in the area of focus.
-
Assisting in the preparation and execution of events, including preparing background materials, assisting with registration and organizational tasks, assisting with social media and promotion, taking notes, and writing analytical summaries.
-
Providing administrative and logistical support and assisting with other tasks as requested.
-
Pursuing independent research under the guidance of a supervisor.
Qualifications
-
Enrollment in a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
-
Background in a policy-relevant discipline, such as political science, economics, history, environmental studies, etc.
-
Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
-
The ability to work well within a team and efficiently handle multiple tasks
-
Fluency in English.
-
Proficiency in basic computer programs (e.g., MS Office and Google Suite). A familiarity with statistical software such as Stata is preferred but not required.
-
Eligibility to work in the United States. ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns.
Compensation
Interns are paid on an hourly basis ($20/hour) and are expected to work 40 hours/week (maximum). ORF America operates in a hybrid model and interns will be expected to come into the office at least three days a week. ORF America will offer modest travel support for selected candidates who reside elsewhere within the United States and need to relocate to Washington DC for the duration of the internship.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send in a single PDF with a resume, one-page cover letter that clearly states their preferred area of focus, and a writing sample of no more than three pages to [email protected] by March 18, 2026. Please write: “Job Application: 2026 Summer Internship” in the subject line. ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview.