Summer Southeast Asia Program Internship with the Stimson Center

Summer Southeast Asia Program Internship with the Stimson Center

The Southeast Asia program at Stimson offers internships throughout the year, with some flexibility regarding exact start and end dates. The program addresses important and timely policy issues concerning Southeast Asia from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Currently the Southeast Asia program is active on three main issue areas: (1) the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the current lack of regional coordination and system-scale planning of the hydropower and its role within the broader food-water-energy nexus; (2) the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) economic and political relations with the US, China, Japan, and other partners; and (3) economic and political developments involving ASEAN member states.

The Southeast Asia internship offers a unique opportunity to build upon and apply educational and other experience by carrying out research and participating in the development of practical approaches to important policy issues. The program director Brian Eyler seeks applicants who have a strong interest in political economy and Southeast Asian issues and the desire to learn more and develop policy analysis skills.  Interns are a vital part of the Southeast Asia program who work closely with the director and the research analyst as well as their peers and staff in other programs, participate in a variety of Stimson events, and benefit from the experience of working in Stimson's collegial environment.

Southeast Asia program interns should be prepared to assume administrative and organizing duties as well as research, writing, and editing. Specific responsibilities can include:

• Providing research assistance to program staff
• Writing summaries of conferences, seminars, and other outside events
• Assisting in coordination of program-sponsored events
• Tracking developments regarding Southeast Asia, the region's relationships with neighboring countries, especially China and Japan, and US-ASEAN relations
• Tracking energy sector developments in Southeast Asia, with additional attention to global trends for renewable energy, natural gas, and other relevant technological developments
• Creating spreadsheets and graphics, and assisting in the drafting of various written products
• Proofreading, editing, and assisting in the distribution of program publications

Qualifications

Required

• Research abilities and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both in writing and speaking
• Some coursework in economics, international relations, and Southeast Asian studies
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Flexibility to work effectively both as part of a team and independently
• Initiative, maturity, and professionalism 
• Computer skills relevant to an office setting

Preferred

• Reading proficiency in Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Burmese, or Chinese
• Demonstrated interest in Southeast Asia and relevant issues
• Knowledge of the field and literature of international political economy, environmental studies, and/or global development
• Knowledge of/experience in water security or the energy sector
• International experience
• Research experience and previous work in NGOs and/or governmental agencies 
• Experience with WordPress or other online web editing application

We welcome applications from undergraduate, graduate, and professional candidates. 

Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week. Preference may be given to those available 30+ hours per week for a minimum of 15 weeks. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and writing sample as a PDF.