Paid 2026 Spring Internship Program
Period: January-May, 2026 | Part-Time
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline for Application: November 15, 2025
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 Spring 2026 Internship Program
The spring internship at ORF America provides undergraduate and graduate students in the Washington, DC area an opportunity for academic, professional, and personal development. Interns work closely with fellows and program managers to assist with research, writing, communications, and other programming tasks.
For spring 2026, we are looking for interns to support the following pillars of work: (1) cyber and emerging technologies and (2) energy & climate. This is a paid internship and requires in-person work at ORF America’s office in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Providing research support such as literature reviews and data collection, cleaning, 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
This position is paid on an hourly basis ($20/hour). Interns will be expected to work 15 hours/week.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their resume and a cover letter (no more than a page) in a single PDF document to orfamerica@orfamerica.org. Please include: “Job Application: 2026 Spring Internship” in the subject line. ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview.