Spring 2025 Internship with the
Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative
Period: January-May 2025 (Part-Time)
Location: Washington, DC Deadline for Application: December 2
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 2025 Internship Program
Fall and spring internships at ORF America allow 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 2025, we are looking for an intern to provide research and administrative support to the Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative within the Technology Policy program at ORF America. This paid internship will require in-person work at ORF America’s office in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Assist in the preparation and execution of events as part of the Global Cyber Policy
Dialogues project, including preparing background materials, assisting with registration,
organizational tasks, and taking notes
Monitor current policy, technology, and business developments related to ICT security
through research and writing
Assisting with programming including the regular updating and refining of website and
contacts database
Providing administrative and logistical support for the initiative and assisting with
other tasks as requested
Qualifications
Enrollment in a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the Washington DC area
Eligibility to work in the United States; ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns
Background in international relations, public policy, history, political science, or another relevant field
Strong writing skills and attention to detail
Fluency in English
The ability to work within a team and efficiently handle multiple tasks
Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite)
The Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative
The Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative at ORF America convenes experts, promotes dialogue, and produces quality research on current challenges to security and stability in cyberspace. The Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative was started in 2009 at the EastWest Institute and initiated some of the earliest dialogue on the critical issues of cooperation in cyberspace. Now at ORF America, the initiative is focused on promoting international cooperation and building capacity to address cyber threats in emerging economies. The initiative currently runs the Global Cyber Policy Dialogues, a series of regional dialogues aiming to improve cyberspace governance and cooperation by bringing together stakeholders on a regional basis to improve trust and cooperation. The project convenes regional meetings in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Southern Africa around key issues in cybersecurity such as emerging threats, capacity building, cyber diplomacy, digital transformation, and public-private partnerships.
Compensation
This position is paid on an hourly basis ($18/hour). Interns will be expected to work 15 hours/week.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their resume, a one-page cover letter, and writing sample in a single PDF document to orfamerica@orfamerica.org. Please include: “Spring 2025 Internship Application: Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative” in the subject line. ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview.