Deadline to apply: February 26, 2021

The Southeast Asia program at Stimson offers internships throughout the year, with some flexibility regarding exact start and end dates. The program works to address important and timely policy issues concerning sustainable infrastructure development and clean energy development from a multidisciplinary perspective in Southeast Asia.

Currently the 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 hydropower and its role within the broader food-water-energy nexus; 2 infrastructure development in Southeast Asia and the impacts of development partner initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the United States’ Indo-Pacific Strategy, Japan’s Partnership for Quality Infrastructure; and 3 regional 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 policy research and participating in the development of practical approaches to policy issues in the region, with particular focus on the five lower Mekong countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Program Director Brian Eyler seeks applicants who have a strong interest in political economy, sustainable development, and Southeast Asian issues and the desire to develop policy analysis skills. The summer 2021 internship will be virtual, but interns will work closely with the director and other core team members and participate in a variety of Stimson events.

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 policy research assistance to program staff
• Writing summaries of conferences, seminars, and other outside events
• Tracking economic and political developments in Southeast Asia, including with key outside partners such as China, Japan, Australia, and the United States
• Tracking infrastructure developments in Southeast Asia
• Supporting the program’s social media outreach and virtual events
• Proofreading, editing, and assisting in the distribution of program publications

The following qualifications are:

Required

• Research abilities and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Some coursework in economics, international relations, development issues, 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
• Demonstrated interest in Southeast Asia and relevant issues
• Computer skills relevant to an office setting

Preferred

• Reading proficiency in Thai, Lao, Khmer, Vietnamese, Burmese, or Chinese
• 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

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

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