Spring Internship Opportunity

Position Title:                    Intern
Department/Team:        Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative
Period:                                 January-May 2023 (20-40 hours per week)
Location:                             Remote/Washington DC

About ORF America & the Cyberspace Cooperation Initiative

The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) was established in 2020 as an independent, non-partisan public policy institute based in Washington DC. It is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation, India’s premier non-government think tank. ORF America produces research and commentary and convenes policymakers and thought leaders on global affairs, with a particular focus on relations between the developed and developing worlds and between India and the Americas. Its areas of focus include strategic and security affairs, technology policy, 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.

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, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America around key cyber challenges such as cyberspace governance, emerging technologies, and public-private partnerships.

Job Summary

Internships at ORF America allow students with the opportunity for academic, professional, and personal development. Interns will work closely with their supervisor on research projects, and administrative and logistical support. This position would primarily support the Global Cyber Policy Dialogues project, as well as the overall programming of the initiative. This position offers the opportunity for interns to gain exposure to the field of international cyber policy, understanding who the key stakeholders are, and delve into some of the current issues facing the international community. This position allows interns to understand how cyber issues are dealt with on a political and policy level, and how these issues intersect with international affairs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist with research for the Global Cyber Policy Dialogues including contributing to background briefs and identifying potential participants and speakers
• Assist in the preparation and execution of events as part of the project, including preparing background materials, assisting with registration, organizational tasks, and taking notes
• Monitor current policy, technology, and business developments related to ICT security
• Provide administrative and logistical support for the initiative and assist with other tasks as requested

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university
• Eligibility to work in the United States; ORF America does not sponsor visas for interns
• Background in international relations, public policy, political science, or another relevant field
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• Fluency in English
• The ability and drive to perform in a fast-paced international environment
• The ability to work within a team and efficiently handle multiple tasks
• Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and GoogleApps)

Compensation

This position is unpaid. Students will be eligible to receive course credit from their college or university for the internship.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Anneleen Roggeman at aroggeman@orfamerica.org. ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview.