German Marshall Fund of the United States
Spring 2026 Trainee Position, Indo-Pacific Program
German Marshall Fund of the United States, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Spring 2026 Trainee Position, Indo-Pacific Program
3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Job Summary
GMF’s Indo‑Pacific Program fosters coordinated U.S.‑European approaches to common challenges in the Indo‑Pacific region while building closer U.S.‑European‑Asian partnerships. Through its research and signature trilateral Track 1.5 dialogues with stakeholders from China, India, Japan, and Taiwan, the program promotes cross‑fertilization of ideas and potential policy solutions in key foreign, economic, and security policy areas, including connectivity, emerging technologies, supply chain resiliency, maritime security, and regional institutions. As the U.S. continues coalition‑building in the region and Europe develops its own Indo‑Pacific strategies, GMF’s insights and networks are vital and relevant. Fellows and staff manage an active set of policy programs, conduct in‑depth research, publish newsletters and podcasts, and contribute articles to a wide range of international publications.
Trainees are key members of the team. They conduct research on various topics, build administrative and operational skills, and gain exposure to GMF’s network and high‑level events. The internship offers an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Provide administrative and research support for the Indo‑Pacific Program on issues pertaining to U.S. and European policy toward the region and related policies of Indo‑Pacific countries.
Provide research support for the China Global podcast.
Assist with program communications and coordination of convening activities and events.
Help maintain the program’s database of contacts.
Qualifications and Requirements
Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills and experience.
Fluency and/or professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English; additional European or Asian languages a plus.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Superior judgment and discretion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to multi‑task and work independently and as part of a team.
Strong academic record, including completed or in‑process studies or degree(s) in International Relations, International Development, Regional Studies, Political Science, Economics, or Security Studies; graduate degree preferred.
Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred.
A demonstrable interest or background in contemporary Northeast, South, or Southeast Asian politics and policy – particularly related to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or India – or familiarity with U.S.‑European policy issues and global strategic debates about American foreign policy and rising international powers.
Position Dates, Compensation, and Eligibility
Preferred start date: January 5, 2026
Preferred end date: May 27, 2026
Preferred time commitment: Part‑time, 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM ET
Compensation: Trainees are paid the DC minimum wage of $17.95 per hour.
Work permit: Trainees must have the applicable work permit for the internship location.
Residency: Trainees must maintain a local address in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
Application Process Please submit a cover letter and current resume. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates of interest will be contacted.
We highly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Don’t meet every single requirement? At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiry to hr@gmfus.org.
GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Job Summary
GMF’s Indo‑Pacific Program fosters coordinated U.S.‑European approaches to common challenges in the Indo‑Pacific region while building closer U.S.‑European‑Asian partnerships. Through its research and signature trilateral Track 1.5 dialogues with stakeholders from China, India, Japan, and Taiwan, the program promotes cross‑fertilization of ideas and potential policy solutions in key foreign, economic, and security policy areas, including connectivity, emerging technologies, supply chain resiliency, maritime security, and regional institutions. As the U.S. continues coalition‑building in the region and Europe develops its own Indo‑Pacific strategies, GMF’s insights and networks are vital and relevant. Fellows and staff manage an active set of policy programs, conduct in‑depth research, publish newsletters and podcasts, and contribute articles to a wide range of international publications.
Trainees are key members of the team. They conduct research on various topics, build administrative and operational skills, and gain exposure to GMF’s network and high‑level events. The internship offers an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Provide administrative and research support for the Indo‑Pacific Program on issues pertaining to U.S. and European policy toward the region and related policies of Indo‑Pacific countries.
Provide research support for the China Global podcast.
Assist with program communications and coordination of convening activities and events.
Help maintain the program’s database of contacts.
Qualifications and Requirements
Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills and experience.
Fluency and/or professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English; additional European or Asian languages a plus.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Superior judgment and discretion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to multi‑task and work independently and as part of a team.
Strong academic record, including completed or in‑process studies or degree(s) in International Relations, International Development, Regional Studies, Political Science, Economics, or Security Studies; graduate degree preferred.
Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred.
A demonstrable interest or background in contemporary Northeast, South, or Southeast Asian politics and policy – particularly related to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or India – or familiarity with U.S.‑European policy issues and global strategic debates about American foreign policy and rising international powers.
Position Dates, Compensation, and Eligibility
Preferred start date: January 5, 2026
Preferred end date: May 27, 2026
Preferred time commitment: Part‑time, 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM ET
Compensation: Trainees are paid the DC minimum wage of $17.95 per hour.
Work permit: Trainees must have the applicable work permit for the internship location.
Residency: Trainees must maintain a local address in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
Application Process Please submit a cover letter and current resume. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates of interest will be contacted.
We highly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Don’t meet every single requirement? At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiry to hr@gmfus.org.
GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr