Virtual Fall Intern
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, OFFICE OF AFRICA
UNPAID VIRTUAL FALL INTERNSHIPS
The Office of Africa (OA) in the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking several unpaid virtual part-time interns for the Fall with possibility to extend into the Spring.
Interns will have the opportunity to work with OA staff at our headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as remotely with Foreign Commercial Service employees based at U.S. Embassies throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to include Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola and South Africa. Interns working with headquarters will have the opportunity to have a hybrid internship if in the Washington D.C. area.
Opportunities include:
Supporting the ITA on strategic projects to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry and investments
Researching and analyzing issues related to U.S.-Africa trade policy and presenting findings to international trade analysts
Researching and analyzing how other countries and foreign companies’ approach and operate in the market
Synthesizing current events and diplomatic cables from U.S. Embassies in Africa
Participating in calls and virtual meetings with senior international trade analysts
Drafting briefing documents for U.S. Department of Commerce officials
Networking with current ITA interns and alumni
Ideal applicants should have:
A strong interest in U.S.-Africa trade policy and promotion
Excellent oral and written communication skills
An ability to work in a collaborative team setting
Research experience
Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Swahili language reading skills (preferred but not required)
Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university, and living in the United States. Because these internships will be virtual, applicants will need to have a workspace, a personal computer with internet access, and a personal phone. Spring interns are expected to work a minimum of 15 hours per week.
How to apply: Interested applicants are asked to please submit ONE document containing an updated resume and cover letter in pdf (preferred) or word format. Please use the following naming convention for your document: LASTNAME_Firstname (e.g., DOE_Jane.pdf). Submit applications via email to Mashal Shabbir (mashal.shabbir@trade.gov) by Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST with the subject line “OA Fall 2024 Internship Application”. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submission before the deadline is highly encouraged. Thank you for your interest!
The Office of Africa is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We offer virtual internships with flexible hours to provide an equal opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to qualify for this experience.