All who are selected to participate in CFR’s Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program receive training in the field of foreign policy and international affairs as well as skills training in writing, research, program planning, and much more.

The Council on Foreign Relations sponsors two Independent Task Forces each year, which are overseen by the Independent Task Force Program. Chaired by distinguished public servants, Task Forces are convened to assess issues of current and critical importance to U.S. foreign policy and provide policymakers with concrete judgments and recommendations. Diverse in backgrounds and perspectives, Task Force members aim to reach a meaningful consensus on policy through private and nonpartisan deliberations. Upon its conclusion, the Task Force will release a full report of its findings and recommendations.

For more information about Task Forces, please visit the program’s webpage or see the complete list of Task Force reports.

CFR internships are paid, require a 14 - 18 hour commitment, and are filled on a rolling basis.

• Providing significant research support for the Task Force Program and for project directors
• Coordinating Task Force event logistics, including preparing invitations, corresponding with attendees, and preparing background papers and materials for distribution
• Compiling distribution lists for release of Task Force reports
• Editing, proofreading, and fact-checking drafts of Task Force reports
• Tracking Task Force activities for impact and record-keeping
• Conducting research on organizations and individuals as potential outreach and distribution targets
• Writing memos on people, topics, and organization related to the set of Task Force issues

• Undergraduate student with a focus in International Relations, Political Science, or related field of study
• All applicants should have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework (not including AP classes in high school) by the time they begin an internship
• Prior internship experience preferred
• Strong communication, writing, and editing skills
• High level of professionalism and high attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft office and Google suite
• Demonstrated interest in space policy a plus

Pay Rate

$17.50 per hour

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

CFR’s Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Robina Foundation, CFR members, and the family and friends of Franklin Williams.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Quality, diversity, and balance are the key objectives sought by the Council on Foreign Relations in the composition of its workforce.