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International Development Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

... development policy and programming guidance to ensure the Agency's work is grounded in evidence and reflects the most advanced thinking in international development. You will be responsible for ...

... policies, and other research related to export development; and • Other responsibilities include working closely with federal, state and local export promotion partners including the Small Business ...

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International Development Policy information

See salary details

$47K

$67.6K

$88.5K

How much do international development policy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for international development policy in the United States is $67,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between International Development Policy vs International Development Project Manager?

AspectInternational Development PolicyInternational Development Project Manager
Required CredentialsMaster's in International Relations, Development Studies, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Project Management, Development, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPolicy offices, think tanks, government agenciesOn-the-ground project sites, NGOs, international agencies
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, NGOs, international organizationsNGOs, development agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on policy analysis and formulationFocuses on project implementation and management

While both roles are integral to international development, International Development Policy professionals primarily focus on creating and analyzing policies that guide development efforts. In contrast, International Development Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and management of specific development projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What is international development policy?

International development policy refers to the strategies, plans, and guidelines that governments, organizations, or international bodies create to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve living standards in developing countries. These policies often address issues like education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance, and economic reform. Professionals in this field work on designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster sustainable development and global cooperation. Their work involves research, policy analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders across the world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in International Development Policy, and why are they important?

To thrive in International Development Policy, you need a solid background in political science, economics, or international relations, often supported by a relevant master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy evaluation frameworks, and global development databases is typically required. Strong cross-cultural communication, analytical thinking, and adaptability help professionals collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. These skills are crucial for designing impactful policies and ensuring successful implementation in complex, global environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in International Development Policy roles?

Professionals in International Development Policy often encounter challenges such as navigating complex political environments, coordinating with diverse stakeholders across countries, and adapting to rapidly changing global priorities. Balancing the interests and objectives of governments, NGOs, and local communities can be demanding. Additionally, these roles frequently require managing projects with limited resources and tight deadlines, while ensuring that policies are culturally sensitive and evidence-based.
More about International Development Policy jobs
What cities are hiring for International Development Policy jobs? Cities with the most International Development Policy job openings:
What states have the most International Development Policy jobs? States with the most job openings for International Development Policy jobs include:
Infographic showing various International Development Policy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,603 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Intern - Project on Prosperity and Development and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initia

Intern - Project on Prosperity and Development and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initia

Center For Strategic And International Studies

Washington, DC • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
 
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity.  Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
 
CSIS is seeking two full-time interns to join the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) and the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative (SDRI) starting in early January 2026 in-person at CSIS. Internships are seasonal and typically last 4 months with the possibility of extension up to 6 months at the discretion of the program. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter their available start and end dates. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the position. 
 
Interns are primarily responsible for conducting research on international development, development finance, U.S. foreign policy, international organizations, private sector engagement on development, trade issues, climate adaptation investment, and more. Interns also assist with social media efforts, assist in event planning and management, and have the option to write a blog post to be published on CSIS Development Dispatches. Because of the fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters with a strong writing background and excellent attention to detail. Candidates should be expected to be at their professional best through the course of this internship and be prepared to work on a diverse set of research topics. The interns will report to the Program Manager and Research Associate. The intern will be paid at an hourly rate.
 
The PPD/SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.  
 
The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following: 
 
RESEARCH AND WRITING (50%):
• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects.
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents.
• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary.
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics ranging from the future of work, forced migration, conflict and stabilization, development finance, quality infrastructure, and other sustainability and capacity building topics in the developing world.
• Draft outreach and promotional content.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (50%):
• Manage content on Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Promote PPD/SDRI’s public events on Twitter and LinkedIn in the weeks or days before and live tweet on the day of the event.
• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences.
• Assist in preparation of written publications for the publishing process.
• Virtually or in-person attend meetings and events to take notes on various topics related to international development in addition to other forms of event support, some of which may be before or after work hours.
• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members.
 
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:
 
• Bachelor’s degree (or current student) in international studies, economics, international development, political science, or a related field.
• Full-time availability for 35 hours/week (required) between early January 2026 through mid-May 2026. 
• Demonstrated ability to take detailed notes during meetings in an effective manner.
• Demonstrated professional communication skills in conversation with colleagues and high-level stakeholders and be able to communicate ideas clearly in various written formats.
• Outstanding attention to detail; proven ability to advance research projects with hands-off supervision while being accountable for the accuracy of outputs.
• Familiarity with creating footnotes in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition.
• Demonstrated understanding of CSIS purpose and function, as well as a familiarity with PPD and SDRI research focuses.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Prior internship experience, conferencing/event management experience, digital outreach experience.
• Background in Russian Studies OR Digital Development OR Sustainable Development is preferred, although not required.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
 
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
HOW TO APPLY: 
 
Interested applicants should submit a resumé, cover letter, and a writing sample in separate and clearly labeled PDFs at https://csis.org/careers. 
 
The PPD/SDRI spring 2026 intern application will close at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2025. 

Required Skills
Required Experience