International Affairs Advisory Internship (Africa Focus) - Winter/Spring '27

Location: Washington, DC, United States Department: Consulting

APCO is hiring rising seniors and recent graduates to join our full-time, paid internship program. Our interns will experience on-the-job training in client service as a part of APCO's Office of the Executive Chairman (OXC). OXC supports our founder and chairman, Margery Kraus, on a range of new business proposals, client support, and thought leadership content. Operating at a dynamic, fast‑paced, and consistently global level, the team offers interns meaningful exposure to international affairs work - providing opportunities to explore global issues, support cross‑regional projects, and gain insight into how APCO advises clients around the world.

This internship will sit in APCO's New York or Washington, D.C. office.

Responsibilities:

Conduct research and analysis on political, economic, and policy developments across Africa, helping to inform client recommendations, strategic insights, and advisory projects

Draft and refine memos, presentations, and thought‑leadership materials that address international affairs topics and worldwide client priorities

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support projects spanning multiple regions, contributing insights that connect U.S. and international perspectives

Assist in developing client proposals, contributing research, drafting, and narrative structuring to help showcase APCO's global capabilities and tailored solutions

Identify and compile lists of media contacts

Edit and proofread client deliverables

Qualifications:

Recent college graduate or senior in class standing;

Experience with Africa‑focused policy, market, or regional work is preferred

The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, comfortable in a fast-paced environment, and attentive to detail

Demonstrated interest in international affairs

Applicants are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills and experience successfully balancing multiple tasks

Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office

Requires US Work Authorization, unable to consider candidates with CPT/OPT/Post-OPT status

What are the core working hours and will I need to be in an office?

Our interns work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

We are committed to a hybrid and flexible working environment, and there may be days that you wish to work from home and days that we come together so that you get to explore more of our culture and meet other colleagues. You will be provided with a company laptop so that you are able to work from home and in the office easily.

Compensation:

This is a paid internship at a fixed hourly rate of $18.40

When is the closing date for applications?

Applications will close on Friday, October 2nd.

When does the internship commence?

Our program begins on Tuesday, January 12th and ends on Friday, May 21st 2027.

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

EOE M/F/V/D