GAO Internship

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
International Affairs and Trade

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the “congressional watchdog,” is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress to improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government. GAO supports Congressional oversight by auditing agency operations to determine whether federal funds are being spent efficiently and effectively; reporting on how well government programs and policies are meeting their objectives; and performing policy analyses and outlining options for Congressional consideration. Based on this work, GAO provides the Senate and House of Representatives with reports, testimonies, and other information related to federal programs.

GAO is offering an internship at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. for graduate students or well-qualified undergraduate students with experience or interest in international affairs issues. The internship will provide an opportunity for the student to gain work experience in the International Affairs and Trade (IAT) team at GAO, specifically in the areas of international counterterrorism, international security, multilateral organizations, international trade, development assistance, or foreign affairs management. Specific assignments will be made based on the student’s availability, interests, and GAO’s needs. Interns will be involved in one or more of the following activities:
Working with a project team to research and analyze federal programs related to international affairs, which could involve:
o Helping to “design” a project by determining the methodology for addressing Congressional requests,
o Conducting background research and literature reviews,
o Interviewing external parties and Executive branch agency officials,
o Analyzing data from executive branch agencies and other sources, and
o Contributing to written products, such as reports, testimonies, and Congressional briefings.
Conducting research to help identify issues of interest to key Congressional committees with jurisdiction over international issues and funding.
Assisting in strategic planning activities related to international affairs issues.

This internship is an unpaid position for the spring semester of the school year; the specific start date is flexible (January-February 2010). The work schedule is negotiable; all work will be performed at GAO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Interns must be U.S. citizens. Ideal candidates are students with one year of graduate study and a strong interest in international affairs issues, although strong undergraduate students will also be considered. A letter of recommendation will be provided to the student after successful completion of the internship.

To apply, please send an e-mail with your resume and a brief description of your background and interest in GAO to IATInterns@GAO.GOV by December 1, 2009. Please include the phrase “IAT Unpaid Internship” in the subject line of the e-mail. Candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. No phone calls please.