International Affairs Advisory Internship

Title: International Affairs Advisory Internship (Africa Focus) - Winter/Spring '27 Location: Washington, DC, United States Posted Date: 2026-09-15

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 

About APCO   

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.  

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.  

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.  

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. 

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made. 

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.