For aspiring researchers and policy analysts committed to social justice, the Oxfam Research Intern position with the Strategy & Insights Hub is a premier opportunity. Based out of Washington, DC (with remote flexibility), this role offers more than just a line on a resume; it provides a direct entry into the intellectual engine of one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
With a starting compensation of $17 per hour, this paid internship is designed for graduate students or recent graduates ready to apply their academic skills to real-world challenges. Unlike administrative internships that focus on filing, this role demands critical thinking, data synthesis, and a deep engagement with Oxfam’s mission to fight inequality and poverty. You will be working alongside seasoned experts to produce the evidence base that drives Oxfam’s global advocacy.
Whether you are passionate about industrial policy, food security in fragile states, or domestic inequality in the US, this position offers a front-row seat to high-level NGO strategy. It is a rare chance to work in a “non-exempt” capacity (eligible for overtime pay if applicable) while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid or remote work culture.
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Background & Job Description
Oxfam America is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. The Strategy & Insights Hub is the department responsible for ensuring that Oxfam’s campaigns and programs are grounded in rigorous evidence and forward-thinking analysis.
The Research Intern serves as a vital support arm for this hub. The intern will not be siloed into a single project but will likely work across various thematic areas, such as Industrial Policy, US Inequality, and Humanitarian Response. The role is intended to bridge the gap between academic theory and actionable policy insights.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by ensuring that Oxfam’s voice is backed by data. In an era of misinformation, the Strategy & Insights Hub ensures that when Oxfam speaks on “emergency food aid” or “wealth disparity,” the arguments are unassailable. The intern contributes directly to this credibility by conducting literature reviews, cleaning datasets, and summarizing complex findings for internal and external audiences.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Intern will be expected to perform a mix of substantive research and project coordination duties:
- Research & Data Analysis:
- Support the Industrial Policy portfolio by locating academic materials, entering them into literature review software, and ensuring data quality.
- Develop annotated bibliographies on critical topics, such as emergency food aid in fragile contexts.
- Identify and classify relevant datasets for the study of inequality in the United States, supporting the creation of a centralized data catalog.
- Content Development & Synthesis:
- Conduct background research on emerging policy trends and summarize findings into briefing notes or “Fast Facts” for senior staff.
- Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting high-level reports, presentations, and policy briefs.
- Project Coordination:
- Help coordinate meetings, events, or internal knowledge-sharing sessions for the Strategy team.
- Provide general administrative support to ensure the team operates efficiently in a remote/hybrid environment.
- Knowledge Management:
- Assist in maintaining the team’s internal knowledge repositories (e.g., Box, SharePoint) to ensure research is accessible to the wider organization.
Oxfam Research Intern 2026: Join the Strategy & Insights Hub (Remote/Hybrid)
Qualifications
Oxfam seeks candidates who combine academic rigor with a genuine passion for social change.
Education & Certification
- Current Students or Recent Grads: The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate program (Master’s or PhD level preferred).
- Fields of Study: Data Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, or related social science fields.
- Undergraduate: Exceptional undergraduate students with strong research portfolios may also be considered.
Experience & Skills
- Research Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with academic research, including literature reviews, data collection, and citation management.
- Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel is essential (organizing datasets, basic formulas).
- Experience with literature review software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) is a plus.
- Strong editing and formatting skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are mandatory. You must be able to summarize complex academic text into clear, concise language.
Core Competencies
- Alignment: A fundamental understanding of gender justice, racial equity, and diversity, with a commitment to promoting these values in the workplace.
- Agility: Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a team-based, problem-solving culture.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Paid Professional Experience At $17+ per hour, this internship respects your labor. It allows you to gain prestige and experience without the financial barrier of unpaid work, making it accessible to a diverse range of candidates.
2. “Strategy & Insights” Exposure Most NGO internships are in communications or fundraising. This role places you in the intellectual hub. You will see how an $80M+ organization decides what to work on and how to measure it. This is invaluable experience for anyone wanting a career in think tanks, policy advising, or academia.
3. Remote/Hybrid Flexibility Oxfam America’s culture supports remote work. While based administratively in Washington, DC, the ability to work remotely allows for a better work-life balance and saves on commuting costs. For DC-based candidates, the option to go into the office offers networking opportunities near Capitol Hill.+1
4. Mentorship and Networking You will work closely with staff from various departments. This exposure allows you to build a network of mentors who can guide you on career paths in international development, advocacy, and research.
Application Tips & Insights
1. Highlight Your “Hard” Research Skills Do not just say “I am a good researcher.” Be specific.
- Weak: “I did research for my thesis.”
- Strong: “I conducted a comparative literature review on food security using Zotero and cleaned a dataset of 500+ entries using Excel pivot tables.”
2. Demonstrate “Data Organization” The job description mentions “classifying datasets” and “data catalogs.” In your cover letter, mention any experience you have with Knowledge Management—organizing files, tagging resources, or creating systems that help teams find information quickly.
3. Address the Specific Topics The Strategy & Insights Hub is currently looking at Industrial Policy and US Inequality. If you have written a paper or taken a class on these topics, highlight it prominently. It shows you can hit the ground running without needing a crash course on the subject matter.
4. Show Cultural Alignment Oxfam is a values-driven organization. Briefly mention your commitment to gender justice and anti-racism in your cover letter. Give an example of how you have applied these lenses in your academic or professional work.
Additional Information
- Compensation: Starting at $17.00 USD per hour (Non-Exempt).
- Status: Intern (Temporary).
- Work Arrangement: Remote/Hybrid. Employees can work remotely, though there may be a preference for candidates who can occasionally commute to the Washington, DC office.
- Hours: Typically 35 hours per week (Full-time internship).
- Location: Washington, DC (Administrative base).
- Exempt Status: Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime pay if hours exceed 40/week, subject to approval).
How to Apply
- Visit the Career Portal: Go to the Oxfam America Careers page or their listings on major job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Idealist).
- Search: Look for “Research Intern” or “Strategy & Insights Hub.”
- Prepare Documents:
- Resume/CV: Tailored to highlight research methodologies and data tools.
- Cover Letter: specifically addressing the “Strategy & Insights” aspect.
- Writing Sample: You may be asked to provide a short academic writing sample (keep it ready).
- Submit: Complete the online application form.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back in 2-3 weeks, a polite follow-up email is acceptable.
Note: Oxfam America is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits discrimination. They actively seek a diverse applicant pool.+1
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I live in California or another state far from DC? A: The listing states “Employees can work remotely,” which implies geographic flexibility. However, Oxfam America is registered to do business in specific states (often MA, DC, NY, CA, etc.). You should check the specific application portal to see if your state of residence is eligible for payroll.+1
Q: Is this internship eligible for university credit? A: Yes, many Oxfam interns arrange to receive academic credit. You will need to coordinate this with your university advisor and the Oxfam hiring manager.
Q: What is the difference between “Strategy & Insights” and “Campaigns”? A: “Campaigns” focuses on public mobilization, protests, and lobbying. “Strategy & Insights” focuses on the evidence—the data, research, and analysis—that informs those campaigns. This role is more academic and analytical than a standard campaigning intern role.
Q: Do I need a PhD to apply? A: No. While graduate students are preferred, high-performing undergraduates or recent Bachelor’s graduates with strong research skills are encouraged to apply.
