Summer 2016 Internship Opportunity in Washington, D.C. at Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Now Open

Washington, D.C. (March 21, 2016) – Internship opportunities for the Summer of 2016 at the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) in Washington, D.C., have been announced today by the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia’aina. Following the successful completion of the first annual OIA Summer Internship Program in 2015, the Assistant Secretary is pleased to again announce the opportunity for post-secondary level students to participate in an Insular Affairs Internship Program for the summer of 2016.

“It is important to provide avenues for young students to learn about how the federal government works given the important role that it plays in the islands,” said Assistant Secretary Esther Kia’aina. “Through our internship program, we aim to build capacity so that participants can consider working for the federal government or have some federal experience under their belt when they return to help their respective communities. Last year’s program set the bar and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort this summer.”

Student applicants, who have completed two full years of post-secondary study will learn about the workings of Washington, D.C., through first-hand experience at the Office of Insular Affairs, working closely with the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas on federal issues impacting the insular areas. Those interested may apply online through USAJOBS, Job Announcement OS-1500-16-1B-060(PW). Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible to apply.

The application period opens on Monday, March 21, 2016, and closes on Friday, April 1, 2016.

OIA's Summer 2015 Interns in Washington, D.C.
(left to right: OIA Director Pula, M. Moore (Palau), C. Jacobs (USVI), Asst. Secretary Kia'aina, F. Solaita (American Samoa),
J. Camacho (CNMI)

The Department of the Interior is responsible for coordinating federal policy with respect to the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and administering and overseeing U.S. federal assistance provided to the Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau under the Compacts of Free Association. The Office of Insular Affairs mission is to foster economic opportunities, promote government efficiency, and improve the quality of life for the people of the insular areas.