Oxfam America Paid Research Intern 2026: Remote-Friendly NGO Internship Paying $17 per Hour

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Introduction

At a time when global inequality, climate injustice, and humanitarian crises are shaping international policy debates, paid, high-quality research internships in global NGOs have become more valuable than ever. For 2026, Oxfam America is offering a Paid Research Intern position, with remote-friendly work options and an hourly compensation of $17 USD per hour.

This opportunity matters now because organizations like Oxfam America rely heavily on credible research and evidence to influence public policy, shape advocacy campaigns, and hold governments and corporations accountable. Research interns play a critical role behind the scenes—supporting the data, analysis, and insights that power campaigns on economic justice, gender equality, climate action, and humanitarian response.

Unlike many unpaid internships in the nonprofit sector, this position offers fair compensation, professional mentorship, and real exposure to how research informs decision-making in a globally respected organization. The remote-friendly nature of the role also makes it accessible to talented students and early-career professionals regardless of geographic location, provided they can collaborate effectively in a virtual environment.

This article is written from the perspective of a third-party global job board curator, not Oxfam America itself. It provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized job posting for the Oxfam America Paid Research Intern 2026, including background, responsibilities, qualifications, benefits, application tips, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help interested candidates fully understand the opportunity and prepare a strong, competitive application.

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Oxfam America Paid Research Intern 2026: Remote-Friendly NGO Internship Paying $17 per Hour

Background & Job Description

About Oxfam America

Oxfam America is part of the global Oxfam confederation, a movement working in more than 90 countries to fight poverty and injustice. Oxfam America focuses on addressing the root causes of inequality, rather than just its symptoms, through a combination of research, advocacy, partnerships, and public engagement.

The organization’s work spans several interconnected areas, including:

• Economic justice and inequality
• Gender justice and women’s rights
• Climate justice and sustainable development
• Humanitarian response and resilience
• Food systems and livelihoods

Research is central to Oxfam America’s strategy. Evidence produced or supported by research teams feeds directly into policy recommendations, advocacy campaigns, donor engagement, and public communications. As a result, research interns are not performing abstract academic exercises—they are contributing to work that has tangible influence on real-world decisions.

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Department & Team Context

The Paid Research Intern is typically placed within a policy, research, or program support unit, working closely with senior researchers, policy advisors, and advocacy staff. Depending on organizational needs, the intern may support research related to:

• U.S. and global economic policy
• Climate and environmental justice
• Gender and social inclusion
• Humanitarian financing and response
• Corporate accountability and supply chains

The role is designed to provide hands-on exposure to how research is planned, conducted, reviewed, and translated into policy-relevant outputs in a professional NGO environment.

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Role Purpose & Impact

The purpose of the Research Intern role is to strengthen Oxfam America’s analytical capacity while also building the intern’s professional skills. Interns support research processes that underpin advocacy and policy engagement, helping ensure that Oxfam’s positions are credible, data-driven, and persuasive.

The intern’s work may directly influence:

• Policy briefs shared with decision-makers
• Advocacy campaigns targeting governments or corporations
• Reports used by journalists, academics, and civil society partners
• Internal strategy discussions within Oxfam

In short, this role allows early-career professionals to see how research can move beyond theory and contribute to systemic social change.

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Key Responsibilities

The exact responsibilities may vary by team and project, but Paid Research Interns at Oxfam America are typically involved in the following areas:

1. Research & Information Gathering

• Conduct background research using academic journals, policy papers, NGO reports, and public datasets
• Compile and synthesize information on assigned topics related to development, inequality, or justice
• Support literature reviews and evidence mapping exercises

This responsibility builds core skills in critical reading, source evaluation, and research synthesis.

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2. Data & Analytical Support

• Assist with basic quantitative or qualitative data analysis
• Organize datasets, references, and research materials
• Support fact-checking and verification of data used in reports

This work strengthens attention to detail and introduces interns to evidence standards in advocacy research.

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3. Writing & Drafting

• Contribute draft text to research reports, policy briefs, blogs, or presentations
• Summarize complex findings into clear, accessible language
• Edit and proofread documents for clarity, consistency, and accuracy

Writing tasks help interns develop professional research communication skills highly valued in NGOs and policy institutions.

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4. Collaboration & Team Support

• Participate in virtual team meetings and research discussions
• Coordinate with staff across departments to gather inputs
• Track progress on research tasks and deliverables

This aspect of the role builds experience in remote collaboration and professional teamwork.

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5. Administrative & Knowledge Management Tasks

• Maintain reference lists, research logs, and shared folders
• Support internal documentation and knowledge-sharing processes
• Assist with scheduling or coordination related to research activities

These tasks ensure research projects remain organized, transparent, and efficient.

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Qualifications

Education & Academic Background

Candidates are generally expected to be:

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme in:
  • International Development
  • Public Policy or Public Administration
  • Economics
  • Social Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Gender Studies or related fields

Strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in social justice or development issues are important.

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Experience & Skills

While this is an internship-level role, competitive candidates often demonstrate:

• Prior experience with academic research, policy analysis, or applied research projects
• Strong written communication and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information
• Familiarity with basic research tools (online databases, Excel, citation tools)
• Comfort working independently in a remote or hybrid environment

Previous NGO experience is not mandatory, but internships, volunteer roles, or coursework related to development or policy are strong assets.

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Technical & Soft Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback
• Interest in evidence-based advocacy and policy work

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Why Apply for This Internship

The Oxfam America Paid Research Intern position offers significant value beyond hourly compensation.

1. Paid NGO Experience

At $17 per hour, this internship helps reduce financial barriers that often prevent students from accessing NGO roles. Paid experience also signals professional expectations and accountability.

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2. Real-World Impact

Interns contribute to research that informs actual advocacy and policy decisions, not just internal learning exercises.

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3. Career Development

This role builds foundational skills for careers in:

• International development
• Public policy and government
• Research and think tanks
• NGOs and advocacy organizations
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability

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4. Remote-Friendly Flexibility

The remote-friendly structure allows interns to:

• Gain international NGO experience without relocation
• Balance academic or personal commitments
• Build remote collaboration skills increasingly valued by employers

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5. Mentorship & Networking

Interns work alongside experienced researchers and policy professionals, gaining insights into:

• Career pathways in development and advocacy
• Professional research standards
• NGO organizational culture and strategy

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Application Tips & Insights

How to Tailor Your Application

• Highlight specific research projects or coursework relevant to Oxfam’s themes
• Emphasize writing samples, analytical assignments, or publications
• Clearly explain your interest in economic justice, climate justice, or humanitarian issues
• Demonstrate readiness for remote work (self-motivation, communication skills)

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Key Skills to Highlight

• Research and analytical thinking
• Writing and summarization
• Data organization and attention to detail
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic CVs without research examples
• Failing to connect academic work to real-world policy or advocacy
• Overlooking Oxfam’s mission and values in motivation statements

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Timeline & Selection Process

Internship recruitment timelines vary, but shortlisted candidates may be invited to:

• Short virtual interviews
• Discussions about research interests and skills
• Reviews of writing or analytical samples

Early applications are often advantageous.

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Additional Information

• Position Title: Paid Research Intern
• Organization: Oxfam America
• Work Arrangement: Remote-friendly (location flexible)
• Compensation: $17 USD per hour
• Duration: Typically 3–6 months (may vary)
• Hours: Part-time or full-time depending on programme needs
• Eligibility: Students or recent graduates
• Equal Opportunity: Oxfam America encourages applications from diverse backgrounds

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How to Apply

The general application process includes:

1. Identifying the Oxfam America Research Intern vacancy on the official careers platform
2. Preparing:
   • Updated CV focused on research and writing skills
   • Tailored cover letter or statement of interest
   • Writing or research samples if requested
3. Submitting the application before the stated deadline
4. Preparing for virtual interviews if shortlisted

Applicants are advised to apply early due to high interest in paid, remote NGO internships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship fully remote?
It is remote-friendly, with potential hybrid elements depending on team needs.

Is prior NGO experience required?
No. Strong academic or volunteer research experience can be sufficient.

Is the pay fixed at $17 per hour?
Yes, the role is advertised at $17/hour.

Can international applicants apply?
Eligibility may depend on work authorization and organizational policy, but remote roles can be accessible to a wide applicant pool.

Does this internship lead to employment?
While not guaranteed, many interns use this experience to secure future NGO, policy, or research roles.

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