Africa Fellow - Africa Practice

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

 McLarty Associates, an Ankura Company, is the global strategy firm led by former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, former Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte, and President Lee Feinstein. Since 1998, MA has built a team of nearly 100 seasoned international specialists to help corporate and non-profit clients manage policy and government issues around the world. With offices in Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, our people can be found in over twenty countries. In 2022, McLarty Associates joined Ankura Consulting, an independent global expert services and advisory firm. The Ankura-McLarty combination delivers comprehensive solutions to handle disputes, navigate distress, manage risk, address financial and operational challenges, and execute programs that resolve policy, regulatory, government, and diplomatic issues that companies face anywhere in the world. 

Position Summary:

McLarty Associates is seeking a bright, resourceful individual for a paid, entry-level internship/graduate fellowship to support our Africa Practice. We are seeking an individual who can work part-time (approx. 30 hours/week) starting in January 2027. This position will be performed in-person from McLarty’s Washington D.C. office.

As an intern/graduate fellow, you will work on a variety of projects with different engagement teams. The program aims to give you exposure to the breadth of our services and client work. You will work closely with our professionals – Associate through Senior Managing Director – and gain first-hand experience in consulting. Your assignments may involve work in news tracking, policy analysis, memo writing, and/or note-taking at client meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducting extensive research of public policy, international, and business issues;
• Writing memos, compiling biographies, preparing presentations;
• Monitoring regional news outlets;
• Attending and reporting on speeches, panel discussions, and policy forums of interest to the firm and clients;
• Assisting professional staff with general office and administrative support; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Graduates of a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in International Relations, Political Science, or related field.
• Accomplished qualitative and quantitative researchers;
• Excellent writers;
• Exceptionally organized with an independent and creative nature;
• Strong critical thinkers;
• Inclined to take initiative and anticipate the needs of the team;
• Attentive to details;
• Able to operate in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality;
• Able to remain poised under pressure and juggle multiple projects at a time;
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Excel, Office 365, and other business applications and media platforms. 
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Ideal candidates for this position possess an understanding of international politics, economics, trade, technology, government relations, business, culture, and entrepreneurship. Applicants should also have a robust background, demonstrated interest, and/or experience living or studying in sub-Saharan Africa. Regional language proficiency strongly preferred, especially French, or Portuguese.

Interested applicants must submit an application that includes: 

• Cover Letter highlighting relevant experience and skills;
• Resume; and
• Short Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages) demonstrating strong research and concise writing on issues related to sub-Saharan Africa, international politics, or political economy.

Please compile all application materials into one PDF document. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. Applying early is strongly encouraged.

Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. A reasonable estimate of the current payrate for this internship is: $18.40/hr. This position is not benefits eligible.

Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [email protected] or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.