Research Intern - Latin American Public Policy

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

The Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity examines how economic and personal freedoms affect prosperity and human well-being worldwide. 

Ian Vásquez co-authors the annual Human Freedom Index — the most comprehensive global assessment of personal, civil, and economic liberties — and is a prominent analyst of Latin American political economy, focusing on authoritarian regimes, market reforms, and the region's ongoing challenges with populism and statism. Marcos Falcone reports on Argentina and the broader Latin American policy landscape, publishing in both English and Spanish for audiences in both regions. 

Interns support scholars with research, data analysis, writing, and bilingual outreach efforts that directly contribute to published work and ElCato.org, Cato's Spanish-language platform.

Responsibilities

• Monitor major Spanish- and English-language media daily; prepare concise news summaries and regional updates for scholars.
• Research and compile data on economic, social, and human freedom indicators for use in analyses, blog posts, and op-eds — including work with Human Freedom Index datasets and related regional metrics.
• Perform econometric and data analysis using Excel or statistical software to examine relationships between freedom indicators and economic or political results.
• Draft background research memos, fact-finding summaries, and supporting materials for op-eds, papers, and policy forums.
• Contribute to ElCato.org by providing Spanish-language research support, content summaries, and social media collaboration.
• Assist with event logistics and prepare materials for policy forums, panels, and interviews.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in Latin American public policy, political economy, and regional affairs — grounded in and aligned with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Spanish fluency — reading and writing at a professional level are required; this role involves bilingual research and content work daily.
• Strong research and policy writing skills, with precise use of primary sources and the ability to produce clear, succinct summaries and analyses.
• Working familiarity with human and economic freedom metrics and regional development indicators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — the work requires accuracy in both data handling and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research or professional experience concentrated on Latin America — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with the Human Freedom Index methodology and findings, as well as current debates on freedom, authoritarianism, and market reform in the region; applicants are encouraged to review the team's recently published work before applying.
• Experience with econometric or statistical analysis — using R, Python, Stata, or similar tools — especially applied to political economy or development data.
• Proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.