AI Communications Analyst

This vacancy announcement will be open from May 11, 2026 to May 15, 2026 or when 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The AF Bureau's Commercial and Infrastructure Unit seeks a student volunteer to conduct digital policy research that advances the Africa Bureau's Commercial Diplomacy Strategy. This project focuses on analyzing digital policy environments in 3-5 select African countries to identify regulatory barriers, enabling environment challenges, and commercial opportunities where U.S. technology companies can meet host-country digital infrastructure and technology needs. The student will conduct targeted market research on telecommunications regulations, data governance frameworks, cybersecurity policies, and technology procurement practices, directly supporting the strategy's goal of increasing U.S. exports and advancing mutually beneficial trade relationships. Additionally, the student will explore and implement AI tools to improve how the Bureau communicates strategy implementation metrics and research findings. Key Learning Objectives Students will: • Conduct market research on digital policy environments in 3-5 focus countries, analyzing telecommunications regulations, data governance frameworks, cybersecurity policies, and technology procurement practices • Identify specific barriers preventing U.S. technology companies from competing in African digital markets and recommend concrete reforms following the "Big Five" reform model • Map opportunities where U.S. digital capabilities (cloud services, cybersecurity, telecommunications infrastructure, fintech, e-government solutions) align with host-country development priorities • Explore and implement AI tools to create data visualizations and communication products that effectively convey strategy implementation metrics and research findings • Create research products that inform commercial diplomacy strategy and support U.S. company market entry decisions • Gain exposure to the intersection of technology policy, international trade, and economic statecraft Student Responsibilities: Digital Policy Research: • Select 3-5 African countries for in-depth digital policy research in consultation with supervisor • Analyze each country's digital policy environment including: o Telecommunications and spectrum allocation regulations o Data localization and privacy requirements o Cybersecurity frameworks and certification requirements o Technology procurement practices and foreign investment restrictions o Digital infrastructure development priorities • Identify specific regulatory barriers or enabling environment challenges constraining U.S. technology company participation • Map opportunities where U.S. digital capabilities meet host-country needs (e.g., 5G deployment, data center development, government digitalization, financial technology) • Develop country-specific research briefs following the "Big Five" reform model: concrete constraint + concrete reform + responsible decision-maker • Recommend priority opportunities for U.S. commercial diplomacy engagement • Produce comparative analysis highlighting cross-cutting digital policy challenges and opportunities across researched countries AI Tools Implementation: • Research and test AI tools that could enhance communication of research findings and strategy metrics • Develop data visualization products using AI-assisted tools to communicate: o Digital policy research findings o Commercial opportunities by country and sector o Regulatory barriers and recommended reforms o Strategy implementation progress • Create templates and workflows for future use by the Commercial team • Document best practices for AI tool implementation General Responsibilities: • Participate in weekly check-ins with supervisor • Present findings at midpoint review and final presentation • Deliver complete documentation package including research briefs, visualization products, and AI tool recommendations