Virtual Internship: Securing the Next Mobile Generation – 5G in Jordan

5G communication is on the cusp of changing our world but carries the risk that adversaries could use our interconnection for malign purposes. Through research and analysis, you will provide insight into this evolving landscape and how Jordan should prepare for new opportunities and challenges.

Few of us have experienced the promised benefits of 5G technology, including self-driving cars, the Internet of Things, instantaneous downloads, and augmented reality, but advocates for 5G proclaim the opportunities are boundless. Nevertheless, there are serious risks that America’s adversaries will seek to exploit the new technology and set the rules of the game in a way that undercuts our own interests. Jordan is an important partner to the United States, and the U.S. Embassy in Amman is committed to sharing our insights with Jordan to help its leaders manage the development of its 5G capabilities securely.Through this internship, you will primarily conduct research into emerging trends in information and communications technology (ICT) with a focus on 5G, and advise on how Jordanian policymakers, private industry, and civil society can best integrate these technologies in Jordan. You will submit research papers and presentations throughout your internship on where Jordan should focus its attention in improving the ICT sector, identify barriers to expanding 5G capabilities, and along the way, provide shorter research papers on topics like data security, cyber security, cryptocurrencies, blockchain/distributed ledger technology, privacy, regulation, spectrum pricing and auctions, the role of energy in ICT, and other topics suggested by your supervisor. Most of the information on these trends will be global in nature, but we will also ask you to investigate these issues in regional countries and comparator countries which can serve as a model for Jordan. Additionally, you will compile a weekly roundup of media coverage of 5G and ICT issues to be distributed broadly across the U.S. Embassy Amman 5G interest group. In addition, you are encouraged to dive deeply into other relevant topics you may discover through your research.The papers and analyses you develop thought this internship will support advocacy efforts of State Department officers in the field, contribute to the development of Jordan’s ICT sector and identifying areas where U.S. government efforts and funding should be focused.Your primary sources will be open-source media, academic research, trade journals, and other resources available in libraries or over the internet . Ability to work dependently and timely is important. Research ability is a must. Equally important is comfort with numbers, technical terms and concepts related to ICT. Technical knowledge of communications systems is not required but would be helpful to understand potentially complex issues. Familiarity with Jordan, the Middle East, or Arabic is also helpful but not required. You will be in touch with your mentor by email once a week, and by phone twice a month. Expected time commitment is 5-8 hours per week.

Elementary Arabic proficiency nice to have.