Research Assistant, International Partnerships – RESEA01759-00001

DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Who We Are
Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. (To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF
The Research Assistant will work with the Director of International Partnerships to support USIP’s thematic work on conflict prevention, state fragility, and the future of multilateral peacebuilding through research, liaison with internal and external partners, and event execution. The RA will coordinate relationships with international institution counterparts working on issues relating to USIP’s key strategic priorities, support collaboration among USIP’s diverse program and operations units; assist in the planning of new initiatives, particularly the Institute’s efforts to expand partnerships and thought-leadership on the future of the multilateral system for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and peacekeeping.

Pay: $15.20 – $15.75/hour

Work schedule: 20 Hours/Week Expected

Start Date: September 2021

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports conducts research and writing and develops documents as assigned by the Director
• Assists in drafting articles and reports to help communicate the International Partnership team’s message to a variety of stakeholders
• Consults with other teams in the Policy, Learning, and Strategy center and other USIP teams and coordinates their input for IP team events and initiatives;
• Provides support for virtual and in-person (when possible) events, including setting up virtual meetings, reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the primary point-of-contact for attendees;
• Develops promotional and informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests, including a regular International Partnerships team update;
• Drafts, edits, and updates program informational items for internal USIP staff members and external guests (e.g., web content, project pages, special reports, fact sheets, etc.);
• Participates in strategic planning and work plan development for the International Partnerships team and PLS center more broadly;
• Participates in regular Policy, Learning and Strategy meetings and external meetings with the Director;
• Monitors ongoing developments, initiatives, and innovations related to U.S. policy on multilateral issues, as well as related events in Washington, DC, New York, and overseas.
• Completes special assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree (in-progress) required. Ph.D. (in-progress) strongly preferred;
• Must be a full-time university student
• Demonstrated interest in contemporary multilateral peace and security issues, including knowledge of the UN system and/or international financial institutions
• Knowledge of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or security fields preferred;
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Experience living and working overseas or other cross-cultural communication experience (desirable)
• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications, including a basic understanding of necessary budget and accounting procedures.

USIP’s Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area. Any full-time university student in the Washington area is eligible for these openings.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. A brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing ability.

For questions about this position please email [email protected]. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.