Research Assistant – RESEA01615-00001

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 to the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

As a part of the Governance, Justice and Security (GJS) team at the U.S. Institute of Peace, this position will provide vital support to the Institute’s efforts to develop and promote improved knowledge, tools, and policy recommendations for more effective strategies, policies, and programs that build sustainable peace. More specifically, this position will support the Institute’s efforts to improve the practice of atrocity prevention among justice sector professionals.

The research assistant will conduct research and analysis to identify conceptual overlaps between atrocity prevention and criminal justice reform approaches, to include countering violent extremism, countering transnational organized crime, anti-corruption, and the implementation of the women, peace, and security agenda, as well as between atrocity prevention and protection of civilians. Based on this research, the research assistant will generate recommendations for justice and security sector professionals to identify and mitigate atrocity risks within their work. Responsibilities of this position will include qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, analysis, and drafting. This position will be encouraged to synthesize findings from a range of disciplines to support project publications and development of tools.

Work Schedule: An average of 25 hours per week

Expected Project Dates: September 2020 – April 2021

Pay: $15.00 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES

* Provide research support – through data collection, literature reviews, outreach, synthesis and analysis – related to atrocity prevention, criminal justice reform approaches, and protection of civilians;

* Provide communications and writing support to Senior Program Officer, including summaries, write-ups, and notetaking at relevant events;

* In collaboration with the Senior Program Officer, assist in the drafting and writing of major USIP publications, such as the USIP Special Report, blogs, and op eds; and

* Perform other research and administrative duties, as needed, to ensure successful implementation of programmatic initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

* A Masters student studying international relations, law, international peace and conflict resolution, sociology, anthropology, research methods, atrocity prevention, or another relevant social science subject.

* Demonstrated interest in the fields of peacebuilding, rule of law, governance reform approaches, and atrocity prevention.

* Strong research skills and the ability to creatively respond to challenging research questions.

* Ability to translate complex themes, ideas, or data into compelling, accessible, and informative narratives.

* Excellent organizational, communication and collaborative skills, and solid attention to detail.

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.

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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.