Research Assistant at US Institute of Peace

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 provide research and support to the Senior Advisor and Director of the Africa Center on regional engagement, including the establishment of an African Ambassadors’ Forum, an African Peace Leaders Seminar, and an Africa Day event.

Pay: $15.00/hour
Work schedule: 20 Hours/Week Expected
Start Date: June 2021

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports, conducts research and writing, and develops documents related to U.S. policy in Africa, including policy priorities and processes, Congressional priorities, and advocacy initiatives and their intersection with peacebuilding as directed by the Senior Advisor of the Africa Center;
• Consults with other Africa Center teams and other USIP teams and coordinates their input for the development of the Africa Peace Leaders Seminar as directed by the Senior Advisor of the Africa Center;
• Provides support for virtual and in-person (when possible) events for the Africa Center’s regional engagement and African diplomatic corps engagements, 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;
• Maintains a contact database for the African diplomatic corps and relevant policy and thought leaders;
• Develops promotional and informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests, including a regular Africa Center update for the African diplomatic corps and key partners;
• 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 the strategic planning and work plan development for the Africa Center more broadly;
• Participates in regular Africa Center meetings and external meetings with the Senior Advisor;
• Monitors ongoing developments, initiatives, and innovations related to U.S. policy on Africa, related events in Washington, DC, and regional peace and security efforts; and
• 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
• Familiarity with contemporary Africa peace and security approaches and U.S. policy in Africa
• 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)
• Proficiency in French and/or Arabic preferred, but not required;
• 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.

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 recruitment@usip.org. 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.