Research Analyst (Russia Studies Program)

Position description

The Strategy, Policy, Plans and Programs (SP3) division is looking for a Research Analyst to join their team. Staff at this level will be leading smaller/less complex activities or will be serving as an important contributing team member on projects.
The SP3 division supports the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other DOD sponsors by providing regional expertise and analyses, political-military studies, and U.S. strategy and force assessments. Our research approach anticipates a broad scope of plausible outcomes assessing today’s issues, analyzing trends, and identifying “the issue after next,” using the unique operational and policy expertise of its analysts.
CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems. With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards. Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.
2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Keeps others informed. Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics. Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.
4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.
5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.
6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.
7. Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion. Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups. Can document work efficiently and accurately. Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.
8. Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects. Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks. Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities. May lead small projects under the supervision of an RPD/CMD.
9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors. Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks. Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
 

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in International Relations, history, political science, public policy or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis. Familiarity with the deterrence literature, Russian military doctrine, and the Russian economy. Russian language skills a plus.

3. Skills:

• Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses; Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity
• Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; Strong critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of research techniques
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.

4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.
Required Documents
1. Resume or CV.
2. Transcripts – Please upload your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
3. Writing Sample – Please upload a research paper or journal article that demonstrates your writing and research skills (draft copies are acceptable).
Optional documents
1. Cover letter – Please upload a cover letter as part of your application that introduces yourself, summarizes your relevant skills and experiences, and describes why you would be a valuable asset to CNA’s SP3 Division
2. Personal statement – A personal statement is a chance for us to get to know you. The statement is your opportunity to share your goals, interests, influences and show us that you will be a valuable asset to our organization. Please click here for personal statement guidelines – Click here
Personal statements will not be used as an elimination criteria for this position. They will only be used to enhance a candidate’s application

Application instructions

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