Research Assistant, Security Sector Governance and Reform

Position description

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. 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 worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging 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 United States Institute of Peace is seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to provide research, writing, and administrative support for the Governance, Justice, and Security (GJS) team. The RA will support research, analysis, and events on matters relating to Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R), including in Police Reform/Community Policing, Defense Sector Reform, Security Sector Assistance, Civilian Harm Mitigation, and other relevant issue areas within the GJS team’s SSG/R portfolio. Applicants must be organized, analytical, attentive to detail, excellent communicators, and able to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment. The Research Assistant will support USIP research, training, and outreach on security sector governance and reform, as well as broader challenges to stability, security, and good governance through data collection, analysis, and curriculum development for USIP courses.

Pay: $17.50-18.50 per hour

Work Schedule: An average of 20 hours per week; up to 40 hours when school is not in session

Work Location: This position is based at USIP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

Expected Start Date: September 15, 2024

Expected End Date: May 30, 2025

Major Duties and Responsibilities
* Support the Security Governance Advisor and Senior Program Officers by providing research support through data collection and analysis in the fields of governance and security sector reform for publications that may include articles, reports, blogs, and podcasts, as well as participation in events identified by USIP;
* Draft research memos, case studies, literature reviews, and annotated bibliographies through independent desk research in the fields of governance and security sector reform.
* Provide communications and writing support for the Security Governance Advisor and Senior Program Officer, including summaries, write-ups, and notetaking at relevant events for the governance and SSG/R programs;
* Support the curriculum development and logistical preparation of USIP courses on Security Sector Governance and Reform;
* Support the publication of USIP Special Report, blogs, and op-eds, and support publication-focused events, as necessary;
* Assist with event planning and execution to ensure successful advancement of portfolios;
* Perform other research and minor administrative duties, as needed, to ensure successful implementation of programmatic initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s Degree in international relations, international security, governance, international peace and conflict resolution, or another related subject is preferred.

* Research experience related to governance, security sector reform or conflict prevention is required.
* Familiarity with security sector governance and reform issues; knowledge of Ukraine a plus.
* Excellent organizational, communication and collaborative skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Superior research, writing and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability crafting high-quality written products ranging from research papers, briefing memoranda, articles, and blogs.
* Ability to translate and synthesize complex themes, ideas or data into compelling and accessible summaries or memos.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal skills.
* Must be a quick learner, well-organized, and attentive to detail.
* Must be able to multi-task and work under deadlines in a dynamic environment.

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.

Application instructions

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