Research Assistant, Conflict Management Training for Peacekeepers (CMTP) – RESEA001945-00001

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 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 around the world. 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 seeks a Research Assistant (RA) to provide research, data analysis, and writing support to the Conflict Management Training for Peacekeepers (CMTP) program. The RA will keep up with current with recent developments in peacekeeping events and policy, security sector capacity development efforts, training design, and adult learning research. The RA will also assist program staff with collating and analyzing program monitoring data as well as drafting, reviewing, and copy editing program documents and training materials.

The RA reports to the CMTP Program Manager on the Curriculum and Training Design (CTD) team. The CTD team creates and implements rigorous and sustainable transformative learning processes that strengthen the capacity of individual and institutional partners to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. CTD is part of the Gandhi-King Global Academy.

Applicants must be organized, analytical, attentive to detail, excellent communicators, and able to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.

Pay: Starting at $16.10 – $17.00 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 Project Dates: September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023

RESPONSIBILITIES • Support and conduct research and writing and develops documents related to the Conflict Management for Peacekeepers Training program. • Monitor UN/AU peacekeeping mandates and missions and stay current on conflict dynamics in countries with active peacekeeping missions. • Monitor developments in UN peacekeeping policy and peacekeeper training. • Develop and maintain a library of literature, datasets, and websites to keep program staff up to date for reports and program decisions. • Support program staff with preparing training material, such as tailored scenarios for the mission before peacekeeper pre-deployment trainings. • Support the program with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) efforts through data entry and analysis. • Review and copy edit program documents. • Support broader Curriculum and Training Design (CTD) team efforts when necessary. • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS • Current B.A, M.A or Ph.D. student studying international relations, conflict resolution, political science, economics, or a related field. • Familiarity with international NGOs and security sector reform issues. • Interest in adult education and training. • Demonstrates good organizational skills, can plan and prioritize own work and work of internal stakeholders. • Strong writing, editing, and research skills. • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. • Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis software (i.e. Stata, SPSS, Nvivo, Atlas.ti, etc.) is a plus. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal skills. • Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. • 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. • French language skills preferred but not required.

USIP’s Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities. Any full-time university students are eligible for these openings.

As with many organizations, USIP follows specific guidelines related to COVID vaccinations. These guidelines align with the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The overall intent is to ensure the safest possible workplace for USIP employees and contractors. In accordance with the guidelines, all USIP employees and contractors with building access are required to be fully vaccinated regardless of telework or remote status.

Upon acceptance of the position, you are required to submit proof of vaccination to HR. If you require an exemption, either medical or religious, we will provide you with the exemption form for you to complete prior to your start date.

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.