Research Assistant – RESEA002280-00001

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 Center for Russia and Europe is hiring a research assistant (RA) to support a one-year study group on strategic stability within the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). This study group advances USIP’s mandate to advance U.S. and international security by developing practical measures to reduce strategic risk in U.S.-Russia relations. The RA will support convening technical experts, conducting research, engaging foreign governments, and promoting public engagement. The RA must commit to serving for the approximately one-year duration of the study group.

Pay: $17.00 – $18.00 hour

Work Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic term.

Work Location: Remote work flexible, with occasional compensated travel to USIP headquarters in Washington, DC.

Expected Period of Performance: January 2024 – August 31, 2024, with the possibility of extension.

RESPONSIBILITIES

* Maintain project materials, including notes, report drafts, contact lists, etc.

* Execute project logistics for internal meetings and external events, including setting up virtual meetings, reserving rooms/online platforms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, arranging room/virtual set-up, serving as the primary point-of-contact for attendees.

* Serve as rapporteur for internal meetings, taking accurate, detailed notes on technical matters.

* Conduct research on U.S.-Russia strategic stability, defense and nuclear policy, arms control, military affairs, and/or related topics.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Strong project administration and organization skills – the ability to execute project logistics and systematically maintain project materials.

* Excellent writing skills – the ability to serve as a meeting rapporteur, concisely summarize technical information, and provide editorial review.

* Strong research skills – the ability to find information quickly, to analyze based on guidance and priorities, and to summarize and synthesize findings in useful formats.

* Subject matter proficiency – including academic and/or professional background in defense and nuclear policy, strategic studies, and international security.

* Professional discretion and sound judgement.

* Experience with crafting briefing slide presentations, specifically PowerPoint software.

* Candidates must be a current, full-time university student studying strategic studies, international security, or public policy.

USIP’s Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities. Any full-time university student (local or remote) are eligible for these openings.

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 5-10 page writing sample demonstrating your relevant research and writing ability.

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.