Senior Expert, South Asia Programs – SENIO001932-00001

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 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 Senior Expert for South Asia Programs will be responsible for leading substantive research, analysis, thought leadership, and organizing activities on conflict dynamics and national security priorities in South Asia focused particularly on India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. A focus of the senior expert’s work should examine India’s foreign and security policy in the region, its strategic partnership with the United States, and its place in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. The Senior Expert should also be knowledgeable about Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal and their relations with India, China, and the United States. This person will cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders working on issues related to South Asia and help design and implement its research agenda, track 1.5 and 2 dialogues, and programming work in the region. The Senior Expert will report to the Director for South Asia Programs and will work closely with other colleagues across USIP.

This is a full-time position based on Washington DC, with some international travel required.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 14, $126,000 – $130,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership:

• Briefs U.S. Government officials and the policy-making community on developments and findings related to South Asia.

• Serves as an expert on conflict dynamics, regional trends, and U.S. national security priorities in South Asia, particularly on India but also Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

• Understand and explores the changing geo-strategic dynamics in South Asia and India’s role in the Indo-Pacific and the Quad.

• Has experience and expertise related to the political, economic, and security issues facing Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

• Researches and writes on topics relevant to USIP’s work.

• Provides briefings to governmental or other organizations in South Asia.

• Takes a lead role in responding to public queries and media requests regarding South Asia.

• Supports or leads efforts to represent the program in internal and external events, and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings.

• Proposes innovative research and programming to advance USIP’s mission.

Development and Planning:

• Working with the Director for South Asia Programs supports or leads the development and implementation of research projects, track 1.5 and track 2 dialogues, as well as other program activities related to South Asia.• Works closely with USG stakeholders to expand the work of the Quad, particularly, seeking points of U.S. and India convergence in the Indo-Pacific. Expanding the understanding of India’s strategic calculus as a key U.S. ally in Asia.

• Identifies and maintains critical stakeholder relationships related to the program.

• Develops and maintains a network of contacts relevant to critical developments in South Asia.

• Ensures the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners.

• Participates in strategic planning sessions with regional and thematic teams.

• Keeps up to date on new research, programs, and policy initiatives as they relate to USIP’s work in South Asia.

Financial and Project Management:

• Lead efforts and/or assist in identifying new funding opportunities, meeting with potential interagency partners, and drafting project concept notes and proposals for work on topics related to South Asian.

• Manages the project budget to ensure the project is operating within its budget limitations while meeting goals and objectives.

• Ensures all program activities are implemented within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.

• Develops regular reporting for both internal and external project stakeholders, including responsibility for the development, editing, and timely submission of any progress reports that may be required.

Other:

• Travels in the United States or internationally as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field required. Ph.D. is highly desirable.

• A minimum of eight (8)+ years of relevant work experience in the South Asia region with expertise in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and/or Sri Lanka, including experience with U.S. government policymaking and work experience in South Asia.

• Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated research, analytic, and writing skills. Able to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences.

• Strong publication record, including policy-relevant journals and news outlets.

• Experience with media and public outreach.

• Knowledge and understanding of South Asia peace and conflict dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.

• Demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Fluency in English is required. Hindi, Bengali, Sinhala, or other South Asian language ability highly desirable.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

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 along with your signed offer letter 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.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.

2. Cover letter

3. Resume

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.