Research Assistant, Environment and Conflict

Dec 14, 2020 | US Institute of Peace
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United States Institute for Peace is an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world.  

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front row seat to the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

 

Job Brief

The U.S. Institute of Peace is committed to better understanding the linkages between fragility and the impact of climate change on shared natural resources critical for food and water security.  Although these challenges have the potential to destabilize society, they may also provide an important entry point to promote dialogue and cooperation.  For years, USIP field operations have addressed conflicts over resources.  However, it is only now that USIP has committed to building up a portfolio for research and increased engagement in environmental peacebuilding.

The research assistant will work closely with the Senior Advisor on Environment and Conflict to help establish this new initiative.  S/he will provide vital support to building a network both inside and outside USIP and articulating USIP’s value-add in this space, providing research and analysis to support decisions about strategic directions for the portfolio, and helping increase USIP’s visibility in this space through the development of thoughtful and influential events about key issues in the environment and conflict space.  This is a unique position to help develop the direction of a new USIP program in a critical and visible field.

Please note that, while this position is based out of USIP’s headquarters in Washington, DC, all staff are currently working remotely due to COVID-19.  It is anticipated that the RA will also work remotely for the foreseeable future (until the Institute resumes normal operations).

 

  • Work Schedule:  An average of 20 hours per week, with the potential to work full-time over the summer.
  • Expected Project Dates:  January 2021 – December 2021 (with the possibility of extension).
  • Pay:  $15.00 - $15.75 per hour

 

Responsibilities

  • Help develop an institutional landscape analysis of organizations working on environment and conflict and a library of foundational documents.
  • Provide research support – through data collection, literature reviews, outreach, synthesis and analysis – related to different aspects of environment and conflict;
  • Provide communications and writing support to the Senior Advisor, including summaries, write-ups, and notetaking at relevant events;
  • In collaboration with the Senior Advisor, assist in the drafting and writing of major USIP publications, such as blogs, and op eds; and
  • Assist on administrative tasks, such as supporting event logistics and taking notes during meetings and events.
  • Perform other research and administrative duties, as needed, to ensure successful implementation of programmatic initiatives.

 

Qualifications

  • Only full-time students from universities belonging to the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (CUWMA) can be considered for these openings.  Must be a full-time M.A. or Ph.D. student studying international peace and conflict resolution, environment, international relations, law, economics, or another relevant subject.
  • Demonstrated interest in the fields of peacebuilding and/or environment.
  • Strong research skills and the ability to creatively respond to challenging research questions.
  • Ability to translate complex themes, ideas, or data into compelling, accessible, and informative narratives and graphics.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills, and solid attention to detail.

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.

 

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 recruitment@usip.org. 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.