USA: Program Officer, Climate, Environment, and Conflict (Local Recruitment Only)

Dec 24, 2022 | United States Institute of Peace
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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.

USIP is 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.

Job Brief

This Personal Services Contract (PSC) is affiliated with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and its new Program on Climate, Environment, and Conflict (CEC).  The part-time contractor provides essential strategic management support to the Program Director and will take a lead role in overseeing an applied research program under a partnership with the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), including oversight of research and publications, conducting new research on climate security issues in Africa, convening and leading policy discussions, and cultivating partner relationships.

To ensure organizational coherence and consistency, the contractor’s position will operate at the Program Officer level and will report directly to the Program Director for Climate, Environment, and Conflict.

This is a Personal Services Contractor position.

Responsibilities

Research and Partnership Management (60%) – 18 hours per week:

  • Manage the implementation of applied research projects and publications for the USAFRICOM Partnership, in close consultation with CEC Director.
  • Lead a new case study research for USAFRICOM focusing on a priority country in Northern Africa (to be determined), featuring an in-depth analysis of salient climate or environment-related issues security issues.
  • Organize and complete relevant fieldwork on the ground as necessary and participate in specific convening opportunities overseas to support AFRICOM research project implementation.
  • Create a replicable methodology for in-depth country case studies on climate security that integrates lessons learned and best practices for regional and sectoral deep dives.
  • Track and report on emerging research initiatives and programs at the intersection of climate, environment, conflict, security, fragility, and peacebuilding issues.

Strategy and Development Support (20%) – 6 hours/week

  • Contribute to at least one CEC priority theme in consultation with the Director; identify critical policy issues; target resources and partners required to support program goals and objectives; and advise on design and implementation of annual work plans around engagement on that issue/theme.
  • Build and cultivate strategic relations with subject matter experts and a wide variety of external actors—including USG agencies, U.S.-based think tanks and non-governmental organizations, Europe-based institutions, Global South local partners, and international organizations—to leverage resources and synergize efforts toward USIP program initiatives and goals.
  • Pursue external funding for new project initiatives.

Liaison and External Relations (20%) – 6 hours/week

  • Attend and participate in various conferences, events, and other programs to speak on behalf of USIP on a specific subject matter area of expertise.
  • Write analysis and commentary pieces for USIP’s website on policy-relevant topics, often co-authored with others on the CEC team, USIP experts, and outside partners.
  • Organize conferences, meetings, and workshops designed to draw on USIP’s convening power to enable exchanges of knowledge and policy options.
  • Provide briefings to governmental or other organizations on key subject matter areas

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years (or two (2) years with Ph.D.) of work experience in climate or environmental studies, conflict/peace studies, international development, or related social science discipline is required.
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, creatively problem-solve, prioritize effectively, and produce results under conditions of uncertainty.
  • Demonstrated program design and project management skills.
  • Excellent research, analytic, and writing skills and knowledge of climate and environmental issues, including the ability to translate research results into policy and practice.
  • A record of innovation, collaboration, project management, and partnership building.
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including cross-cultural skills, and the ability to engage effectively with partners at all political, social, and economic levels;
  • Willingness to travel internationally.

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. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
  2. Cover letter
  3. Resume

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. 

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.