Research Assistant, Russia and China - MENA Initiatives

Company: US Institute of Peace
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American peoples 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 tohttps://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 Research Assistant/Analyst will support the MENA Executive Office and Senior Advisors with substantive research on Russia and China in the Middle East and North Africa. The work will involve research, writing tasks and coordination of meetings and events to help accomplish the mission of the MENA Center.

Pay rate : $15.20/hour - $16.00/ hour

Period of Performance : May 2022 - October 2022

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Support:

Assists the MENA Executive Office and Senior Advisors with substantive research and writing projects, including both long-term and short-term projects.

Conducts background research on Russia and China in the Middle East and North Africa and other desk and interview-based research as requested.

Provides meeting notes to and drafts discussion summaries for the MENA Executive Office and Senior Advisors.

Builds and maintains substantive expertise on a range of issues related to great power rivalry, Russia and China in the Middle East and North Africa.

Writes and/or assists in writing and publishing articles for the USIP website and other USIP and external publications.

Works with the MENA Executive Office and Senior Advisors to define and implement research priorities.

Events and Meetings Support:

Works with the MENA Executive Office and Senior Advisors to provide administrative and logistical support for working groups, conferences, dialogues, meetings, and events in Washington, DC, overseas, face-to-face, and virtually, including preparing event text, agenda, panelist bios, and hosting online calls and meetings.

Assists with drafting event text, agendas, panelist bios, background information, etc., and develops informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests.

Collaborates to ensure all logistical arrangements for program events are completed, including reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, following USIP guidance for ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the main point of contact for attendees as needed.

Liaises with meeting participants as needed to ensure a successful meeting.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a full-time student working towards a Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) in international relations or related field required.

One or more years of relevant research or work experience related to Russia, China, the Middle East North Africa are required.

Academic training relevant to policy issues in the region and the institutions, and tools of U.S. foreign and security policy.

Experience living in the region also preferred.

Fluency in Russian and/or Chinese a plus.

Experience assisting in the organization of conferences, meetings, and events, including with organizations focused on MENA, preferred.

Excellent writing and editorial skills.

Excellent research and analytic skills, including on topics related to the history, politics, economics, security, and regional relations of China, Russia, and/or MENA.

Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel is required. Strong computer skills in database usage preferred.

Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.

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.

USIP's Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area. Any full-time university student is eligible for these openings; non-students are not eligible.

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

Cover letter

Resume

A brief writing sample that demonstrates your research and writing abilities.

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.

Keywords: US Institute of Peace, Washington DC , Research Assistant, Russia and China - MENA Initiatives, Other , Washington, DC