Research Assistant, West Africa Program at United States Institute of Peace in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment.  The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world.  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 toughest 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 Research Assistant will provide research and support for the West Africa program at USIP’s Africa Center.

Pay: $15.00-$15.75/hour

Work schedule: 20 Hours/Week

Expected Start Date: March 2021

Work Location: This position is based at USIP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, but will be 100% telework until the headquarters building re-opens to USIP staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports and conducts research and writing on select countries in Littoral West Africa, Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea, as directed by the Director for West Africa.


• Supports the visiting Senior Advisor for West Africa with research and writing, and other coordination tasks as required.  


• Conducts literature reviews and other background research for Nigeria and West Africa more broadly.


• Maintains and updates monitoring data for project and program performance tracking.


• Supports data analysis and production of data visualizations for the Africa Center.


• Participates in the strategic planning and work plan development for Nigeria and West Africa broadly.


• Supports the Africa Center strategic communication, including research and writing for events, tracking and maintaining its contacts database.


• Develops, edits and updates program informational items for internal USIP staff members and external guests (e.g., web content, project pages, special reports, fact sheets, etc.);


• Participates in regular Nigeria team meetings and take notes for team distribution.


• Monitors political events, and conflict and peace developments in Nigeria and select countries in Littoral West Africa, Lake Chad Basin,  and the Gulf of Guinea;
  


• Writes event overviews and news features for Africa-related events for usip.org;


• Completes special assignments as needed.

Event Planning:

• Provide support to the Africa Center events, including setting up virtual meetings, reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the primary point-of-contact for attendees;


• Develops promotional and informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in International Relations or a related field required. Ph.D. preferred.\


• Must be a full-time university student.


• Proficiency in French preferred, but not required.


• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills.


• Previous research and office experience required.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong interpersonal and communication skills.


• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.


• Experience living and working overseas, preferably in Nigeria or countries in West Africa.


• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications, including a basic understanding of necessary budget and accounting procedures.

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. 

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. 

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