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Research Associate, Enhancing the Security of Civilians in Conflict

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational Track: Research
Reports to: Research Fellow/Deputy Director

Position Summary: The Stimson Center is a nonprofit public policy institute committed to finding and promoting practical, innovative solutions to security challenges. This position will support initiatives of Enhancing the Security of Civilians in Conflict, a project of Stimson’s Future of Peace Operations Program. The Enhancing the Security of Civilians in Conflict project envisions a world in which the international community, nation-states, and local communities effectively eliminate violence against civilians in conflict-affected societies. The project works to expand and improve international efforts to develop effective prevention and response mechanisms. The position will include research, analysis, writing, collaborative team leadership, outreach, and administration of project activities.

Essential Functions

Research and Analysis

  • Implement components of research/advocacy projects that advance knowledge, debate, and policy-making in order to improve international mechanisms, including peacekeeping, that seek to prevent and respond to widespread and systematic violence against civilians
  • Undertake primary and secondary research using diverse methodologies and sources
  • Develop and author original research and written materials including occasional papers, commentaries, reports, articles, and issue briefs
  • Proofread and copy-edit project publications

Project Planning

  • Monitor and evaluate developments in the field of study in part through attending relevant events, tracking news developments in issue areas, and reporting key information
  • Evaluate and suggest new areas or components to research that advance the goals and objectives of the project
  • Assist with prospective funder research and preparation of funding proposals and follow-up reports

Outreach and Project Administration

  • Serve as a representative and member of collaborative projects
  • Undertake travel to workshops and/or field locations to conduct research
  • Coordinate media outreach plans and draft written correspondence such as issue briefings, press releases, and articles for the web
  • Assist with maintenance of project website and listserv
  • Assist with logistics for meetings, press conferences, seminars, and other special events
  • Work with others to recruit and supervise project interns

The above specified tasks may not be the only duties assigned. Employees will be required to carry out any other job-related instructions requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.


Qualifications


Required:

  • Master’s degree in related field with 2 years relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with 3-4 years relevant experience
  • Experience living and/or working with vulnerable populations in conflict-affected countries
  • Personal commitment to and interest in the substantive work of the project and substantive knowledge of issues related to peacekeeping operations, humanitarian relief, and/or protection of civilians
  • Outstanding writing, analytic, and project management capabilities
  • Exercise good judgment and initiative; display maturity, cultural sensitivity and diplomacy; work well with little or no supervision as well as with peers
  • Collaborative leadership skills that can help build project teams across organizational and international boundaries
  • Demonstrated ability to handle a large number of ongoing activities and capacity for managing tight timelines with grace

Preferred: Familiarity with and/or experience in;

  • International human rights and humanitarian law
  • Background in qualitative or quantitative research methodologies/analysis, particularly those involving population surveys
  • Fluency in French
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, flexibility, humility, and good humor


Contact Details



Application Instructions


Applicants to the Stimson Center will need to use our electronic application system, located at http://stimson.iapplicants.com/. The application system will require a prepared resume, cover letter, unedited writing sample, and salary requirements; please ensure those materials are ready before beginning the e-application process. Applicants will have only one opportunity to complete the e-application.

Phone calls, emailed applications, and direct mail applications are not accepted.

APPLY ONLINE