Open Society Foundation Research Assistant

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

The Washington, D.C., office represents the international and domestic work of the Open Society Foundations and the Soros Foundations network.

Purpose of Position

Provide research support to assigned Open Society Foundations initiatives. Work is carried out under the supervision of the senior advisor.

• Provide a range of research activities and writing short informational and analytical reports;
• Attend relevant meetings hosted by nongovernmental organizations, government briefings, and congressional hearings, and write summary reports;
• Assist the senior adviser with special projects as they arise; the research assistant will assist in work relating to elections and transparency;

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Provide a range of research activities and writing short informational and analytical reports;
• Attend relevant meetings hosted by nongovernmental organizations, government briefings, and congressional hearings, and write summary reports;
• Assist the senior adviser with special projects as they arise; the research assistant will assist in work relating to elections and transparency;

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and one to three years of relevant experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills Required

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Program Specific Requirements

• Graduate student pursuing a degree in International Affairs or relevant field;
• Experience with web research;
• Excellent research abilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Please email resume, cover letter and writing sample with salary requirements to humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in subject line: RA-DC.

Application Deadline:

April 26, 2013