Country: United States of America
Closing date: 22 Feb 2020
The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.
To learn more about USIP programs and job openings go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.
JOB BRIEF
The Senior Expert for Afghanistan Peace Process will be responsible for engaging with key stakeholders in the Afghanistan peace process, facilitating dialogue among peace process participants, conducting research and analysis, writing policy briefs and reports, and briefing U.S. and other government officials and the policy-making community. The Senior Expert will also be responsible for designing, developing and managing activities aimed at advancing a political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict. This is a full-time position preferably based in Kabul, Afghanistan. However, consideration will also be given to strong applicants who would prefer to be based in USIP’s Washington, DC headquarters, but who are willing to spend 50 percent or more of their time in Afghanistan. When based in Afghanistan the Senior Expert will report to the USIP Country Director for Afghanistan based in Kabul. If the Senior Experts spends a significant percentage of their time based in the DC headquarters, s/he will report to DC-based Director of the USIP’s Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs.
The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers of employment are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity and amount budgeted for the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership:
- Serves as an expert on advancing a political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict.
- Proposes innovative activities in Afghanistan and the region that support learning and dialogue on ways to resolve conflict, promote reconciliation, and sustain peace agreements in Afghanistan.
- Liaises closely with key stakeholders and relevant actors to the Afghanistan peace process, facilitates dialogue among them, and identifies challenges and opportunities to moving a peace process forward.
- Represents USIP’s peace process-related initiatives, and provides expert briefings to governmental and non-governmental organizations.
- Conducts research and analysis, writes research papers and policy briefs, and identifies and disseminates comparative learning from other conflicts and peace processes.
- Represent the program in internal and external events, to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings, and to participate in media interviews.
Program Design, Development and Management:
- Participates in strategic planning with regional and thematic teams.
- Structure and execute program activities and events related to achieving a political settlement to the Afghanistan conflict.
- Identifies and maintains critical stakeholder relationships related to the program.
- Ensures the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners.
- Ensures program resources are spent responsibly and effectively and that the project is operating within budget.
- Prepares timely reports for internal and external project stakeholders, including any progress reports that may be required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s, PhD or JD degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field.
- A minimum of eight (8) years of related work experience, including experience with U.S. government policymaking.
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience working in/on Afghanistan
Knowledge and understanding of the current conflict dynamics in Afghanistan and the region, and demonstrated expertise in the field of conflict resolution/peace-building.
Demonstrated research, analytic, and writing skills, and excellent communication skills. Ability to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences.
Knowledge and understanding of the current conflict dynamics in Afghanistan and the region and demonstrated expertise in the field of conflict resolution/peace-building.
Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.
Fluency in English required.
U.S. citizenship and ability to acquire and/or maintain a security clearance highly desired.
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:
- Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
- Cover letter
- 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, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please use the following URL:
https://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=294e7c177ea23c2de5e294045a9f198e