DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
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 Senior Expert for Afghanistan Peace Processes will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and organizing activities and conducting research and analysis aimed at advancing a political settlement of the Afghan conflict among the Afghan government, the Taliban, and regional actors. The Senior Expert will be responsible for writing reports and analyses as well as briefing U.S. government officials and the policy-making community on developments and findings related to an Afghanistan peace process. The Senior Expert will report to the Director of the USIP’s Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs and work closely with other colleagues across USIP. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with some international travel required.
TARGET SALARY RANGE
Grade 14 - $122,000 - $126,000
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 the amount budgeted for the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership:
• Serves as an expert on advancing a political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict.
• Researches and writes on achieving a political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict and comparative examples of similar processes elsewhere.
• Provides project briefings to governmental or other organizations on Afghanistan’s peace process.
• Supports or leads efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings.
• Proposes innovative research and programming to advance USIP’s mission.
• Responds to public queries and media requests regarding the Afghan peace process.
Development and Planning:
• Supports or leads the development and implementation of research projects and other program activities related to the Afghan peace process.
• Develops and maintains a network of contacts relevant to discussions of a peace process.
• Structures, organizes, and oversees 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.
• Participates in strategic planning sessions with regional and thematic teams.
• Keeps up-to-date on other work on a political settlement in Afghanistan as they relate to USIP’s work.
Program/Financial Management:
• Pursues U.S. government funding for project initiatives.
• Manages the project budget to ensure the project is operating within its budget limitations while meeting goals and objectives.
• Ensures all program activities are implemented within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.
• Develops regular reporting for both internal and external project stakeholders, including responsibility for the development, editing, and timely submission of any progress reports that may be required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field required;
• Minimum of ten (10) years of related work experience, including experience with U.S. government policymaking and work experience in Afghanistan.
• Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated research, analytic, writing, and presentation skills. Able to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences and under specific deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of the current conflict dynamics in Afghanistan and the region.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.
• Fluency in English required.
All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
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, gender identity, 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=9385f8bb21626ef0079a393f1ad1dbcd