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 worldwide. 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 worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging 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 Officer (RO) for the Program on Nonviolent Action designs, conducts, collaborates on, and supervises research projects on nonviolent action and peacebuilding. The RO responsibilities include data collection and analysis across multiple research methodologies, writing research reports and academic articles, managing the progress of intra-team and contracted research, and presenting results of research projects to activists, policy audiences, and international peacebuilding organizations. The position is based in Washington, DC, reports to the Project Manager of the Program on Nonviolent Action, and is a member of the Gandhi King Global Academy Center.
TARGET SALARY RANGE
Grade 12 - $94,000 - $97,000
The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Development and Execution
* Manages and collaborates on the design and execution of internal base-funded and IAA research projects, including ongoing research on nonviolent action campaigns against democratic backsliding and the factors that determine whether movements are perceived as nonviolent or violent.
* Conducts qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis for research projects on nonviolent action and peacebuilding.
* Serves as a peer reviewer for other USIP research projects, including those external to the nonviolent action and peacebuilding team, when requested.
* Acts as a point of contact and reference on nonviolent action and peacebuilding research for other USIP teams when requested
Financial Management:
* Manages select USIP research projects relating to Nonviolent Action and Peacebuilding.
* Manages the project/program funds, tracks budget and serves as Contracting Technical Representative (COTR) to manage and monitor all contract activities. Including drafting Scopes of Work and Memorandum of Understanding.
* Manages the lifecycle of contracts, including tracking deliverable due dates, payments and responding to routine partner inquiries to ensure optimal allocation of resources and compliance with USIP policies and procedures while meeting goals and objectives.
* Ensures all program activities are implemented within project timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.
* Supports development of funding concept notes and proposals.
* Drafts quarterly and/or annual reports for key project initiatives.
Program Management:
* Manages contracting processes for external researchers, activists, and other partners to contract with for larger research projects.
* Oversees and technically evaluates deliverables from external contractors on research projects.
* Manages team research assistants on select IAA projects.
Public Outreach:
* Writes up results of research projects on nonviolent action and peacebuilding for USIP-branded publications and academic journal articles.
* Writes periodic short, practitioner audience-focused pieces for USIP online publications and external media upon request.
* Briefs activist, civil society, and policy maker partners on relevant research findings upon request.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
*
* Bachelor’s degree with six (6) or more years; or a Master’s degree with four (4) years of experience in political science, international relations, conflict resolution, peace studies, or closely related field is required.
* A PhD with two (2) years of experience is strongly preferred.
* Two (2) or more years of related experience (including dissertation research) required. Experience supervising large-N data collection projects with multiple personnel strongly preferred.
* Knowledge of academic literature on nonviolent action, civil resistance, or social movements required. Additional knowledge of academic literature on democratization and peacebuilding preferred.
* Excellent writing skills required. Ability to clearly and compellingly write for academic, policy, and activist audiences preferred.
* Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills required. Strong preference for candidates with expertise across multiple research methodologies, including statistical methods, qualitative methods, experimental methods, and participatory action research.
* Strong skills in data analysis and visualization software such as R, Stata, or SPSS, with preference for R. Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel required.
* Compelling public speaking skills and ability to communicate complex research findings to non-specialist audiences preferred.
* Oral and written fluency in English required. At least one additional fluent language preferred, with specific preference for Spanish, French, or Arabic.
* Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines required.
* Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.
* Strong organizational style and detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
* Competence in program administration and financial management.
All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP.
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:
1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. 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=53f81be53a74236147095f380850a7e7