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 around the world. 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

As part of the North Africa team, the Research Assistant will provide research and general programmatic support to the Senior Program Officer and Program Assistant for North Africa at USIP’s headquarters.

The research assistant will provide research support for analysis and writing (reports, op-eds, website content, social media content, long and short form publications, and other publications as needed) related to current events in Morocco (including Western Sahara), Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The research assistant will monitor regional news outlets to identify potential new areas for research and analysis; contractor may be asked to draft original research and analysis pieces under the guidance of the Senior Program Officer for North Africa. Contractor will create news summaries that track identified issues in a particular country or across the North Africa region. Contractor will attend events, meetings, roundtables, and other gatherings in DC on topics related to North Africa and be expected to produce written summaries for incorporation into internal and external facing products. The contractor will collect, develop, and disseminate read-ahead materials for participants in USIP-hosted events and gatherings.

Pay: Starting at $16.20 - $17.00 per hour

Work Schedule: An average of 20 hours per week; up to 40 hours when school is not in session.

Work Location: This position is based at USIP's Washington, D.C., headquarters with flexibility of remote work.

Expected Project Dates: As soon as possible through June 2023, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide research and analysis support as assigned
• Produce content for written publications as assigned
• Daily written news summaries highlighting relevant information
• Attend local events and gatherings, write summaries of attended events
• Prepare read-ahead documents for USIP-hosted events
• Final Narrative and Financial Report covering entire contract period,

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations required. A major in Middle East North Africa studies preferred.
• One (1) or more years related business or administrative experience to become familiar with general personnel practices, accounting and budgeting principles and coordination of major office activities preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of the Middle East North Africa required, with demonstrated enthusiasm for subject matter.
• Excellent writing and communications skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent organizational skills; flexibility; strong detail orientation.
• Familiarity with standard office software, online research databases and social media platforms preferred.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

USIP's Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities. Any full-time university student is eligible for these openings.

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:

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.