Research Analyst, Personal Services Contractor

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.

SUMMARY:

The Research Analyst (RA) will be part of the Learning, Evaluation and Research (LER) Team at USIP. The RA will support the development of project design, M&E, learning, and research tools or guidance based on several themes related to USIP’s programmatic work. The RA will also provide logistical and coordination support for internal events and external partnerships.

This is a full-time term Personal Services Contractor position, based in Washington, D.C. The 6 month contract can renew pending good performance, funding and business needs.

This position reports to LER’s Director.

Job Brief:

Research Support:

• Support research, analysis, evaluation, and meta-evaluation related to programs and projects (such as dialogue-related work) to support creation of project design, M&E, and learning guidance materials.
• Collect or support the collection of primary data (semi-structured interviews, focus groups, surveys) about policy engagements to verify and adapt a policy engagement monitoring tool. (The Analyst will not engage in any research activities involving human subjects without the prior written confirmation by the COTR that all institutional review board approvals have been obtained.)
• Co-author and edit articles and internal guidance material on project and program design, M&E, and learning. Co-authoring materials will include materials such as summary documents, memos, briefs, or other guidance materials and may be in relation to any of the tasks described in this SOW.
• Conduct background research, and other desk and interview-based research for research projects, evaluations, and case studies as requested.
• Support learning initiatives, and reviews of concept notes, proposals, M&E frameworks, and other programmatic materials for regional and thematic teams at USIP, as needed.
• Reviews and edits products written by USIP or external authors and supports publication peer review and editing process as requested. 
• Provides meeting notes to and drafts discussion summaries.
• Builds and maintains substantive expertise on a range of issues.
• Assist in writing and publishing written materials as requested.
• Work with Institute Teams to define research priorities and identify partners and researchers.

Events and Meetings Support:

• Work with LER to provide coordination, administrative, and logistical support for working groups, consultations, roundtables, conferences, dialogues, meetings and events in Washington, DC, overseas, in-house and virtually, including preparing event text, agenda, panelist bios, and hosting online calls. 
• Assist with drafting event text, agendas, panelist bios, background information, etc. and develops informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests.
• Collaborate to ensure all logistical arrangements for program events, including reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the main point-of-contact for attendees.
• Liaise with meeting participants as needed to ensure a successful meeting. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with two (2) or more years of demonstrated experience in monitoring & evaluation and/or research.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills. 
• A strong understanding of U.S. foreign policy and conflict resolution. Experience with a particular focus on dialogues, policy-related work, or peacebuilding is preferred.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills. 
• Advanced computer/technology skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook,