JOB SUMMARY:
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The HRI works to make the case that the promotion of human rights and related values are critical components of effective U.S foreign policy and national security decision-making—and that such efforts reinforce, rather than undermine, other key priorities. The HRI deploys its unique convening power to bring in voices from governments as well as the private sector, international organizations, and civil society to present diverse perspectives and help build holistic solutions to the most persistent global challenges.
The CSIS Human Rights Initiative (HRI) is seeking an energetic and innovative Associate Fellow to serve as the program’s primary researcher and writer on substantive projects. The Associate Fellow will play a central role in advancing the research agenda and programmatic activities for the program, the only one of its kind in the DC think tank landscape today. Research and writing will include a diverse range of human rights topics, including, inter alia, human rights and labor rights in global supply chains, global regulation of business conduct with respect to human rights, post-conflict reconstruction and human rights in Ukraine, and the role of human rights and democracy in U.S. foreign policy.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent research and writing skills and experience writing for external audiences. They should be familiar with U.S. foreign policy mechanics and priorities and have a strong interest in one or more of the HRI’s focus areas. As a member of a small team, the Associate Fellow must be a self-starter and initiative-taker. They should be able to identify emerging issues of relevance and opportunities for policy engagement, be eager to engage in self-directed research and writing. They must be a team player, willing to take on logistical and organizational tasks when necessary. The Associate Fellow should possess an understanding of U.S. foreign policy processes and come with ideas on how to best use a think tank platform to address the most challenging human rights and democracy issues around the world.
The minimum annual salary for this position is $70,000.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
Manages a dynamic research portfolio with minimal supervision by:
• Conducting original qualitative and quantitative research on a variety of dynamic, complex topics and drafting original products, including commentaries, reports, and policy briefs.
• With support from CSIS’s Ideas Lab, coordinating the design and distribution of a variety of program publications (traditional written products, infographics, social media content, audio-visual products, etc.). Includes editing and fact-checking program materials with a critical perspective and strong attention to detail.
• Helping prepare the Program Director for public appearances, briefings, and events.
• Contributing to the grant proposal process in order to secure support and funding for new program initiatives.
• Helping to conceptualize and organize public and private events related to HRI priority areas, including drafting background notes, identifying participants, and organizing event logistics.
• Cultivate and grow an excellent professional network and liaise productively with other organizations as well as internally with other CSIS programs
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree with 1 year of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience (PhD welcome but not required)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative research on dynamic, complex topics independently and on deadline.
• Superior writing, editing, and analytical skills. Previous published work (in any format) highly preferred.
• Detailed knowledge of international human rights norms, familiarity with current global human rights issues, and strong interest in one or more of the areas of focus of the HRI.
• Experience working in or closely with the U.S. government highly preferred.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; effective time manager able to juggle multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information in multiple formats (in person, via email, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Ability to interact with a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and dispositions with a wide spectrum of views on foreign policy and national security issues.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, sound judgment, and impeccable integrity.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit the following materials to https://careers.csis.org/:
• A 1-2 page cover letter followed by a 1-2 page resume in a single PDF document. Please title the document “[Your name] cover letter and resume”.
• A writing sample (up to 5 pages; may be an excerpt from a longer piece) on a human rights-related topic. Please title the document “[Your name] writing sample”
Applications should be submitted via careers.csis.org. Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts) etc. These will be requested if needed during the interview process.