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 CSIS International Security Program/Project on Fragility and Mobility is looking for an analytical, detail-oriented, curious, and entrepreneurial individual to serve as a Research Assistant. The Project on Fragility and Mobility is committed to reinvigorating U.S. leadership in fragile contexts. It provides government, non-profit, and private sector leaders with evidence-based recommendations on how to boost community resilience, ensure safe and orderly human mobility patterns, develop stability out of conflict, and broaden national security conversations to include strengthening civilian tools to achieve these goals. Through convenings and research, the project addresses global fragility and human mobility concerns that will continue to dominate the agendas of defense, development, and diplomacy-focused policymakers for years to come. The goal is to create an interdisciplinary space for new voices and new ideas to help rethink and reshape how best to build resilience and prevent transnational threats in places around the world experiencing fragility. The Research Intern position supports the operational and substantive goals of the project and will be expected to coordinate and advance new initiatives and policy proposals. Responsibilities include assisting with ongoing research, assisting in creating materials for high-profile events and publications, preparing briefing materials for the Director and Program Coordinator ahead of meetings, and providing other administrative support as needed.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities:
Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following
Researching and writing on issues related to state fragility and human mobility
Researching, drafting, and co-authoring program publications
Collecting and analyzing primary and secondary source documents
Curating datasets on migration issues and conducting data analysis
Proofreading and editing outgoing publications
Conducting and managing a dynamic research portfolio with minimal supervision by;
Monitoring research developments on a continuous basis and preparing briefings and analyses for CSIS senior staff or external stakeholders;
Analyzing domestic and international policy developments related to state fragility and human mobility concerns globally;
Providing research and editing support to senior staff and substantively contributing to reports, policy briefs, and commentaries;
Planning, organizing, and coordinating events, briefings, and special projects in support of program research;
Representing the program by participating in Center and external engagements with a diverse set of experts and stakeholders;
Coordinating the design, layout, copyediting, and distribution of program publications in coordination with the External Relations team. Editing and fact-checking program materials with a critical perspective and strong attention to detail;
Writing and contributing to the grant proposal process in order to secure support and funding for new program initiatives;
Managing the hiring and day-to-day activities of research interns;
Creating innovative social media content and other creative ways of disseminating information and generating interest in the project;
Actively participating in and contributing to CSIS ISP-wide initiatives;
Other research and program tasks as needed.
Knowledge, Education, And Experience:
Strong candidates will possess the following attributes
B.A. in Political Science, International Relations, History, Public Policy, International Development, or other relevant fields preferred.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to, edit, and produce high-quality written materials, ideally analytical reports with policy recommendations.
Must possess a strong interest in fragility and/or mobility issues and U.S. foreign and security policy more broadly.
Qualitative research skills are required. Quantitative skills are a plus.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required. Advanced Excel skills are a plus.
Superior attention to detail and organizational skills.
Experience planning and executing events.
Ability to operate under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment, impeccable integrity, and a creative outlook.
Must possess a self-starting, entrepreneurial mindset and be able to work well independently and in teams.
Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and dispositions.
